If you are one of the many millions of people that are taking Cardiotonic Glycoside, there are a few things to consider and be aware of.The therapeutic range is 0.5-2.0ng/ml. higher than this value is toxic and lower than this range is non-therapeutic. As long as the level is in this range it is providing the benefits of the drug. Therefore, it is imperative that appointments to the physician are kept and blood work to check the levels of Cardiotonic Glycoside. The symptoms of Cardiotonic Glycoside toxicity include fatigue, nausea or vomiting, changes in heart rate and rhythm, loss of appetite, diarrhea, visual disturbances (yellow or green halos around objects), confusion, dizziness, nightmares, agitation, or depression. Immediately consult your physician for any of the symptoms.
Hopefully all patients that are onthis Heart medication are well informed that if the heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute that they should NOT take Cardiotonic Glycoside. As an ICU nurse, I find that in many instances that the patient did not know that they should check their pulse before taking the medication. The medication should be discontinued by the physician. If you are assessing a patient and you notice that the patient is having these symptoms and is taking Cardiotonic Glycoside, immediately notify the physician for further orders.
Glucose is used to treat ventricular arrhythmias if needed. Saline is used to treat potentially life threatening episodes of toxicity. The patient is usually placed on telemetry monitoring and monitored for any arrhythmias that may occur. Monitor the patients lab values and report significant values to the physicians. Inform patient to convey to the nurse any symptoms that they may have. Once the patient is stable and the Cardiotonic Glycoside levels have come back down, the physician will evaluate the patient before re-starting the treatment.
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