What it means
digoxindih-JOK-sinA drug that makes the heart beat more strongly and more slowly.Full entry has a narrow therapeutic range, so the level is checked to guide the dose and when toxicity is suspected. A low potassium or magnesium, a high calcium, kidney disease, older age and some drugs (such as amiodarone) make toxicity more likely, even at a normal level. For heart failure many prescribers aim for the lower end of the range.
For the nurse
Draw the blood at least 6 to 8 hours after the last dose, usually just before the next one, so the result is not falsely high. Check the potassium too, and report nausea, loss of appetite, visual changes or a slow or irregular pulse.
At a glance
| Normal range | Therapeutic: 0.8–2.0 ng/mL [1.0–2.6 nmol/L]; for heart failure, often 0.5–0.9 ng/mL [0.6–1.2 nmol/L]. |
|---|---|
| Critical range | Toxicity is more likely above 2.0 ng/mL [2.6 nmol/L]; each lab sets its own critical value. |
| Also written | digoxin concentration, serum digoxin level, digoxin levels |
Related terms
potassium
A mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
digoxin
A drug that makes the heart beat more strongly and more slowly.