Digitalis Cardiac Glycosides: Digoxin, Digitoxin mnemonic

Digitalis Cardiac Glycosides: digoxin [dig ox] and digitoxin [digit ox]

Used in Congestive Heart Failure [broken heart]
Inhibit the Na/K-ATPase pump [salt shaker & pot-of-ass], therefore slowing down the repolarization of myocytes following action potentials. This results in prolonged action potential and increased force of contraction since high calcium levels within the cell are prolonged
Digitoxin [digit ox]
- Metabolized by the liver [liver saddle gnawing at the ox]
- Large volume of distribution because it binds to extravascular proteins
Digoxin [dig ox]
- Eliminated in the urine [digging ox is urinating]
- Faster onset of action [red speed streaks]
- Side effects:
  - Arrhythmias [trembling heart]
  - Vomiting [orange vomit]
  - Blurry vision [blurred eye on the heart]