Wilson & Hockenberry: Wong’s Clinical Manual of Pediatric Nursing, 8th Edition

Patient Teaching Guide

This section may be photocopied and distributed to families.

Source: Wilson D, Hockenberry MJ: Evolve resources for Wong’s clinical manual of pediatric nursing, ed 8. Copyright © 2012, Mosby, St Louis.

Administering Digoxin at Home

Give digoxin at regular intervals (usually every 12 hours, such as at 8 am and 8 pm; in some children it may be give every 24 hours).

Plan the times so that the drug is given 1 hour before or 2 hours after feedings.

Use a calendar to mark off each dose that is given; or post a reminder, such as a sign on the refrigerator.

Have the prescription refilled before the medication is completely used.

Do not mix it with other foods or fluids, because refusal to consume these results in inaccurate intake of the drug.

If the child has teeth, give water after administering the drug; whenever possible, brush the teeth to prevent tooth decay from the sweetened liquid.

If a dose is missed and more than 4 hours have elapsed, withhold the dose and give the next dose at the regular time; if less than 4 hours have elapsed, give the missed dose.

If the child vomits within 1 hour of receiving the dose, do not give a second dose.

If more than two consecutive doses have been missed, notify the physician or other designated health professional.

Do not increase or double the dose for missed doses.

Avoid administration with herbal preparations such as St. John’s wort or Siberian ginseng, because these may change the medication’s intended effect on the heart.

Notify the child’s health practitioner if you need to give the child any over-the-counter medications.

If the child becomes ill with any of the following, notify the physician or other designated health professional immediately:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vision changes

• Lack of appetite

• Vomiting

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