Strophanthus is used generally as the tincture.

It has no action on the skin, but is irritant to mucous membranes, from which it is rapidly absorbed.

It strengthens the heart, slightly contracts the blood vessels, raises the blood pressure, and is mildly diuretic. It is a muscle poison, and causes death by over-stimulating the heart-muscle, the heart stopping in systole.

It is excreted in the urine.