Digoxin class of drug?

See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Digoxin

What class of drug is digoxin?

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside. It is used for heart conditions such as certain types of heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms (especially atrial fibrillation). [1]

How does digoxin work (its drug class mechanism)?

As a cardiac glycoside, digoxin works by inhibiting the Na+/K+ ATPase pump in heart cells. This increases intracellular calcium, which strengthens heart muscle contraction and can slow conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. [1]

What is digoxin used for clinically?

Clinicians most often use digoxin to treat:
- Heart failure in selected patients
- Heart rate control in atrial fibrillation (and similar atrial arrhythmias) [1]

Is digoxin considered a “high-risk” medicine?

Digoxin is widely regarded as a medication where blood levels and dosing matter because toxicity can occur, especially with kidney problems or certain drug interactions. (This risk is part of why digoxin is monitored more carefully than many other heart medicines.) [1]

What drugs interact with digoxin (common concern with this class)?

Because digoxin levels and effects can be affected by how the body clears it and by electrolyte balance, interactions are a common patient concern. Drug interactions and electrolyte changes (for example, low potassium) can raise the risk of digoxin toxicity. [1]

Sources

1. https://www.drugs.com/digoxin.html