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Pharmacology/Medication Side Affects

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Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 5/21/2009


Question
I am taking synthroid and digoxin every day. The last couple years my feet and lower legs swell terribly during the day and improve with rest. I do sit most of the day at work. Could these medications be contributing to my swelling?

Answer
Dear Colleen

Synthroid should not do this and neither should digoxin. However, it could be that you are not stabilised properly on the digoxin. Whatever the reason, you should check with your prescriber to ascertain the exact cause. I would not be worrying unduly (as it goes away with rest) but still needs further investigation.It is usually easy to treat whether your digoxin dose is low or not. Without any more dtails as to your history I cannot really say anymore across the ether.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith

Pharmacology

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Dr Alan Galbraith

Expertise

I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.

Experience

I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease. I am already a well established and highly rated expert in the pharmacy section of this site.

Publications
Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" Editions 1-4 published between 1994 and 2004 by Pearson Education, Australia. Author of the 5th edition published 2007. Author of many scientific papers.

Education/Credentials
BSc(Hons);MSc;PhD;HECert

Awards and Honors
The 4th edition of my textbook was awarded the the Educational Book of the Year Award in Australia.

Past/Present Clients
See my profile in the pharmacy section.

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