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Thursday, November 20, 2008

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Beta Blockers

Brand Name Generic Name

Lopressor, Toprol XL Metoprolol

Tenormin Atenolol

Corgard Nadolol

Inderal Sectral

Sectral Acebutolol

Used in the treatment of:

· High blood pressure ( Hypertension)

· After a heart attack to prevent additional heart attacks.

· Angina

· Some heart irregularities (arrhythmias)

Action of Medication:

Beta-blockers affect nerve impulses, which decrease the hearts need for blood and oxygen. With a decreased need for oxygen and blood the workload of the heart is decreased.

Special Instructions:

1. Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Most patients experience no or minor side effects. If you do experience any of the following side effects, please notify your doctor or nurse.

· Extreme fatigue after 2 weeks on the medication

· Slow heart rate

· Sexual impotence

2. Do not stop taking this medication unless told to do so by your physician or nurse. This medication must be stopped gradually.

3. Avoid over the counter medications with the exception of Tylenol or aspirin, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or nurse.

Digoxin

Brand Name Generic Name

Digoxin Lanoxin

Used in the treatment of:

· Treatment of heart failure

· Some irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

Action of Medication:

Strengthens the heart muscle, which makes it pump more effectively.

Also regulates the heart when it is beating to fast or irregular.

Special Instructions:

1. Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Most patients experience no or minor side effects. If you do experience any of the following side effects, please notify your doctor or nurse.

· Rapid heart rate or slow heart rate

· Visual disturbances

· Mental confusion

2. Do not stop taking this medication unless told to do so by your physician or nurse.

3. Avoid over the counter medications with the exception of Tylenol or aspirin, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or nurse.

4. Periodic blood tests may be required while taking this medication.

Nitrates

Brand Name Generic Name

Isordil, Isorbid Isorbide dinitrate

Ismo Isorbide monoitrate

Imdur

Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur, Nitroglycerin

Nitrotransdermal

Used in the treatment of:

· Angina – chest pain

Action of mediation:

Dilated the hearts blood vessels, which reduces the oxygen demand of the heart and improves the blood flow to the heart.

Special Instructions:

1. Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Most patients experience no or minor side effects. If you do experience any of the following side effects, please notify your doctor or nurse.

· Headaches – this may stop with continued use of the medication.

· Dizziness with position changes – try to rise slowly from a standing or sitting position.

2. Do not stop taking this medication unless told to do so by your physician or nurse.

3. Avoid over the counter medications with the exception of Tylenol or aspirin, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or nurse.

Antiarrhythmics

Brand Name Generic Name

Procan Procainamide

Quinaglute quinidine

Cordorane Amiodarone

Betapace Sotalol

Used in the treatment of:

· Irregular heart rhythms ( arrhythmias)

· Rapid heart beats

Action of medication:

Antiarrythmics correct and prevent the occurrence of various types of

irregular or rapid heartbeats.

Special Instructions:

1. Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Most patients experience no or minor side effects. If you do experience any of the following side effects, please notify your doctor or nurse.

· Slow or fast heart beat

· Blurred vision

· Bluish discoloration of the skin

2. Do not stop taking this medication unless told to do so by your physician or nurse.

3. Avoid over the counter medications with the exception of Tylenol or aspirin, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or nurse.

4. These medications cause an increased sensitivity to the sun. Take extra precautions and use sunscreen.

Diuretics (water pill)

Brand Name Generic name

Lasix Furosemide

HCTZ, Hydrodiuril Hydrochlorothiazide

Aldactone Spironolactone

Bumex Bumetanide

Demadex Torsemide

Dyrenium Triamterene

Used in the treatment of:

· High blood pressure ( hypertension)

· Congestive Heart failure

· Edema ( Swelling of part of the body)

Action of Medication:

Removes excess fluid and sodium from the body through the kidneys.

Special Instructions:

1. Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Most patients experience no or minor side effects. If you do experience any of the following side effects, please notify your doctor or nurse.

· Low blood pressure

· Dizziness

2. Do not stop taking this medication unless told to do so by your physician or nurse.

3. Avoid over the counter medications with the exception of Tylenol or aspirin, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or nurse.

4. You may need to take a Potassium supplement. Some diuretics decrease the potassium level in your body. Consult with your physician or nurse if you need a potassium supplement.

