Final answer:
Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart failure and certain heart rhythm problems. Proper dosing and administration are important to ensure effectiveness and prevent side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart failure and certain heart rhythm problems. It is primarily used to increase the strength of the heart muscle and regulate the heartbeat. In terms of education, it is important to understand the proper dosing and administration of digoxin to ensure its effectiveness and prevent any potential side effects.
For oral administration, the dosing of digoxin depends on the specific condition being treated and individual patient factors. The recommended initial loading dose for adults with heart failure is typically 500 to 750 micrograms (0.5 to 0.75 milligrams), divided into 2 to 3 doses, given 6 to 8 hours apart. After the loading dose, a maintenance dose of 125 to 250 micrograms (0.125 to 0.25 milligrams) per day is usually given.