True digitalin is a medication used to treat heart failure. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable "tru" is pronounced /tru:/ with a long vowel sound. The second syllable "dig" is pronounced with a short "i" /dɪɡ/ sound, and the third syllable "i" is pronounced as a long "e" sound /i:/. The final syllable "lin" is pronounced with a short "i" /lɪn/ sound. When pronounced together, the word sounds like /tru:dɪdʒɪˈtælɪn/.
True digitalin, also known as pure or authentic digitalin, is a potent cardiac glycoside medication derived from the leaves of the digitalis purpurea plant. It is a specific form of digitalis that contains high concentrations of active compounds called digitalis glycosides, particularly digitoxin and digoxin. These glycosides have a significant impact on the heart and are widely used in the treatment of various heart conditions, primarily congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
True digitalin acts by increasing the force and efficiency of cardiac contractions, improving heart function, and regulating heart rhythm. It achieves this by inhibiting the Na+/K+ ATPase enzyme, which enhances calcium levels within heart cells, leading to increased contractility. Additionally, true digitalin affects the electrical conduction system of the heart, slowing atrioventricular node conduction and improving arrhythmias.
Due to its potency, true digitalin requires careful dosing and monitoring to avoid toxicity. This medication can have narrow therapeutic windows, meaning the difference between an effective dose and a harmful dose can be small. Symptoms of digitalis toxicity include nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, close monitoring of plasma drug levels is essential to ensure the correct dosage is administered.
In conclusion, true digitalin is a highly concentrated and pure form of digitalis glycosides used to treat specific heart conditions. Its powerful effects on heart function and rhythm make it an important medication in the management of cardiac ailments, but its use must be closely monitored to prevent adverse effects.
Digitalinum verum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "true digitalin" is a combination of "true" and "digitalin".
The term "true" is derived from Old English "trēowe", which means faithful, steadfast, or genuine. It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "treuwaz", which also means loyal or trustworthy.
The term "digitalin" refers to a group of chemical compounds called cardiac glycosides that are derived mainly from the foxglove plant, Digitalis purpurea. These compounds have a profound effect on the heart and are used in the treatment of various cardiovascular conditions. The term "digitalin" is derived from the scientific name of the plant, "Digitalis", which comes from Latin "digitālis", meaning "of or relating to the finger". This is because the flowers of the foxglove plant are shaped like thimbles and were believed to be good for treating finger ailments.