Which statement accurately classifies Digoxin?

Which statement accurately classifies Digoxin?

• A. Calcium channel blocker
• B. ACE inhibitor
• C. Beta-adrenergic blocker
• D. Cardiac glycoside such as Digoxin

Answer: (D)

Digoxin is classified as a cardiac glycoside. This group is defined by a plant-derived glycoside structure and its mechanism of action core: inhibition of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump in cardiac cells. When this pump is blocked, intracellular sodium rises, which reduces the activity of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, causing more calcium to remain inside the cell. The extra calcium strengthens the heart muscle’s contraction, giving a positive inotropic effect. Additionally, digoxin enhances vagal tone, slowing conduction through the AV node, which helps control heart rate in conditions like atrial fibrillation. It’s not a calcium channel blocker, an ACE inhibitor, or a beta-adrenergic blocker, all of which act through different targets and produce different effects.

Digoxin is classified as a cardiac glycoside. This group is defined by a plant-derived glycoside structure and its mechanism of action core: inhibition of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump in cardiac cells. When this pump is blocked, intracellular sodium rises, which reduces the activity of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, causing more calcium to remain inside the cell. The extra calcium strengthens the heart muscle’s contraction, giving a positive inotropic effect. Additionally, digoxin enhances vagal tone, slowing conduction through the AV node, which helps control heart rate in conditions like atrial fibrillation. It’s not a calcium channel blocker, an ACE inhibitor, or a beta-adrenergic blocker, all of which act through different targets and produce different effects.