Digoxin prescription in geriatric patients of the primary health care

Abstract

Introduction: Digoxin is one of the most used drugs in cardiovascular diseases, frequent in the geriatric patient, characterized by its narrow therapeutic margin. Objectives: To characterize the prescription of digoxin and identify problems related to its prescription in geriatric patients. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out on the use of drugs, indication-prescription type, in 23 patients with digoxin indication, treated at the Policlínico José Martí in Santiago de Cuba, from April to June 2017. Results: In the case study, women (78.26%), ages between 70-74 years (26.08%), and patients with one or two associated diseases were more likely to use it. Diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases by Comprehensive General Medicine was prevalent, associated with a greater frequency of diuretics and antiplatelet drugs intervention group. The group with the lowest probability of survival was that of late treatment. Conclusions: The prescription of digoxin may be considered as rational, although there is a possibility of drug interactions that could lead to toxic effects or therapeutic failure.