Last Updated on November 3, 2022
Introduction
• Digoxin competes with potassium to bind to potassium binding sites then inhibits sodium-potassium pump in cardiac myocytes→ affects cardiac contraction force, rate and rhythm
Precaution
🚪 Is the patient hypokalaemic?
Clinical Use
• Supraventricular arrhythmias (especially atrial fibrillation / atrial flutter)
Dose
Rapid digitalization — Intravenous
• Initial loading dose: 0.25 – 0.5 mg over 30 minutes
• May repeat 0.25 mg every 6 – 8 hours
• Maximum total daily dose: 8 – 12 mcg/kg OR 1 mg
🚪 Common dose: IV Digoxin 0.25 mg in 50 mL NS over 1 hour
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Maintenance dose — Oral
• T Digoxin 0.0625 – 0.25 mg OD
Preparation
IV: 0.5 mg / 2mL
Dilution Protocol
Dilute required dose with 50 mL NS / D5%