e.g., bendrofluazide, frusemide, amiloride, spironolactone. These drugs increase the amount of urine produced by the kidneys. Obviously, once the new balance is achieved on regular treatment, you will not go on passing out more water than you drink; but the treatment reduces the amount of fluid in the body. Diuretics … Diuretics (“Water tablets”)Read more
Digoxin is used to treat
(1) Atrial fibrillation-an irregularity of the heart-beat. Digoxin is especially effective in slowing and strengthening the heart in this condition. (2) Heart failure: Digoxin is one of the drugs for which correct dosage is very important: the right dose for one person may be an overdose for someone else. Side-effects … Digoxin is used to treatRead more
Digoxin “Heart Tablets”
Digoxin is one of the oldest drugs used in modern medicine. Over 200 years ago a country doctor discovered that an extract of foxglove leaves helped patients with heart failure. The modern drug is produced chemically; it has the same effect as the older crude extract of foxgloves but it … Digoxin “Heart Tablets”Read more
Questions to ask
Whenever you are given a prescription for a new drug, make sure you know the answers to these questions: … Questions to askRead more
How are drugs taken?
Drugs may be given by mouth as tablets or capsules depending on their chemical nature, the speed of action required, and convenience. Some drugs need to be taken once a day while others may need to be taken three or four times daily. Sometimes a more prolonged and steady level … How are drugs taken?Read more
What do drugs do?
Some drugs act just by relieving symptoms-for example “pain killers”. Others replace deficiencies in the body-iron tablets used to treat one sort of anaemia. Others still kill off bacteria-antibiotics. Most drugs used to treat heart conditions adjust the working of the heart or circulation rather like a mechanic tuning an … What do drugs do?Read more
Why are there so many different drugs?
Very many different drugs are used to treat heart disease, yet they all belong to a few main types. Within each category the drugs are very similar, but even minor variations may be important for some people. With this variety of drugs to choose from the doctor can choose one … Why are there so many different drugs?Read more
Introduction
Great improvements have been made in the treatment of heart disease in recent years, in large part from the research and development of new, effective medicines or drugs. (Many people misunderstand the word “drug”: it simply means a medicine.) These new drugs are effective because they are powerful, and if … IntroductionRead more
What about Life Insurance?
So far as is known, life expectancy is improved by operations upon the heart, and many Life Insurance companies will accept these clients, though the premiums to be paid may have to be adjusted. Remember that most heart defects can be mended, and surgeons are daily getting better and better … What about Life Insurance?Read more
What sort of employment may my child undertake?
People with trivial defects or surgically corrected hearts should be able to lead normal lives, but it may be wise in some instances not to become involved in a job which requires a lot of hard physical work out of doors. The Armed Services are not willing to accept people … What sort of employment may my child undertake?Read more