* **glycoside**
* direct ionotropic drug ⇒ **↑ cardiac contractility ⇒ ↑ ER ⇒ ↓ LV EDP, ↓ wall tension ⇒ ↓ O2 consumption**
* clears pulm venous circulation, **↓ dyspnea, ↓ O2 consumption**
* orally active, **mimics Ca ⇒ ↑ dilation**
* inhibits Na K ATPase ⇒ ↑ intracellular Na ⇒ ↑ intracellular Ca ⇒** ↑ contractility, ↑ active tension.**
* **renal** elimination
* oral bioavailabiliity = 55-65%, t1/2 = 36 hr.
* **CNS stimulant** ⇒ ↑ parasympathetic and ↑ sympathetic (toxic levels) outlfow ⇒ **↓ HR, ↑ filling time, slower repolarization rate, prolonged refractory time, ↑ automaticity in atria/ventricles, ↓ conduction veocity in SA node, atria, AV node, ventricles**, can ⇒ PVC.
* _use_: **CHF** (stages C and D), **bridge to transplant**.
* no tolerance, monitoring required
* _drug interactions_: **amiodarone, verapamil, quinidine, macrolide antibiotics, tetracyclines**
* _toxicity_: **bradycardia, PVC, bigeminy, a. fib, a. flutter, paroxysmal SVT, AV blockade, abnormal color perception, fatigue, anxiety, nightmares**.
* _tx for toxicity_: discontinue, monitor K, check Ca intake, give lidocaine or phenytoin or digitalis Ab