Question

mosby’s Canadian textbook for the

NACC 2017 V.4 Section IV Module 10. Assisting with Medications Choose a drug of particular interest to you that you would like to research. The drug may be either an OTC or prescribed medication. It can be of any cassification and administered by a route. Ensure that you have sufficient resources 3 sources required) to complete your assignment In your assignment, present the following information in your own words: 1. Name and classification of the drug 2. What are 3 common indications for this drug? 3. How often is it taken? 4. By which route(s) is it taken? 5. Are there any special instructions for administration? 6. Are there possible side effects? 7. Are there any contraindications? 8. Name the 3 sources you used for your assignment. 9. Why did you choose this drug to research? 10. What was the most interesting fact you learned about this medication? NACC 2017 V.4 Section IV Module 10. Assisting with Medications 2

Answer 1

Name and classification of the drug

Name: Digoxin

Classification: Cardiac glycosides

What are the three common indications of the drug?

· Cardiac arrhythmias

· Congestive Heart failure

· Weakened heart muscle

How often it is taken

Congestive Heart failure

· Loading dose- 8-10 mcg/kg

· Additional dose can be given 6 to 8 hours after the first dose.

· Maintenance dose- 1/3rd of the laoding dose administered daily per day.

Atrial Fibrillation

· Loading dose – 10-15 mcg/kg

By which route is it taken?

· Orally tablet– with or without food – once daily as advised by physician.

· Liquid medication – used dropper for administration

· Intravenous administration – 1 ampoule in 50 ml of D5W or NS over 5-10 minutes.

Are there any specific instructions for administration?

· Low fiber diet need to be taken while taking digoxin. So medication should be administered 2 hours prior to eating fiber rich diet.

· Awareness about drug interactions such as some antibiotics, NASIDS, etc.

· Take medication at the same time of each day. Donot stop taking medication without physicians order.

Are there possible side effects

· Nausea

· Vomiting

· Headache

· Dizziness

· Loss of appetite

· Diarrhea

· Blurred vision

Are there any contraindications

· Myocarditis

· Infection in the heart muscle

· Previous heart attack

· Ventricular fibrillation

· Quivering or shaking of the lower chambers of the heart

Name the three sources you used for this assignment

1. WebMD. (2020). Digoxin. Retrieved from: www.webmed.com https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4358/digoxin-oral/details

2. London Health Sciences Centre. (2020). Digoxin (Lanolin). Retrieved from: www.lhsc.on.ca https://www.lhsc.on.ca/critical-care-trauma-centre/digoxin-lanoxin

3. Medscape. (2020). Digoxin (Rx). Retrieved from: www. medscape.com https://reference.medscape.com/drug/lanoxin-digoxin-342432

Why did you choose this drug g for research?

I am always interested in learning research related to cardio vascular system. So I always look forward for the conditions that affect heart, its management, drugs, surgical treatments etc.

What was the most interesting fact theta you learned from this drug research?

The interesting fact about this drug research was the comprehension of the dug complications. One of the major complication or side effects of the drug is dizziness or blurred vision. Patient taking Digoxin may see yellow, green or white spots around objects. Drug interaction with Alcohol or substance abusers like Cannabis can make the person dizzier. Driving, use of machinery, or any activities that need clear vision should be done with precautions.