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Common cardiac related medications.pdf

Related Medications Dr. Naresh Kumar
Whitby Cardiovascular Institute
This reference was created by Arjun Kumar using the ‘OXFORD HANDBOOK OF PRACTICAL DRUG THERAPY' The document itself is property of Whitby Cardiovascular Institute Whitby Cardiovascular Institute 2006 This document has been created to help answer some of the questions for patients on certain cardiac related medications. It is primarily intended for patients of Whitby Cardiovascular Institute who are receiving prescriptions from Dr. Kumar. The ‘Use of Drug' section is where you can find what each drug is used for. The most important section is the ‘Cautions of the Drug' section. If you fall into this section and your physician is unaware, please contact Any further questions will gladly be answered during your next visit. If something becomes a concern, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Kumar's office and schedule an appointment. Dr. Kumar's Office: 905-668-0416 PLEASE NOTE:
Any drug related question CANNOT, under any circumstance, be
answered by Dr. Kumar over the phone.
Page 4: Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets:
Page 6: Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Amiodaron Page 7: Ischemic Heart Disease
Beta-blockers Ø Atenolol, Bisoprolol, Metoprolol, Labetolol, Carvedilol ACE inhibitors Ø Catopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril, Ramipril, Trandolapril, Fosinopril, Quinapril, Perindopril Ø Candesartan, Eprosartan, Irbesartan, Losartan, Telmisartan, Valsartan Page 10: Hypertension
Methyldopa Page 11: Calcium Channel Blockers
Dihydropyridines Ø Nifedipine, Amlodipine, Felodipine Ø Benzthiazepines, Phenylakylamines Page 13: Diuretics
Loop diuretics Ø Furosemide, Bumetanide, Torasemide Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics Ø Hydrochlorothiazide Potassium-sparing diuretics Ø Amiloride, Triamterene Ø Spironolactone Page 15: Erectile Dysfunction
Sildenafil Page 16: Lipids
HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (‘statins') Ø Atorbastatin, Simvastatin, Rosovastatin Ø Bezafibrate, Fenofibrate Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets:

Warfarin:
Oral Anticoagulant drug Uses of the Drug
Used whenever long-term anticoagulation is required Warfarin is slow to act Hemophilia and inherited disorders of coagulation Elderly and debilitated patients, who are at greater risk Recent severe trauma or surgery (depending on the site Cautions on the Drug
and nature of the injury) Severe renal insufficiency increases the risk of Avoid taking if you have an active peptic ulcer Severe or uncontrolled hypertension Pregnant women Warfarin is most effective for venous thrombosis and that associated with sluggish blood flow (‘red clot') When to Use the Drug
Patients with Atrial Fibrillation can reduce their risk of The greatest risk from warfarin is hemorrhage. Other adverse effects are uncommon Rarely causes hypersensitivity, characterized by a Side Effects
maculopapular rash Other adverse effects include alopecia, diarrhea, hepatic dysfunction and pancreatitis Warfarin is affected by a large number of other drugs Some drugs that can enhance the anticoagulant effect Drug-Drug
are alcohol, lipid-regulating drugs, anti-infective drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs, Thyroid hormones, antifungals, and ulcer-healing drugs Warfarin can cause bleeding, but the risk is always balanced against the potential benefits Can cause bruising, but should report any large or Patient Information
unexpected bruises immediately Avoid over-the-counter formulations containing aspirin or NSAIDs (eg ibuprofen) Take the warfarin tablets at the same time of day 0.5mg tablets are white 1 mg tablets are brown 3 mg tablets are blue 5 mg tablets are pink Acetylsalicylic Acid (aspirin or ASA):
Primary and secondary prevention of complications of Uses of the Drug
atherosclerotic disease (Angina, Myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease) Aspirin can cause bleeding (Mainly in patients with active peptic ulceration, uncontrolled hypertension, severe renal or hepatic insufficiency, hemophilia, and Cautions on the Drug
in pregnant women) Can cause asthma and worsen the control of intrinsic Antiplatelet drugs are most effective for arterial clots When to Use the Drug
that are composed mainly of platelets (‘white clot') The risk of aspirin causing bleeding is 0.6% in the patient population Side Effects
Gastrointestinal disturbance and tinnitus are common Rarely can cause thrombocytopenia Extra care must be taken when using an aspirin with Drug-Drug
warfarin, other antiplatelet drugs, or corticosteroids Aspirin can antagonize the action of diuretics and cause fluid retention Patients are advised to seek immediate medical Patient Information
attention if they have blood in the stool or dark, tarry stools 81 mg (low dose aspirin) Antiarrhythmic Drugs:

Amiodarone:
Amiodaron should be introduced under hospital or specialist supervision Used for the treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular, Uses of the Drug
nodal, ventricular tachycardia, Atrial fibrillation and flutter. Emergency treatment of ventricular fibrillation or Cautions on the Drug
Slows down the heart rate and AV conduction Most of the side effects are only common with doses of 400mg or more such as corneal lipofuscin Side Effects
4% of the patients experience thyroid dysfunction Amiodarone interacts with many drugs It will inhibit the function of warfarin Reduces the excretion of digoxin Drug-Drug
Avoid using antiarrhythmic drugs, antibiotics, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, and antiepileptic Also avoid any drug that reduces the heart rate, including Calcium channel blockers Patients may become sensitive to the sun, and should use a high SPF sun cream There is a possibility of persistent slate-grey skin Patient Information
Seek immediate medical advice if you become Doses and Specific
400mg 2 times daily for 2 week, which is then reduced to 200mg daily for a further week Ischemic Heart Disease:

