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Digoxin


Mechanism of action:

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside derived from the leaves of Digitalis lanata. Digoxin binds to the Na+/K+-ATPase on the membrane of cardiac muscle cells, blocking the extrusion of sodium ions from the cell. When intracellular sodium concentration rises, the activity of the sodium-calcium exchanger is suppressed, leading to accumulation of calcium ions within the cell. This increases calcium storage in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, so that more calcium can be released during myocardial contraction, thereby enhancing cardiac contractility.

Reference(s):

1. Thompson DF et al. (1993). Drug-induced gynecomastia. Pharmacotherapy. 


2. Doering W et al. (1977). Digitalis intoxication: specificity and significance of cardiac and extracardiac symptoms. Z Kardiol.

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