# Glycosides --- **Glycosides** are a type of [[medicine]] that works to increase the strength, or contractility, of the [[cardiac muscle]]. In other words it is an *inotropic* drug. It is often proscribed to treat [[atrial fibrillation|AFib]], and [[heart failure]]. These drugs make your heart beat **slower and stronger**. It can reduce preload, which is useful for [[dialated cardiomyopathy]] >[!biology] Foxglove Glycosides were origionally derived from the foxglove plant. ## Mechanism of Action Glycosides work by inhibiting the [[sodium-potassium pump]] in the [[cardiac muscle]], which increases the force of the contractions. ## Adverse Reactions common: - fatigue - bradycardia - anorexia - nausea/vomiting rare but serious: - [[arrhythmia]] - **digoxin toxicity** - causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, altered mental status, visual hillucinations (like halos or tinted vision) and arrhythmias; severe cases can lead to seizures, coma, or death >[!science] Normal Values The normal lab values for digoxin range from **0.5 to 1.9** nanograms per milliliter of blood ## Contraindications [[arrhythmia|ventricular fibrillation]] ## Meds - **Digoxin** (brand name: digox) ___