A drug related to digitalis that is used to slow the heart rate and to increase the force of the contraction of the cardiac muscle.
A drug used in the treatment of tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, e.g. digoxin.
Drugs whose main actions are to increase the force of myocardial contraction and reduce the conductivity of the nerve fibres in the atrioventricular node of the heart. They are useful in treating supraventricular tachycardias (rapid heart rhythm) and some forms of heart failure. Glycosides are a traditional group of cardiac drugs, originally derived from the leaves of foxglove plants and used as digitalis. The active principle has long been synthesised and used as digoxin. They are potentially toxic and their use, especially during initial treatment, should be monitored. Side-effects include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain; drowsiness, confusion and depression may occur. An abnormally slow heart rate may develop. The glycosides should be used with special care in the elderly, who are sometimes particularly susceptible to their toxic effects.