Rapid achievement of a serum concentration plateau of digoxin through controlled infusion.

Using a volume-controlled infusion pump, a mean serum plateau level of digoxin of 4-5 ng/ml was rapidly achieved and maintained in 6 healthy volunteers. The infusion scheme was calculated on the basis of data published on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of digoxin following bolus intravenous injection. The magnitude of the response (change in electromechanical systole) at the end of the plateau phase was comparable to that observed with the concentration in the therapeutic range at steady state.