What is the minimum pulse rate required before administering digoxin?

Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat various heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation and heart failure. One critical aspect of administering digoxin is assessing the patient's heart rate beforehand, as the drug has a narrow therapeutic window and can have significant effects on cardiac function.

The minimum pulse rate of 60 beats per minute is widely recognized as a safety measure because administering digoxin to patients with a lower heart rate can lead to adverse effects, including bradycardia and increased risk of digoxin toxicity. A pulse rate below this threshold may signal that the heart is not functioning optimally, meaning that administering digoxin in such circumstances could further compromise the patient's cardiovascular stability.

Setting the threshold at 60 beats per minute aligns with clinical guidelines and nursing protocols, ensuring that patients are safely managed when receiving this medication. If the pulse is below this rate, it is typically necessary to withhold the medication and assess the patient's condition further before proceeding.