title: Current perspectives on intravenous administration of digoxin.
abstract: Cardiac glycosides were used as early as the first century A.D. The most commonly prescribed compound of this family is digoxin, because of its relatively short half-life. Intravenous digoxin has high utility 1) for instances in which digitalization must be rapidly accomplished; 2) when oral digitalization is not feasible; and/or 3) as augmentation therapy to other medication protocols. Myocardial uptake of I.V. digoxin is rapid and extensive; yet, serum half-life is approximately 34 hours, the same as in oral administration. Intravenous digoxin can be administered in divided doses every 4 to 8 hours, the 24-hour dose not to exceed 1.0 mg for a 155-pound, or 70.0-kg patient. Awareness of risk factors along with state-of-the-art technology can improve ongoing monitoring of the patient receiving I.V. digoxin.
authors: D M
authors: DM
authors: Cooke
mesh_terms: D004077:Digoxin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous / Q000451:nursing*
chemical_list: D004077:Digoxin