Digitalis

(dij-it-a’lis) [L., from dig’it us finger, becausé of its finger shaped corolla]. A genus of scrophularia ceo us plants. The leaves of D. purpu’rea, or foxglove, are narcotic, cardiant, diuretic, and stimulant. Digitalis acts by producing elevation of blood-pre ure, increase of systole, lengthening of diastole, and contraction of the arterioles. It is used as a heart tonic for cardiac weakne of any kind; also as a diuretic in dropsy. Dose, 1-2 gr. (0.065 0.13 gm.); of extract, Ἐ gr. (0.016 gm.); of fluidextract, 1-2 min. (0.065-0.13 c.c.); of tincture, 5-20 min. (0.3-1.25 c.c.); of infusion, 2-4 dr. (8-15 ¢.c.).