digitoxin

Digitoxin is a cardiac glycoside derived from the foxglove plant (Digitalis purpurea) and is used for the treatment of heart failure and certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. It acts by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase enzyme in cardiac myocytes, leading to increased intracellular calcium concentrations. This results in a positive inotropic effect (increased force of contraction) and negative chronotropic effect (slowed heart rate). Digitoxin has a longer half-life than digoxin and is primarily eliminated via the liver, making it suitable for patients with impaired renal function. However, its use has declined due to limited evidence compared to digoxin and concerns about toxicity[1][9].

Brand names

Digitaline Nativelle