Dr. Gott: Ask cardiologist for advice on digoxin

Dear Dr. Gott: My doctor has prescribed digoxin for my heart. I have an abnormal rhythm known as atrial fibrillation. I don’t want to take this medicine because of an article I once read that said it sends more people to the hospital than it keeps out each year. I’d like your opinion about this medicine, its safety and effects – especially with the elderly. I’m 86. Thank you for your response.

Dear Reader: Simply put, digoxin helps the heart beat strongly and regularly. It is used to treat atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, congestive heart failure and more.

People with thyroid, kidney, liver or lung disease should check with their physicians before taking the medication. Certain drugs can affect digoxin. They include antacids and laxatives that contain aluminum, some beta blockers, some calcium channel blockers and certain water pills.

Side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, anxiousness, fatigue, weakness, skin rash, palpitations, confusion and chest pain. Adverse reactions tend to occur at higher doses and often disappear when the dose is reduced.

As you know, there are side effects with any medication, and digoxin is no exception. I am sure your cardiologist carefully reviewed your medical history and current medications before placing you on this drug. If you have read about negative studies, take the article to his or her office and ask for an explanation. If you believe the drug isn’t appropriate, ask to try another drug in the same category. Start with a limited supply so you are not out a large amount of money for something that could have many more side effects than the digoxin. On the other hand, if your cardiac condition has improved or stabilized and the drug appears to be working for you despite what you’ve read, perhaps you will choose not to make a change. Your primary care physician or cardiologist should be the one to help you make the decision.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Coronary Artery Disease.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 176, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: A letter was published in our local newspaper from a lady who had numerous bladder infections. I, like her, was also in that state. I had numerous tests and was finally told my kidneys and bladder were OK, but there was one problem. I was not a water drinker, nor did I drink much liquid, period. My urologist said I must drink at least four 8-ounce glasses of water a day. I’m now free of bladder infections.

Dear Reader: Water and other fluids are a vital part of everyone’s daily diet. I often receive letters from people who drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, in addition to other fluids, because they have read they should do so for good health. My response is to drink when you are thirsty. However, in your case, your body apparently doesn’t signal you as it does others. Therefore, remembering to drink 32 ounces of water a day appears appropriate.

Another excellent means of combating UTIs is to drink 100 percent cranberry juice or taking cranberry extract gel caps at the first signs of an infection.