5. You may need to have periodic blood tests while on this medication.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Brand Name Generic Name

Cardizem, Cardizem SR Diltiazem

Dilacor, Tiazac

Cardene, Cardene SR Nicardipine

Adalat, Procardia, Procardia XL Nifedipine

Calan, CalanSR, Isoptin, Isoptin SR Verapamil

Norvasc Amlodipine

Plendil Felodipine

Used in the treatment of:

· Chronic stable & unstable angina

· High blood pressure ( Hypertension)

· Some heart irregularities

· Certain types of heart failure

Action of medication:

Calcium channel blockers relax (dilate) the arteries of the heart and

other arteries of the body.

Special Instructions:

1. Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Most patients experience no or minor side effects. If you do experience any of the following side effects, please notify your doctor or nurse.

· Swollen hands or feet

2. Do not stop taking this medication unless told to do so by your physician or nurse.

3. Avoid over the counter medications with the exception of Tylenol or aspirin, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or nurse.

Ace Inhibitors

Brand Name Generic Name

Vasotec Enalapril

Lotensin Benazepril

Monopril Fosinopril

Zestril, Prinivil Lisinopril

Accupril Quinapril

Altace Ramipril

Capoten Captopril

Used in the treatment of:

· High blood pressure ( hypertension)

· Congestive heart failure

Action of medication:

Blocks hormones in the kidneys allowing the arteries to dilate.

Special Instructions:

1. Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Most patients experience no or minor side effects. If you do experience any of the following side effects, please notify your doctor or nurse.

· Dry cough

2. Do not stop taking this medication unless told to do so by your physician or nurse.

3. Avoid over the counter medications with the exception of Tylenol or aspirin, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or nurse.

4. Ask your doctor or nurse how often you should be taking your blood pressure at home, if you are taking this medication for high blood pressure.

Antacids

( Non prescription medication)

Brand Name

Maalox

Mylanta

Tums

Alternagel

Rolaids

Used in the treatment of:

· Heartburn

· Acid indigestion

Action:

Antacids decrease the acid level in the stomach.

Special Instructions:

1. May cause constipation or diarrhea

2. Do not take within 1-2 hours of other medications. Antacids may interfere with the absorption of other medications.

Histamine H2 Antagonists

Zantac

Pepcid

Tagamet

Used in the treatment of:

· Heartburn

· Ulcers

Action:

Histamine H2 antagonists decrease the production of stomach acid.

These are longer acting medications than antacids.

Special Instructions:

1. Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Most patients experience no or minor side effects. If you do experience any of the following side effects, please notify your doctor or nurse.

· Constipation or diarrhea

· Nausea

2. Do not stop taking this medication unless told to do so by your physician or nurse.

3. These medications are available by prescription and over the counter. The stronger doses require a prescription.

4. Avoid over the counter medications with the exception of Tylenol or aspirin, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or nurse.

Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatories

Brand Name

Voltaren Feldene

Orudis Relafen Indocin

Lodine Toradol

Nalfon Ansaid

Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Pamprin

Used in the treatment of:

· Mild to moderate pain

· Arthritis

· Decrease inflammation

Special Instructions:

1. Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Most patients experience no or minor side effects. If you do experience any of the following side effects, please notify your doctor or nurse.

· Nausea – take with food to prevent nausea

· Dizziness or abdominal pain

2. Some of these medications require a prescription and some can be purchased over the counter.

Asprin

Brand Names

Aspirin

Ecotrin

Baby Aspirin

Bayer Aspirin

Used in the treatment of:

· Prevention of heart attacks

· Prevent blood clots by thinning the blood

· Fever

· Arthritis

· Headaches

· Decrease mild to moderate pain

Special Instructions:

1. Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Most patients experience no or minor side effects. If you do experience any of the following side effects, please notify your doctor or nurse.

· Stomach upset – coated Asprin may help relieve this.

2. Do not stop taking this medication unless told to do so by your physician or nurse.

3. Notify your doctor or nurse if you have a history of stomach

bleeding.

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Beta Blockers

Action of Medication:

Digoxin

Antiarrythmics correct and prevent the occurrence of various types of

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers relax (dilate) the arteries of the heart and

Brand Name

Rolaids