Children's Heart Institute | Medications: Digoxin

Medications: Digoxin

Dose of Digoxin:
Adult Maintenance Dose
0.25 mg daily

Indications:

Congestive Heart Failure
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)-may be used in combination with B-Blocking agents or Verapamil

Contra-indications:

A C T I O N

D O S A G E

Digitalization (PO)
(3 doses q 8 hr)

Digitalization (I.V.)
(Timing of Dosage variable, depending on clinical indications)

Maintenance

Premature
0.02-0.025 mg/kg

Neonate (1 month or younger)
0.03-0.04 mg/kg

Infant or Child
0.04-0.06 mg/kg

Adolescent or Adult
1.0-1.5 mg in divided doses

75% of PQ dose

1/4 - 1/3 of digitalizing dose, divided q 12 hr

Drug Interactions with Digoxin:

Medication	Diuretics such as Lasix	Antibiotics e.g. Erythromycin or Tetracycline
Interaction	Diuretics may cause Hypokalemia, that block the kidney excretion of Digoxin, and sensitize the heart to its toxic effects	Inhibits the intestinal flora that converts digoxin to inactive digoxin products
Risk	Cardiac arrhythmia	Raises blood digoxin inducing arrhythmia
Suggested Action	Use Potassium sparing diuretics such as spironolactone Encourage Potassium containing foods such as Orange juice or bananas Add K supplements	Monitor Digoxin Level, change Antibiotic Rifampin Accelerates Digoxin hepatic metabolism