Is digoxin PO or IV?

Is digoxin PO or IV?

Parenteral administration of digoxin should be used only when the need for rapid digitalization is urgent or when the drug cannot be taken orally. Intramuscular injection can lead to severe pain at the injection site, thus intravenous administration is preferred.

What happens when digoxin is administered?

Digoxin belongs to a class of medications called cardiac glycosides. It works by affecting certain minerals (sodium and potassium) inside heart cells. This reduces strain on the heart and helps it maintain a normal, steady, and strong heartbeat.

How do you load digoxin IV?

Loading dose

1. IV. Digoxin loading dose IV: 500mcg; followed by 250mcg 6 hours later and a further 250mcg 6 hours after that.
2. PO. Digoxin loading oral: 500-750mcg 2 doses 6 hours apart (max 1500mcg in 24 hours)

What does digoxin do to potassium?

Digoxin toxicity causes hyperkalemia, or high potassium. The sodium/potassium ATPase pump normally causes sodium to leave cells and potassium to enter cells. Blocking this mechanism results in higher serum potassium levels.

What does the nurse need to assess before administering digoxin?

A nurse should assess the apical pulse for a full minute before administering digoxin due to its positive inotropic action (it increases contractility, stroke volume, and, thus, cardiac output), negative chronotropic action (it decreases heart rate), and negative dromotropic action (it decreases electrical conduction …

At what heart rate should you withhold digoxin?

Monitor apical pulse for 1 full min before administering. Withhold dose and notify health care professional if pulse rate is <60 bpm in an adult, <70 bpm in a child, or <90 bpm in an infant.

How to administer digoxin IV?

Digoxin Injection can be administered undiluted or diluted with a 4-fold or greater volume of Sterile Water for Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, or 5% Dextrose Injection. The use of less than a 4-fold volume of diluent could lead to precipitation of the digoxin. Immediate use of the diluted product is recommended.

How to administer digoxin IV push?

Procedure. Administer the IV push medication. Pick up the medication syringe with your dominant hand, grasp the capped needle using the middle and ring finger of your non-dominant hand, and unscrew and remove the needle. Attach the medication syringe to the needless port, as described above (step 9.2).