Digoxin

[ColletteTabitha]

Morning

I have recently been prescribed digoxin having already been on Tildizeam and Rivaroxaban. My heart rate was around 170 on my 24 hour monitor test. Has anyone had a problem with Digoxin causing severe constipation with. My cardiologist says it does cause this problem. Is it a big coincidence that it started 5 days after starting the drug. I have a good diet. Drink loads of water of water etc. Confused.

[CDreamer]

Maybe, maybe not - it’s not possible to trace cause and affect but there is evidence that it can cause gastro problems. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[ColletteTabitha in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks CDreamer, i will have a look at this

[Buffafly]

I suspect that anything that slows your heart is also likely to affect your digestive system in some way. I had a CT colonoscopy and was supposed to have an infusion of Buscopan to prevent bowel spasms but when I said I had AF they wouldn’t give it to me. Heart and digestive system are definitely linked!

[ColletteTabitha in reply to Buffafly]

Thank you for your reply, yes very good point !

[Ppiman]

Digoxin caused me no extra problems, thankfully, and it was the only drug that worked to reduce my heart rate for which I was very grateful. That was before my ablation solved the flutter arrhythmia. I do have IBS and diverticulosis, however, so constipation is always an issue with me. It can be deeply uncomfortable condition so you have my sympathies. I would think that yours will correct itself over a week or so as your body adjusts to the digoxin. The vast majority of drug side effects are short lived.

If it does persist, you might want to try what I use. After years of trying so very many diets and laxatives, what always works well is either 30 - 45ml of Milk of Magnesia at bedtime, or, for breakfast, a full glass of Sunsweet prune juice. Why that particular brand works so well, goodness knows - but it does. The "Benefit Drinks" juice is almost as good, but the cheaper supermarket brands do nothing.

Another good way to maintain a healthy bowel is to eat a bowl of prunes stewed in the same Sunsweet juice for breakfast. I've found the most natural, as well as being tastiest and largest, are organic prunes; those from Bulgarian are by far the best value (search for Zoya Prunes).

Another natural help for a sluggish bowel is a dessert-spoonful of psyllium husk stirred into a large glass of water at breakfast (it's identical to Fybogel but far cheaper and without wasteful packaging or additives).

Steve

[ColletteTabitha in reply to Ppiman]

Good morning, many thanks for all your useful tips. I too think I has IBS only just read recently that it can cause constipation, I thought it was only the opposite! I have suffered most of my life with my bowels, so I will certainly try some of your suggestions. I have been on Digoxin for about 8 weeks now and it has certainly slowed by pulse right down. So it is doing it's job. Previous meds I have been given have caused constipation too - Verpamial, that was swopped to Tildiem which I got used to after about 6 weeks. So there is a pattern.

[Ppiman in reply to ColletteTabitha]

If you’re still feeling sluggish after 8 weeks, I’d first try Milk of Magnesia (maybe start with one capful and see what happens). It never fails, is a natural product and is not a drug, so is safe.

Daily prunes stewed first in prune juice have been part of my daily routine since I found out how tasty and effective the organic ones are. Prunes have potassium and magnesium in abundance, too, which are said to be good for the heart.

Steve

[ColletteTabitha in reply to Ppiman]

Thanks Steve, very helpful I am feeling positive again, after weeks of pain, etc. Will let you know

Colette

[Ppiman]

Hi again Colette

I meant to add that IBS has two main forms: IBS-D with diarrhoea and IBS-C (most common, I've read) with constipation (IBS-C). Diverticular disease, sadly, causes both.

Steve

[ColletteTabitha in reply to Ppiman]

Good morning , just a quick update. I have taken you advice and started on the Sunsweet juice after your post. All go, it took a week or so to get there but happy to report a success! I have found the prunes in Lidl to very good and a good price so check them out if you haven't already. Thank you.

[Ppiman in reply to ColletteTabitha]

Thanks for replying and that was good to hear. Collette. If you feel the need for a stronger effect, simply drink more of the Sunsweet juice. The organic prunes from Zoya in Bulgaria, stewed for a time in the Sunsweet prune juice, really are lovely for breakfast and work really well.

Steve

[ColletteTabitha in reply to Ppiman]

I ordered some and they arrived yesterday. So I will look forward to trying them as you suggested. Thanks again.

[Ppiman in reply to Ppiman]

Hi - my wife says to simmer them in plenty of juice till they swell or to when the skins are to your liking, then, once cool we put them in the fridge, but always warm before eating. I eat about five or so.

You’ll find them far more “fruity” and more natural - like a plum really - than the shop bought variety. I really like them and they work really well. We’ve probably ordered three lots so far, always ordering enough to make the postage worthwhile

Steve

[ColletteTabitha in reply to Ppiman]

Thanks Steve for all your advice and thank for wife for the cooking instructions!

[Ruza2020]

Hi Collette,

Here is another suggestion for constipation. It never fails - it is herbal tea called "Traditional Medicinals Organic Smooth Move Peppermint". Just follow the instrucions provided on the box.

Cheers.

[ColletteTabitha in reply to Ruza2020]

Thank you will check it out