Digitalis is classified as what type of medication?

Digitalis is classified as a glycoside, specifically a cardiac glycoside. This class of medications is primarily used to increase the force of heart muscle contractions and to regulate heart rhythms, particularly in conditions such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Digitalis works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, leading to an increase in intracellular calcium, which enhances the contractility of the heart.

This mechanism is essential for improving cardiac output and managing symptoms associated with heart failure. Glycosides like digitalis are crucial in the management of certain cardiac conditions, distinguishing them from other medication classes such as anticoagulants, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors, all of which have different mechanisms and therapeutic uses.