title: [Specifying for the general physician. Digitalis therapy in elderly patients].
abstract: The experimental and clinical evidence on the decreased efficacy of digitalis on old age are reviewed. The trials on the efficacy of digitalis on elderly in heart failure and sinus rythm, are analysed and we try to characterize the sub-group of responders. So we try to explain the criteria to choose the therapeutic dose, to avoid intoxication and to interpret the seric concentrations. We describe the pharmacocynetics of digitalis on old people on heart failure which can explain the susceptibility to intoxication. We reviewed the incidence of digitalis intoxication on old age and the difficulties on its recognition.
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital Pulido Valente, Lisboa.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Correia
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002303:Cardiac Output, Low / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004070:Digitalis; D004071:Digitalis Glycosides / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D010947:Plants, Toxic
chemical_list: D004071:Digitalis Glycosides
vernacular_title: Especificando para o generalista. A terapêutica digitálica no doente idoso.