Digoxin (DGX)

Digoxin is a purified cardiac glycoside extracted from the foxglove plant, Digitalis lanata, which was discovered by William Withering. Its corresponding aglycone is digoxigenin, and its acetyl derivative is acetyldigoxin. Digoxin is widely 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 was a recall on the digoxin preparation marketed under the name Digitek in 2008, due to the possibility that tablets with double the appropriate thickness may contain twice the approved level of active ingredient. It is also available as a 0.05 mg/ml oral solution and 0.25 mg/ml or 0.5 mg/ml injectable solution. It is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline and many other pharmaceutic manufacturers. Digoxin is usually given orally, but can also be given by IV injection in urgent situations.