Medications

Long-Term Condition

For most people, heart failure is a long-term condition that can’t be cured. But treatment can help keep the symptoms under control, possibly for many years.

Diuretics


How It Works
Example
Help the kidneys remove fluid and salt. Also reduce fluid in the lungs, ankles, feet or stomach. Lasix (furosemide)

Bumex(bumetanide)

Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)

Torsemide(Demadex)

Spinolactone(Aldactone)

Potassium


How It Works
Example
Potassium is often reduced with water pills and thus a supplement is needed. Potassium chloride (Klor-Con, Micro-K)

Ace Inhibitors


How It Works
Example
Relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. This makes it easier for your heart to pump.

Captopril (Capoten)

Enalapril (Vasotec)

Lisinopril (Zestril)

Quinapril (Accupril)

Ramipril (Altace)

Beta-Blockers


How It Works
Example
Make blood vessels larger and slow the pulse, so your heart can pump more easily. Carvedilol (Coreg)

Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)

Bisoprolol (Zebeta)

Angiotensin Blockers


How It Works
Example
Relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. This makes it easier for your heart to pump. Losartan (Cozaar)

Valsartan (Diovan)

Irbesartan (Avapro) 

Candesartan (Atacand)

Olmesartan (Benicar)

Telmisartan (Micardis)

Aldosterone Antagonists


How It Works
Example
Reduces retention of salt and water in the body. Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Digitalis


How It Works
Example
Slows the pulse and makes the heart pump stronger. Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker/Neoprilsyn Inhibitor


How It Works
Example
Used to treat heart failure. Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto)

Safety Tips

1. Make sure the patient regularly takes medication. Do not stop/change medication without discussing it with the doctor.

2. Remember to carry a list of medications with the patient at all times.

3. Help the patient to know the name of each pill and what it looks like.

4. Help the patient to develop a routine for taking his/her medications.