Digoxin comes in tablet, elixir (oral liquid), and injectable forms. It belongs to a class of drugs called cardiac glycosides or digitalis glycosides. Digitalis medications, such as digoxin, are extracted from the digitalis plant (more commonly known as the foxglove plant).
Digoxin works by blocking sodium-potassium ATPase, an enzyme in the body that controls the amount of sodium and potassium that enters the cells. By blocking this enzyme, digoxin increases the amount of
calcium and potassium inside heart cells. This helps the heart contract more forcefully with each heartbeat, making it more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. It also slows down the rate at which the heart beats.
(Click Digoxin for more details on what digoxin is and how it works. This full-length article also discusses potential side effects, general dosing guidelines, possible safety concerns, and more.)
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