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Patient Drug Info
Patient Drug Info
AT-A-GLANCE
Antiplatelet Agents Keeps blood clots from forming Helps prevent clotting in patients
Commonly prescribed include: by preventing blood platelets who have had a heart attack,
Aspirin, Ticlopidine, Clopidogrel from sticking together. unstable angina, ischemic
and Dipyridamole strokes, TIA (transient ischemic
attacks, or “little strokes”) and
other forms of cardiovascular
disease. Usually prescribed
preventively, when plaque buildup
is evident but there is not yet a
large obstruction in the artery.
Some of the major types of commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications are summarized in this section.
For your information and reference, we have included generic names as well as major trade names to help you identify what you
may be taking; however, the AHA is not recommending or endorsing any specific products. If your prescription medication isn't
on this list, remember that your healthcare provider and pharmacist are your best sources of information. It's important to
discuss all of the drugs you take with your doctor and understand their desired effects and possible side effects. Never stop
taking a medication and never change your dose or frequency without first consulting your doctor.
To see an illustration of a cardiac medication from this chart, visit: www.americanheart.org /heartattack
page 1 of 4
© 2008 American Heart Association, Inc.
Cardiac Medications
AT-A-GLANCE
Beta Blockers Decreases the heart rate and Used to lower blood pressure.
(Also known as Beta-Adrenergic cardiac output, which lowers Used with therapy for cardiac
Blocking Agents) blood pressure and makes the arrhythmias (abnormal heart
Commonly prescribed include: heart beat more slowly and with rhythms) and in treating chest
Acebutolol (Sectral) less force. pain (angina).
Atenolol (Tenormin) Used to prevent future heart
Betaxolol (Kerlone) attacks in patients who have had
Bisoprolol/ a heart attack.
hydrochlorothiazide (Ziac)
Bisoprolol (Zebeta)
Carteolol (Cartrol)
Metoprolol (Lopressor,
Toprol XL)
Nadolol (Corgard)
Propranolol (Inderal)
Sotalol (Betapace) and
Timolol (Blocadren)
Some of the major types of commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications are summarized in this section.
For your information and reference, we have included generic names as well as major trade names to help you identify what you
may be taking; however, the AHA is not recommending or endorsing any specific products. If your prescription medication isn't
on this list, remember that your healthcare provider and pharmacist are your best sources of information. It's important to
discuss all of the drugs you take with your doctor and understand their desired effects and possible side effects. Never stop
taking a medication and never change your dose or frequency without first consulting your doctor.
To see an illustration of a cardiac medication from this chart, visit: www.americanheart.org /heartattack
page 2 of 4
© 2008 American Heart Association, Inc.
AT-A-GLANCE
Calcium Channel Blockers Interrupts the movement of Used to treat high blood
(Also known as Calcium calcium into the cells of the heart pressure, chest pain (angina)
Antagonists or Calcium Blockers) and blood vessels. May decrease caused by reduced blood supply
Commonly prescribed include: the heart’s pumping strength and to the heart muscle and some
relax blood vessels.
Amlodipine (Norvasc, Lotrel) arrhythmias (abnormal heart
Bepridil (Vascor) rhythms).
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac)
Felodipine (Plendil)
Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
Nimodipine (Nimotop)
Nisoldipine (Sular) and
Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan)
Diuretics Causes the body to rid itself of Used to help lower blood
(Also known as Water Pills) excess fluids and sodium pressure. Used to help reduce
Commonly prescribed include: through urination. Helps to swelling (edema) from excess
Amiloride (Midamor) relieve the heart's workload. buildup of fluid in the body.
Bumetanide (Bumex) Also decreases the buildup of
Chlorothiazide (Diuril) fluid in the lungs and other parts
Chlorthalidone (Hygroton) of the body, such as the ankles
Furosemide (Lasix) and legs. Different diuretics
Hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, remove fluid at varied rates and
Hydrodiuril) through different methods.
Indapamide (Lozol) and
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Some of the major types of commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications are summarized in this section.
For your information and reference, we have included generic names as well as major trade names to help you identify what you
may be taking; however, the AHA is not recommending or endorsing any specific products. If your prescription medication isn't
on this list, remember that your healthcare provider and pharmacist are your best sources of information. It's important to
discuss all of the drugs you take with your doctor and understand their desired effects and possible side effects. Never stop
taking a medication and never change your dose or frequency without first consulting your doctor.
To see an illustration of a cardiac medication from this chart, visit: www.americanheart.org /heartattack
page 3 of 4
© 2008 American Heart Association, Inc.
Cardiac Medications
AT-A-GLANCE
Digitalis Preparations Increases the force of the heart's Used to relieve heart failure
(Also known as Digoxin contractions, which can be symptoms, especially when the
and Digitoxin) beneficial in heart failure and for patient isn't responding to ACE
Commonly prescribed include: irregular heart beats. inhibitors and diuretics.
Lanoxin Also slows certain types of
irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias),
particularly atrial fibrillation.
Some of the major types of commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications are summarized in this section.
For your information and reference, we have included generic names as well as major trade names to help you identify what you
may be taking; however, the AHA is not recommending or endorsing any specific products. If your prescription medication isn't
on this list, remember that your healthcare provider and pharmacist are your best sources of information. It's important to
discuss all of the drugs you take with your doctor and understand their desired effects and possible side effects. Never stop
taking a medication and never change your dose or frequency without first consulting your doctor.
To see an illustration of a cardiac medication from this chart, visit: www.americanheart.org /heartattack
page 4 of 4
© 2008 American Heart Association, Inc.