Course Summary
Digoxin has been used to maintain a stable heart rate for many years. It has been recommended as a first-line drug for individuals diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. The action of digoxin is mediated through its effects on the heart, on other parts of the cardiovascular system, and on the renin-angiotensin system. While the use of digoxin has declined significantly, and other drugs have replaced its use in the clinical setting of severe congestive heart failure and cardiomegaly, it still has therapeutic value. The pharmacological profile of digoxin as well as its toxic effects are discussed.
Course Format
Homestudy
Course Syllabus
- I. Introduction
- II. History Of Digoxin
- III. Cardiac Glycosides
- IV. Digoxin Pharmacotherapy
- 1. Cardiac Effect
- 2. Cardiovascular System
- 3. Renin-Angiotensin System
- V. Pharmacokinetics Of Digoxin
- 1. Drug Absorption
- 2. Drug Distribution
- 3. Drug Metabolism
- 4. Drug Excretion
- VI. Clinical Indications For Digoxin
- 1. Atrial Fibrillation
- 2. Heart Failure
- VII. Digoxin Therapy
- 1. Pre-treatment Assessment
- 2. Initial Therapy
- 3. Drug-drug Interactions
- 4. Patient Monitoring
- VIII. Digoxin Toxicity
- 1. Causes
- 2. Clinical Presentation
- 3. Digoxin Poisoning: Serum Levels
- IX. Treatment For Digoxin Poisoning
- X. Summary
Author
Dana Bartlett, RN, BSN, MSN, MA, CSPI
Dana Bartlett is a professional nurse and author. His clinical experience includes 16 years of ICU and ER experience and over 27 years as a poison control center information specialist. Dana has published numerous CE and journal articles, written NCLEX material, textbook chapters, and more than 100 online CE articles, and done editing and reviewing for publishers such as Elsevier, Lippincott, and Thieme. He has written widely on the subject of toxicology and was a contributing editor, toxicology section, for Critical Care Nurse journal. He is currently employed at the Connecticut Poison Control Center. He lives in Wappingers Falls, NY.
