What is the Toxicological Significance of Cardiac Glycosides?
While cardiac glycosides have therapeutic uses, they are also well known for their potential toxic effects. The therapeutic window for these compounds is narrow, meaning that the margin between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. Toxicity can occur due to accidental overdose, intentional ingestion, or interaction with other drugs that affect their metabolism or excretion. Symptoms of toxicity often involve the cardiovascular system, but they can also affect the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems.