DIGITALIN Meaning and
Definition
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Digitalin is a term referring to a group of cardiac glycosides that are naturally occurring chemicals found in the leaves of the Digitalis purpurea plant, commonly known as foxglove. It is used primarily in the field of medicine and pharmacology due to its potent effects on the heart and cardiovascular system. Digitalin compounds work by inhibiting the action of the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, leading to an increase in intracellular calcium levels and subsequently strengthening the force of heart contractions.
These compounds have been extensively studied and have shown to have therapeutic benefits in the management of certain cardiac conditions, such as congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. They act as positive inotropic agents, improving the contractility of the heart muscle, while also exerting negative chronotropic effects, thereby reducing the heart rate. This combination of actions helps to enhance cardiac output and improve circulation.
It is important to note that digitalin compounds have a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that the dosage needs to be carefully adjusted and monitored to avoid toxic effects. Excessive administration can result in digitalis toxicity, which can manifest as symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and arrhythmias. Therefore, the use of digitalin compounds should be guided by a healthcare professional, and patients should be closely monitored for any signs of toxicity.
Overall, digitalin is a class of natural substances found in foxglove leaves, known for their potent effects on the heart and cardiovascular system, and utilized for therapeutic purposes in the management of certain cardiac conditions.
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A glucoside of digitalis; often a mixture of various principles of uncertain strength and composition; see digitalinum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DIGITALIN
- sigitalin
- xigitalin
- cigitalin
- figitalin
- rigitalin
- eigitalin
- dugitalin
- djgitalin
- dkgitalin
- dogitalin
- d9gitalin
- d8gitalin
- difitalin
- divitalin
- dibitalin
- dihitalin
- diyitalin
- dititalin
- digutalin
Etymology of DIGITALIN
The word "digitalin" is derived from the plant genus Digitalis, specifically Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as foxglove. The term "digitalis" comes from the Latin word "digitus", which means finger, possibly referring to the shape of the flowers that resemble the fingers of a glove. "Digitalin" is the suffix added to "digitalis" to indicate a chemical compound extracted from the plant with pharmaceutical properties.
Similar spelling words for DIGITALIN
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