Acrihellin (D 12316) is a cardiotonic drug. It is characterized as a cardiosteroid. In isolated organ (Langendorff heart) the positive inotropic effect proved to be stronger in comparison to digoxin. Also in dogs and cats acrihellin increases the contractile force of the myocardium; especially in failing canine heart, it increases the force of contraction (strain-gauge) and velocity of pressure rise (dp/dt max). In classical glycoside test on cat (Hatcher's dose) acrihellin is more effective than digoxin and methyldigoxin on weight basis, equivalent on a molar basis. The therapeutical index of acrihellin is like that of methyldigoxin. In cats and dogs, the compound is absorbed rapidly and almost completely, especially when administered intraduodenally.