Digitalis Glycosides

A DECADE has passed since the clinical use of cardiac glycosides was last reviewed in these pages.¹ Despite continuing uncertainty regarding fundamental mechanisms of action at the cellular and molecular level, recent progress allows a more rational approach to the clinical use of these drugs. A sound working knowledge of the actions and pharmacokinetics of the commonly used cardiac glycosides should improve the patient's chances of benefiting from the use of digitalis and allow a substantial reduction of the present alarming frequency of toxicity.Sources and Structure-Activity RelationsThe term digitalis is used generally to refer to any of the . . .