Pharmacology Made Easy: Cardiac Glycosides - Digoxin

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the pharmacology of digoxin, including its uses, side effects, administration, client instructions, contraindications, precautions, and interactions.

What is the therapeutic use of digoxin?

Digoxin is a second-line medication for heart failure and treats some cardiac dysrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia.

What are common adverse drug reactions associated with digoxin?

Cardiac dysrhythmias (especially with digoxin toxicity), gastrointestinal manifestations (nausea, vomiting, anorexia), CNS manifestations (fatigue, visual disturbances, yellow vision, blurred vision), and increased mortality in clients assigned female at birth.

What interventions should be taken when administering digoxin?

Monitor apical pulse before administration, report GI and CNS effects, monitor digoxin and serum potassium levels, administer potassium for low values, and treat dysrhythmias as per protocol.

How should digoxin be administered?

Digoxin is available as oral tablets, capsules, elixir, and for IV use. The oral form can be taken with or without food, and the IV form should be administered over at least 5 minutes.

What are some client instructions for patients taking digoxin?

Report nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and changes in pulse rate. Take digoxin at the same time each day to avoid skipping or doubling doses, and be aware of signs of hypokalemia.

What are contraindications for digoxin use?

Uncontrolled ventricular dysrhythmias, AV block, severe heart disease, and presence of digoxin toxicity.

What precautions should be taken when using digoxin?

Precautions include hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, concurrent use of diuretics, impaired kidney function, and special consideration for infants, children, and older adults.

What interactions are important to note with digoxin?

Erythromycin and some antibiotics can increase digoxin levels; other antidysrhythmics may also increase levels; diuretics can enhance toxicity risk; herbal remedies such as ginseng may increase toxicity risk, while St. John's wort can decrease levels.