Chemical Structure of Digoxin

Digoxin is a heart medication used to combat such conditions as heart fibrillations, arrhythmia and flutters. It is a very complex organic chemical.

Formula

• The chemical formula of digoxin is C41H64O14, which, in chemical terms, is colossal. The molar mass of digoxin, which one might consider a measure of density, is about 781 grams. As a comparison, water's molar density is 18 grams.

Structure

• Digoxin is a complex system of organic (carbon-based) rings; it contains three benzyl rings (of six carbon atoms), one pentyl ring (of five carbon atoms), and four other rings of carbon and oxygen.

Mechanism

• Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside---a sugar-based compound---which through complex reactions involving sodium (Na) and potassium (K), controls the heart's rhythm.

Origin

• Digoxin is synthesized from a biennial plant called the foxglove, which includes about 20 species of digitalis. Digoxin is one of several cardiac glycosides (fast-acting anti-arrythmic drugs) made from digitalis. As early as 1776, modern physicians recognized that digitalis encouraged circulation.

Differences

• Most digitalis drugs are processed by the liver, but digoxin is processed by the kidneys and excreted in urine. A doctor will prescribe a digitalis drug based on a patient's particular heart trouble, medical history or liver condition.