• improving the heart’s pumping
• getting rid of extra fluid in the body (swelling and puffiness)
• slowing the progression of cardiomyopathy

Medications for Heart Failure

• ACE Inhibitors
• Diuretics
• Beta-Blockers
• Digoxin

Medication Schedule and Precautions

ACE Inhibitors

• ACE Inhibitors relax the blood vessels and make it easier for the heart to pump
• Side effects may include: cough, lightheadedness, changes in kidney function, skin rash, high potassium levels in blood

Examples of ACE Inhibitors

• Captopril (Capoten®)
• Enalapril (Vasotec®)
• Lisinopril (Prinivil®, Zestril ®)
• Fosinopril (Monopril®)
• Benazapril (Lotensin®)
• Ramipril (Altace®)

Diuretics

• Diuretics help the body to get rid of extra fluid and salt.
• Side effects of diuretics are: low potassium, lightheadedness, thirst, increased urination.

Examples of Diuretics

• Furosemide (Lasix®)
• Bumetanide (Bumex®)
• Torsemide (Demadex®)
• Metolazone (Zaroxolyn®)
• Spironolactone (Aldactone®)

Diuretic Plan
As you get to know your medications and your body, we will teach you to adjust your diuretics when you have extra fluid in your body.

Beta-Blockers

• Beta-Blockers are used to slow the progression of heart failure and may improve pumping function.
• Side effects of Beta-Blockers include: lightheadedness, swelling or bloating, slow heart rate, low blood pressure.

Examples of Beta-Blockers

• Carvedilol (Coreg®)
• Metoprolol (Lopressor®, Toprol®)
• Atenolol (Tenormin®)

Digoxin

• Digoxin is used to help the heart beat more strongly and more regularly.
• Side effects of Digoxin include: vision changes, nausea, loss of appetite
• Digoxin -Lanoxin® is the brand name, it is NOT advised to use the generic type.

Medication Schedule

• It is important to keep an updated list of your medications, the doses, and the times you take them.
• Some people find that a medication box is helpful.
• Someone else should also know your medications and schedule.

Medications
Avoid using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID). These are prescription or over-the-counter drugs to help ease pain. These medications can sometimes be harmful to your kidneys and cause you to retain fluid or gain weight.

Examples of NSAIDs

Over-the-counter
Ibuprofen-Advil® Motrin® Nuprin®
Naproxen-Aleve®
Ketoprofen-Orudis®

Refer to your heart failure diary for a complete list

Prescription
Indomethacin-Indocin®
Nambumetone-Relafen®
Piroxicam-Feldene®
Tolemetin-Tolectin®
Diclofenac-Voltaren®

Over-The-Counter Medications
Please check with us before taking any over-the-counter medications. Some may interfere with your regular medications and/or be harmful to your heart condition. Plain Tylenol is usually ok for pain or fever.