Talking Drugs With Donna

This article is the first in a series by Donna Ochterski. Each issue, Donna will discuss a different medication, including its uses, possible side effects, and special recommendations for administration (e.g. should blood levels be monitored?). If you would like Donna to profile a particular medication in a future issue, please email Donna at dochterski@northwesthc.org. Thank you.

Medication Name: Digoxin (also known as: Digitelc, Lanoxin, Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps). Available in: tablets, capsules, or liquid.

Use: Strengthens the heart muscle and decreases heart rate in people with Congestive Heart Failure and other cardiac diseases.

Side Effects: Loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, blurred vision, abdominal pain, slow heart rate.

Special Recommendations for Administration: Take pulse for 1 full minute prior to administration. If it is below 60 beats per minute*, do not give digoxin until physician is notified. Call physician to report and follow his/her instructions.

* When this medication is ordered, have physician indicate at that time at what heart rate he/she wants to be notified. If no rate given, follow above recommendations. When this medication is ordered, check with physician to see if he/she would like regular blood levels taken.

Give digoxin at the same time every day and do not skip a dose unless ordered by physician.