Thursday June 15, 2006
IV Digoxin
Q: You wrote an order: Digoxin 0.25 mg IV x 1.
What is missing in this order?
A; Rate: Digoxin IV should be given over at least 5 minutes. Rapid infusion of Digoxin (digitalis) may cause coronary arteriolar constriction, which may induce cardiac ischemia or make it worse. Also, it is not advisable to administer digoxin simultaneously in the same intravenous line as with other drip/drug, if possible. Another important reminder - Digoxin level should be measured just before the next scheduled dose (trough) or at least 6 to 8 hours after the last dose, to allow adequate time for equilibration of digoxin between serum and tissue.
Related previous pearl: Why sometime IV vasotec (enalapril) does not work?
