What is "digoxin"

digoxin \di*gox"in\, n. (Chem.) a steroid glycoside, one of the cardiotonic chemical substances which is extracted from the foxglove. It is a white, crystalline substance ( C41H64O14), and is a 3-substituted triglucoside of a steroid, related structurally to digitalin and digitoxin. It is used as a cardiotonic for treatment of certain heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure. Chemically it is

(3[beta],5[beta],12[beta])-3-[(O-2,6-Dideoxy-[beta]-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1->4)-O-2,6-dideoxy-[beta]-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1->4)-2 , 6-dideoxy-[beta]-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-12,14-dihydroxy-card-20(22)-enolide. The related compounds digitalin and digoxin are also extracted from the foxglove ( Digitalis lanata and Digitalis purpurea). The class of steroid glycosides having cardiotonic properties are refered to as the cardiac glycosides.
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n. A purified cardiac glycoside extracted from the foxglove plant, ''Digitalis lanata'', widely used in the treatment of heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation.

n. digitalis preparation (trade name Lanoxin) used to treat congestive heart failure or cardiac arrhythmia; helps the heart beat more forcefully [syn: Lanoxin]

Digoxin is a purified cardiac glycoside similar to digitoxin extracted from the foxglove plant, Digitalis lanata. Digoxin is occasionally used in the treatment of various heart conditions, namely atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and sometimes heart failure that cannot be controlled by other medication.

There are concerns that its general use may increase the risk of death.

Digoxin was discovered by physician William Withering. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, a list of the most important medications needed in a basic health system.