digoxin

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside derived from the leaves of the Digitalis plant. It is primarily used to treat heart failure and certain types of arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. The drug works by inhibiting sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+ ATPase) in cardiac myocytes. This inhibition increases intracellular sodium levels, which in turn reduces the activity of the sodium-calcium exchanger and leads to increased intracellular calcium concentrations. The elevated calcium enhances myocardial contractility (positive inotropic effect) and slows conduction through the atrioventricular node via increased vagal tone (negative chronotropic effect). These actions help improve cardiac output and control ventricular response rates in arrhythmias[2][3][5][6]. Digoxin also has neurohormonal effects that may benefit patients with heart failure by improving baroreceptor sensitivity and reducing activation of neurohormonal systems[6].

Brand names

DigitekDigoxLanoxinLanoxicapsCardoxin

Other names

digitalis glycoside