Digoxin classification?

What class is digoxin in?

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside. It works mainly on the heart to slow the heart rate and increase the force of contraction.

How is digoxin classified pharmacologically?

Digoxin is commonly classified as:
- A cardiac glycoside (pharmacologic class)
- A positive inotrope used for heart conditions (functional use)

How does digoxin’s mechanism relate to its classification?

Digoxin is grouped with other cardiac glycosides because it inhibits the Na+/K+ ATPase pump in heart cells, which indirectly increases intracellular calcium. That increased calcium is what boosts contraction strength and helps control heart rate.

What is digoxin used for, and does that change the classification?

Digoxin’s medical uses (commonly atrial fibrillation/flutter for rate control and certain types of heart failure to improve symptoms) don’t change its core drug class: it remains a cardiac glycoside based on its mechanism.

Is digoxin an antiarrhythmic?

Digoxin is often used for rhythm- and rate-related indications (especially atrial fibrillation/flutter), so it’s sometimes grouped with antiarrhythmic medicines in practice. But mechanistically and pharmacologically, it is still classified as a cardiac glycoside.