Digoxin

Brand:
Digitek
Lanoxicaps
Lanoxin
Cardoxin

AVAILABLE FORMS:
Capsule: 0.05mg; 0.1mg; 0.2mg
Elixir: 0.05mg/ml
Tablet: 0.125mg; 0.25mg

INDICATION:

• Heart failure, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and flutter

MECHANISM OF ACTION:
Inhibits soddium potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase, promoting movement of calcium from extracellular to intracellular cytoplasm and strengthening myocardial contraction. Digoxin increases the force of contraction of the muscle of the heart by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme (ATPase) that controls movement of calcium, sodium and potassium into heart muscle. Calcium controls the force of contraction. Inhibiting ATPase increases calcium in heart muscle and therefore increases the force of heart contractions. Digoxin also slows electrical conduction between the atria and the ventricles of the heart and is useful in treating abnormally rapid atrial rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia.

ADVERSE REACTION:
CNS: fatigue, generalized muscle weakness, agitation, headache, malaise, dizziness, vertigo, stupor, paresthesia.
CV: arrhytmias
EENT: blurred vision, light flashes, photophobia, diplopia
GI: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to digoxin, or if you have ventricular fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder of the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart). FDA pregnancy category C. Digoxin may be harmful to an unborn baby.

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS:

1. Digoxin should be stored at room temperature, 59-86 F (15-30 C) and protected from light.
2. Caution should be exercised by nursing mothers who are taking digoxin.
3. Do not stop taking digoxin without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
4. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Digoxin overdose can occur more easily if you are dehydrated.
5. Take digoxin with a full glass of water.