Chiral separation, characterization and biological action of optically active isomers of digoxin

Optically active isomers of digoxin that differ in optical activity and that possess differences in degrees of biologic effect on the AV node conduction, heart rate slowing and cardiac contractile augmentation.

The method of treatment of supar ventricular arrhythmia which comprises administering to a patient in need of such treatment a chiral isolate or mixture of isolates of digoxin that predominantly effects conduction or refractoriness at the AV node with less or no effort on cardiac contractibility.

The method of treatment of congestive heart failure which comprises administering to a patient in need of such treatment a chiral isolate or mixture of isolates of digoxin that augment cardiac contractibility but has a less or no effect on heart rate slowing or PR conduction prolongation (AV Node refractions and conduction).

An isolate or mixture of isolates of digoxin that has less or no contractibility augmenting action but still possesses the ability to slow conduction at the AV node such that the composition of isomers may be effective in slowing the ventricular response in atrial fibrillation.

The optically active isomers of digoxin or mixtures of optically active isomers of digoxin still possessing cardiotonic activity, while no longer causing or causing a reduced incidence of the adverse effects known to occur with the clinical uses of chronic digoxin therapy.