A small molecule inhibitor for treating a disorder in mammals, wherein the disorder is characterized by high levels of inflammatory components. In a preferred embodiment, the inhibitor comprises cardiac glycosides, also known as cardiac cardenolides. In one example, the drug digitoxin is used to treat the disorder cystic fibrosis. The compounds and methods of the invention are particularly effective for treating cystic fibrosis, a disorder or condition characterized by high levels of inflammation and IL-8.