Name of drug

General Action/ Classification Cardiac glycoside, Cardiotonic

Specific Action

Adverse Effects

Indication

Contraindication

Nursing Responsibilities Monitor apical pulse for 1 min before administering; hold dose if pulse < 60 in adult or < 90 in infant; retake pulse in 1 hr. If adult pulse remains < 60 or infant < 90, hold drug and notify prescriber. Note any change from baseline rhythm or rate. Avoid IM injections, which may be very painful. Avoid giving with meals; this will delay absorption. Have emergency equipment ready; have K+ salts, lidocaine, phenytoin, atropine, and cardiac monitor readily available in case toxicity develops.

Generic Name: Digoxin

Brand Name: Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin

. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside which has positive inotropic activity characterized by an increase in the force of myocardial contraction. It also reduces the conductivity of the heart through the atrioventricular (AV) node. Digoxin also exerts direct action on vascular smooth muscle and indirect effects mediated primarily by the autonomic nervous system and an increase in vagal activity.

Extra beats, anorexia, nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea in elderly, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, nervousness, agitation and amnesia, visual disturbances, gynecomastia, local irritation (IM/SC inj), rapid IV admin may lead to vasoconstriction and transient hypertension. Potentially Fatal: Cardiac arrhythmias in combination with heart block.

CHF Atrial fibrillation

Digitalis toxicity, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, obstructive cardiomyopathy. Arrhythmias due to accessory pathways (e.g. Wolff-ParkinsonWhite syndrome)..