A man asks a nurse why he cannot use digoxin (Lanoxin) for his heart failure, because both of his parents used it for HF. The nurse will explain that digoxin is not first-line therapy for which reason?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Digoxin improves cardiac output, alters electrical effects, and helps to decrease sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system (CNS) through its neurohormonal effects; however, it does not alter the underlying pathology of heart failure or prevent cardiac remodeling. Digoxin causes bradycardia and increases the cardiac workload by increasing contractility. It has a narrow therapeutic range and many adverse effects. Digoxin does not improve life expectancy; in women it may actually shorten life expectancy.

A Man Asks a Nurse Why He Cannot Use Digoxin