The Prescribing Trends of Digoxin in the Outpatient Setting

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine digoxin prescribing pattern in the outpatient setting in Alkharj. Methods: This retrospective study included a review of outpatient records between in 2017 and 2018. It included the entire outpatient who received digoxin during the study period. Results: Only 38 patients received digoxin during 2017 and in 2018, 31 patients received digoxin. More than half of the patients receiving digoxin in 2018 were males (58.06%) and about 54.84% of them aged more than 59 years. Most of the prescribers were residents (77.42%). More than 61 % of the prescriptions were written by cardiology department followed by emergency department (22.58%). Conclusion: The use of digoxin is uncommon in the outpatient department in Alkharj nonetheless it has a narrow therapeutic window and it should be prescribed carefully because of its adverse events. It is also important to increase the awareness of healthcare providers and patients about digoxin use.