Digoxin

What is Digoxin commonly known as?

Digoxin is also known as Lanoxin.

What class of medication does Digoxin belong to?

Digoxin is in the class of cardiac glycosides.

What are the primary indications for using Digoxin?

Digoxin is indicated for mild systolic heart failure and certain arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

What is the main mechanism of action of Digoxin?

Digoxin inhibits the sodium-potassium ATPase, leading to increased intracellular sodium and calcium, which enhances cardiac contractility.

What positive effect does Digoxin have on the heart?

Digoxin has a positive inotropic effect, increasing the heart's contractility.

What negative effects does Digoxin have on heart rate and conduction?

Digoxin has a negative chronotropic effect (slows heart rate) and a negative dromotropic effect (slows conduction between SA and AV nodes).

List some common side effects that may indicate Digoxin toxicity.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, fatigue, confusion, blurred vision, yellow-green halos, and arrhythmias.

Which patients are most at risk for Digoxin toxicity?

Patients with renal failure, on diuretics (especially loop diuretics), or those with low potassium levels are at higher risk for toxicity.

What Digoxin level is considered toxic?

Digoxin levels greater than 2 nanograms per milliliter are considered toxic.

What should be done if a patient shows signs of Digoxin toxicity?

If a patient shows signs of toxicity, hold the Digoxin dose, notify the healthcare provider, and assess the patient.

What antidote is used for Digoxin toxicity?

The antidote for Digoxin toxicity is Digibind.

What vital sign should be assessed before administering Digoxin?

The patient's apical pulse should be assessed for one full minute.

What is the safe apical pulse range for adults before giving Digoxin?

Hold Digoxin if the apical pulse is lower than 60 beats per minute in adults.

When should a missed dose of Digoxin not be taken?

Patients should not double up on Digoxin doses if a dose is missed; they should take it as scheduled the following day.

What lab tests should be monitored for patients on Digoxin?

Monitor potassium levels, kidney function (BUN and creatinine), and Digoxin levels.