Which medication class is a cardiac glycoside?

Which medication class is a cardiac glycoside?

• A. Cardiac glycoside
• B. Anticholesteral agents
• C. Antihypertensives
• D. Beta blockers

Answer: (A)

Cardiac glycosides are drugs that increase the heart’s pumping strength. They work by inhibiting the Na+/K+ ATPase pump in heart muscle cells, which raises intracellular sodium and, via the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, increases calcium inside the cells. That extra calcium makes the heart contract more forcefully (positive inotropy) and can also slow conduction through the AV node, helping control fast heart rhythms. Digoxin is the classic example of this class. So, the term itself identifies the class you’re selecting. The other options describe different drug categories—cholesterol-lowering agents, antihypertensives, and beta blockers—none of which are cardiac glycosides. Remember, cardiac glycosides have a narrow therapeutic window and require careful monitoring of electrolytes and drug levels.

Cardiac glycosides are drugs that increase the heart’s pumping strength. They work by inhibiting the Na+/K+ ATPase pump in heart muscle cells, which raises intracellular sodium and, via the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, increases calcium inside the cells. That extra calcium makes the heart contract more forcefully (positive inotropy) and can also slow conduction through the AV node, helping control fast heart rhythms. Digoxin is the classic example of this class.

So, the term itself identifies the class you’re selecting. The other options describe different drug categories—cholesterol-lowering agents, antihypertensives, and beta blockers—none of which are cardiac glycosides. Remember, cardiac glycosides have a narrow therapeutic window and require careful monitoring of electrolytes and drug levels.