Digitalis medicines (Digoxin) are used to improve the strength and efficiency of the heart or to control the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. This leads to better blood circulation and reduced swelling of hands and ankles in patients with right heart problems. Its value for patients with PH has not yet been fully examined but it is often used with calcium channel blockers because CCB's tend to weaken the pumping effectiveness of the heart.

Commonly Used Brand Names in the United States: Lanoxicaps (digoxin), Lanoxin (digoxin), Lanoxin Elixir Pediatric (digoxin), Lanoxin Injection (digoxin), Lanoxin Injection Pediatric (digoxin)

Commonly Used Brand Names in Canada: Digitaline (digitoxin), Lanoxin (digoxin), Lanoxin Pediatric Elixir (digoxin), Novo-Digoxin (digoxin)

Digitalis is used to treat congestive heart failure (CHF) and heart rhythm problems (atrial arrhythmias). Digitalis can increase blood flow throughout your body and reduce swelling in your hands and ankles.

Digoxin can be administered as an elixir, an injectable or in tablet form.

Please refer to the manufacturer's website for your medication or visit the FDA drug database.  A link is provided for the FDA below.

Digitalis medicines strengthen the force of the heartbeat by increasing the amount of calcium in the heart's cells. (Calcium stimulates the heartbeat.) When the medicine reaches the heart muscle, it binds to sodium and potassium receptors. These receptors control the amount of calcium in the heart muscle by stopping the calcium from leaving the cells. As calcium builds up in the cells, it causes a stronger heartbeat.

Digitalis medicines control irregular heart rhythms (called arrhythmias) by slowing the signals that start in the sinoatrial (SA) node. This, in turn, reduces the number of signals that travel through the atrioventricular (AV node). Fewer signals mean fewer arrhythmias.

Digoxin has been on the market for many years and is sold under many brand names.  We did not provide an FDA approval date because they were not all approved at the same time.  To get more detailed information on your drugs, you should visit the manufacturer's website or the FDA drug database.