Digoxin is a standard medicine in cardiac treatment that is indicated for three conditions, heart failure for older patients, chronic atrial fibrillation in adult patients, and heart failure in children. The principal therapeutic action of the medicine is affecting potassium and sodium, the main minerals in the heart cells. Once the heart cells are affected, strain in the heart reduces, and a regular, more vigorous, and steady heartbeat is achieved (Ibrahim, 2019). Digoxin falls under the digitalis glycosides class of medicines, improving the heart’s efficiency and strength by controlling its rhythm and rate.
When administering the medication, the nurse must be aware of the adverse reactions of the medication. The common adverse reactions expected when digoxin is used are loss of vision, severe headache, inability to perceive colors correctly and skin rashes (Ibrahim, 2019). Some warning signs of the medication reaction include confusion, nausea, vomiting, or fainting. A nurse must, therefore, be prepared to handle any adverse reactions.
Amiodarone is an effective antiarrhythmic medication whose primary action is blocking potassium and beta minerals from the heart to enable it to have a steady rate. The clinical significance of the patient receiving amiodarone alongside digoxin is that it inhibits the P-glycoprotein in digoxin. Failure to inhibit the protein may increase the threat of digoxin toxicity, which has adverse side effects (Gillmann et al., 2022). It is, therefore, used to ensure that digoxin’s adverse reactions are not experienced in the treatment procedure. A nurse who does not use it increases the risk of a digoxin reaction.
The most important teaching point for a patient receiving digoxin is to avoid double dosage and increasing or decrease the medication. If the medication is to be taken for more than two days, advice from a qualified professional must be sought. The medication must be taken without food because its peak action is achieved in the absence of food. The clinical significance of avoiding food when taking the medication is that foods may contain fibre or pectin, which maintains higher potassium levels (Ibrahim, 2019). The patient must, therefore take only the required dosage and avoid meals when taking the medication for improved operation.
References
Gillmann, H. J., Busche, P., Leffler, A., & Stueber, T. (2022). Effectiveness of Amiodarone versus digitalis for heart rate control in critically ill patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation. Scientific reports, 12(1), 1-8. Web.
Ibrahim, N. A. M. (2019). An up-to-date review of digoxin toxicity and its management. Int J Res Pharm Pharm Sci, 4(3), 59-64. Web.