Class: Cardiac glycoside

Mechanism Of Action: Increases force of the cardiac contraction through its effects on sodium-potassium ATPase system. Significantly increases stroke volume, thus increases cardiac output. Decreases AV nodal conduction, thus slowing heart rate.

Indications: CHF  SVT especially atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

Contraindications: Ventricular fibrillation. Not given to patient showing signs of digitalis toxicity: Cardiac arrhythmias, nausea and vomiting, headache, visual disturbances (yellow vision), drowsiness.

Precautions: Constant monitoring for toxicity. Patients with MI. Toxicity is potentiated in patients with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypercalcemia, crosses the placenta, therefore affect the fetal heart.

Side Effects: Anorexia/Abdominal Pain/Diarrhea. Fatigue. Depression. Drowsiness. Yellow Vision. Hallucinations. Cardiac Arrhythmias.