[ORNurseAngie]

Hello all I have a question. Why in the hospital do you routinely give meds like digoxin and coumadin at 1400. Why the specified time of 1400 and not 1000 like all the other daily meds. Thanks


:Santa5:

[psalm51]

different hospitals have different times for these drugs. in our hospital, warfarin is given at 1800 every evening. drugs requiring drug levels are given at a specific time so that lab knows when to draw those levels -- and the levels will be accurate.

[peridotgirl]

Originally Posted by mom2sean

Hello all I have a question. Why in the hospital do you routinely give meds like digoxin and coumadin at 1400. Why the specified time of 1400 and not 1000 like all the other daily meds. Thanks


:Santa5:

I don't know much about meds, but I conclude the meds such as digoxin and coumadin are given at 1400 becuase they will interact with other meds. An example will be furosemide. Furosemide (Lasix) is given in the AM. This med is NOT given with digoxin becuase Lasix is a diuretic and thereofre will reduce the effect of digoxin. Other meds are given 1000 to avoid drug-to- drug interactions. I hope this helps.

[NRSKarenRN]

Originally Posted by psalm51

different hospitals have different times for these drugs. in our hospital, warfarin is given at 1800 every evening. drugs requiring drug levels are given at a specific time so that lab knows when to draw those levels -- and the levels will be accurate.

These are the 2 most common drugs along with insulin that send patients to the ER!

Coumadin/Warfain-generic and digoxin are 2 meds that have narrow windows for therapeutic levels.....and can quickly build up toxic levels in some patients. They require periodic drug levels to check that patient is receiving safe and therapeutic dose. Many hospitals schedule these drugs to be administered in afternoon/early evening when lab reults would be back in the chart (prior to introduction of fast lab testing equipment)---often 6pm....we keep that time for homecare patients.


Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Warfarin, Insulin, Digoxin Most Likely Medications to Send Seniors ...

[txspadequeen921]

Lasix and Dig are given together all the time...

Originally Posted by peridotgirl

I don't know much about meds, but I conclude the meds such as digoxin and coumadin are given at 1400 becuase they will interact with other meds. An example will be furosemide. Furosemide (Lasix) is given in the AM. This med is NOT given with digoxin becuase Lasix is a diuretic and thereofre will reduce the effect of digoxin. Other meds are given 1000 to avoid drug-to- drug interactions. I hope this helps.

[GrumpyRN63]

We always give coumadin @ 1700

[peridotgirl]

Originally Posted by txspadequeen921

Lasix and Dig are given together all the time...

oh, that's what I've been hearing. I really don't know what's the case on that one. Some people tell me the Lasix and digoxin will alter the effect of each other. Then others they that it's okay to administer both drugs, just a precaution is necessary. Also make sure to monitor potassium levels. So which one is it? I do give them together or not? I'm so confused...

[oldiebutgoodie]

Originally Posted by peridotgirl

oh, that's what I've been hearing. I really don't know what's the case on that one. Some people tell me the Lasix and digoxin will alter the effect of each other. Then others they that it's okay to administer both drugs, just a precaution is necessary. Also make sure to monitor potassium levels. So which one is it? I do give them together or not? I'm so confused...

Well, Lasix can deplete potassium. Hypokalemia can potentiate digoxin toxicity and arrhythmias.

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/drugs/digoxin-042200.htm

So, before you give your Lasix, check your K levels, and dig levels if available.

Oldiebutgoodie