Digoxin is a cardiotonic drug. It is widely used in the treatment of various heart conditions, namely atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and congestive heart failure that cannot be controlled by other medication.
Digoxin is extracted from the leaves of Digitalis lanata.
Digoxin is described chemically as 3β-[(O-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1→4)-2,6-dideoxy-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-12β,14-dihydroxy-5β-card-20(22)-enolide. Its molecular formula is C41H64O14, its molecular weight is 780.95.
Digoxin exists as white to almost white powder that melts with decomposition above 230°C. The drug substance is practically insoluble in Water, slightly soluble in Ethanol (96%) and soluble in a mixture of equal volumes of Methanol and Methylene dichloride.
