Digoxin and Its Antidote Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the one and only agent of digoxin?

ACE inhibitor

Cardiac glycoside (correct)

Calcium channel blocker

Beta-blocker

What is digoxin used for?

Atrial fibrillation (rate control) and heart failure.

What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of digoxin?

Inhibits Na/K-ATPase, which increases intracellular calcium.

What needs to be monitored when a patient is taking digoxin?

Therapeutic levels, digoxin has a very narrow range. Signup and view all the answers

What are signs and symptoms of early/mild digoxin toxicity?

G.I. issues, anorexia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, malaise, dizziness, yellow/green disturbances. Signup and view all the answers

What are signs and symptoms of late/worse digoxin toxicity?

Arrhythmias, hallucinations, hyperkalemia, AV block, cardiac arrest, V.fib, death. Signup and view all the answers

What adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are associated with digoxin?

Common: headache, weakness, NVD, anorexia, gynecomastia; Severe: mostly toxicity (s/s), AV block, arrhythmias. Signup and view all the answers

What education would you need to provide to a patient who has been prescribed digoxin?

Avoiding severe ADRs, recognizing toxicity signs, and reporting changes in medications or health status. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the antidote used for digoxin toxicity?

Digifab. Signup and view all the answers

When would the use of Digifab be indicated?

Acute or chronic digoxin toxicity, 10 ng/mL or more if acute, 4-6 ng/mL if chronic. Signup and view all the answers

What do you need to monitor with Digifab?

Potassium, blood pressure, ECG, temperature; monitor digoxin levels days/weeks after treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Digoxin Overview

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside, an essential agent in treating heart conditions.

Indications for Use

Indicated for atrial fibrillation (for rate control) and heart failure management.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits Na/K-ATPase, resulting in increased intracellular calcium levels.
Enhances heart contraction strength while slowing heart rate.

Monitoring Requirements

Therapeutic levels must be monitored due to digoxin's narrow therapeutic range.
Obtain levels 12-24 hours after the last dose, and 5-7 days after any dosage adjustments.

Early Signs of Digoxin Toxicity

Gastrointestinal issues are the first indicator (nausea/vomiting).
Other symptoms include anorexia, fatigue, malaise, dizziness, and visual disturbances (yellow/green).

Late Signs of Digoxin Toxicity

Severe symptoms may include arrhythmias, hallucinations, hyperkalemia, and AV block.
Life-threatening conditions can lead to cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation, or death.

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)

Commonly reported ADRs: headache, weakness, gastrointestinal disturbances, anorexia, and gynecomastia.
Severe toxicity symptoms include arrhythmias and AV block.

Patient Education

Educate patients on recognizing ADRs and early signs of toxicity; report symptoms immediately.
Advise notifying healthcare providers about any new medications or changes in health status.

Antidote for Digoxin Toxicity

Digifab is the specific antidote for digoxin toxicity.

Indications for Digifab Use

Utilized for acute or chronic toxicity; indicated if digoxin levels exceed 10 ng/mL (acute) or 4-6 ng/mL (chronic).
Necessary for any life-threatening symptoms of toxicity.

Monitoring with Digifab

Monitor digoxin levels after several days to weeks post-treatment onset.
During treatment, assess potassium levels, blood pressure, ECG, and temperature.
Before Digifab administration, check potassium, digoxin concentration, and serum creatinine levels.

Description

Test your knowledge about digoxin and its uses with these flashcards. Explore its mechanism of action, indications, and the antidote for toxicity. Perfect for medical students and healthcare professionals.