Monograph: |
Digitalis Leaf
NOTE. The term 'digitalis' is often used to describe the entire
class of cardiac glycosides.
The dried leaves of Digitalis purpurea (Scrophulariaceae).
Digitalis leafeontainsa number of glycosides. including dig-
itoxin, gitoxin, and gitatoxin. The Ph. Eur. specifies the
poten-
cy as not less than 0.3% of cardenolic glycosides calculated
as digitoxin. The USP specifies a potency of I VSP unit in
100 mg.
Store in airtight containers. Protect from light.
Digitalis contains cardiac glycosides with positive inotropic
activity and has the general properties described under digox-
in. It has been used similarly in the management of
heart failure. However, when treatment with a cardiac glyco-
side is required a single glycoside is preferred to digitalis,
and
digoxin or digitoxin are most commonly used.
Digitalis is used in herbal and homoeopathic medicine.
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