Digitalis purpurea" extract containing cardiac glycosides for the treatment of heart conditions was first described in the English-speaking medical literature by William Withering, in 1785, which is considered the beginning of modern therapeutics. It is used to increase cardiac contractility (it is a positive inotrope) and as an antiarrhythmic agent to control the heart rate, particularly in the irregular (and often fast) atrial fibrillation. Digitalis is hence often prescribed for patients in atrial fibrillation, especially if they have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Digoxin was approved for heart failure in 1998 under current regulations by the Food and Drug Administration
Bath salts (drug) Bath salts (drug) "Bath salts" (also "psychoactive bath salts", "PABS", or in the United Kingdom monkey dust) is a term used to describe several recreational designer drugs. The name derives from instances in which the drugs were disguised as bath salts. The white powder, granules, or crystals often resemble bath salts such as Epsom salts, but differ chemically. The drug's packaging often states "not for human consumption" in an attempt to circumvent drug prohibition laws. Recreational drugs have also been disguised as plant food, hookah cleaner and other products. Synthetic cathinones such as mephedrone, which are chemically similar to cathinone,