Nitrate Drugs (Patch or Spray):
Treatment and prevention of angina Uses of the Drug
Treatments of acute left ventricular failure Nitrates are first-line treatments for the symptoms of angina but do not affect the course of the underlying disease Cautions on the Drug
Causes vasodilatation, which can be hazardous in some patients (e.g. patients with severe hypotension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, and cerebral hemorrhaging following head trauma) Most common effects are throbbing headache, Side Effects
dizziness, postural hypotension and tachycardia Drug-Drug
Drug interactions are uncommon Used to treat acute chest pain, and if symptoms change Patient Information
or unrelieved by nitrate seek medical attention Beta-Adrenoceptor Antagonists (Beta-Blockers):
Drug Name: Atenolol, Bisoprolol, Monocor, Metoprolol, Labetolol,
Carvedilol, Lopressor, Trandate .
Treatment of hypertension Coronary artery disease Uses of the Drug
Treatment of arrhythmia (Following myocardial infarction, SVT, or A.Fib) Treatment of stable heart failure
Patients with asthma
Cautions on the Drug
Patients with 2nd or 3rd degree heart block Patients with acute or unstable heart failure Do not stop taking the beta-blocker suddenly. The How to Use the Drug
rebound symptoms can be severe, including precipitation of an acute coronary syndrome. The most common side affect of these drugs is Side Effects
bronchoconstriction. Do not use beta-blockers with verapamil because there Drug-Drug
is a risk of asystole or a catastrophic reduction of Patients may experience tiredness and cold hands, Patient Information
which may improve over time if they can tolerate it There is a potential risk of risk of erectile impotence Doses and Specific
There are many different beta-blockers. The ones prescribed by Dr. Kumar are Atenolol or Tenormin, Bisoprolol or Monocor, Metoprolol or Lopressor, Labetolol or Trandate, and Carvedilol or Coreg. With the wide range of beta-blockers, there are a wide range of dosages that are set by your physician depending on your personal situation Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
(Ace Inhibitors):
Drug Names: Mavik, Vasotec, Accupril, Coversyl, Altace,
. Enalapril, Ramipril, Trandolapril,
Fosinopril, Quinapril, Perindopril .
Treatment of hypertension Uses of the Drug
Prevention of cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction Can cause birth defects in pregnant patients Can cause severe renal impairment in patients with renovascular disease Cautions on the Drug
ACE inhibitors cause vasodilatation and can precipitate a fall in blood pressure in patients with a fixed cardiac output The most common side affect is hypotension A small deterioration in renal function is often seen in Side Effects
patients upon starting the drug About 20% of the patients experience a dry cough Drug-Drug
ACE inhibitors potentate the actions of other drugs that lower blood pressure The aim of this drug is to achieve the maximum Patient Information
Patient should get blood tests to measure renal function every few months There are many different ACE Inhibitors. The ones Doses and Specific
commonly prescribed by Dr. Kumar are Enalapril or Mavik, Ramipril or Altace, Trandolapril or Mavik, Quinapril or Accupril, Perindopril or Coversyl. Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARBs):
Drug Names: Atacand, Diovan, Cozaar, Micardis, Avapro,
. Candesartan, Irbesartan, Losartan, Telmisartan,
and Valsartan
Treatment of hypertension Treatment and prevention of diabetic nephropathy Uses of the Drug
Some evidence indicates these drugs are useful in the treatment of heart failure Can cause birth defects during pregnancy Can cause severe renal impairment in patients with Cautions on the Drug
renovascular disease ARBs can vasodilatation and can precipitate a fall in blood pressure in patients with a fixed cardiac output The most common side effect is hypotension A small deterioration in renal function is often seen Side Effects
upon starting the medication Rarely can cause hyperkalaemia May cause cough ARBs potentate the actions of other drugs that lower Drug-Drug
Treatment along with diuretics increase the risk of The aim of this drug is to achieve the maximum Patient Information
Patient should get blood tests to measure renal function every few months There are many different ARBs. The ones commonly Doses and Specific
prescribed by Dr. Kumar are Candesartan or Atacand, Irbesartan or Diovan, Losartan or Cozaar, Telmisartan Or Micardis, and Valsartan or Diovan Hypertension:

*Methyldopa (alpha-methyldopa):
Uses of the Drug
Treatment of Hypertension, especially in pregnancy Patients with renal insufficiency are more sensitive to the sedative and hypotensive effects of methyldopa Patients with active liver disease Cautions on the Drug
Patients with depression Patients with porphyria or a phaeochromocytoma (can precipitate a hypertensive crisis) Begin treatment with a low dose and gradually How to Use the Drug
Do not stop the medication suddenly because it can cause rebound hypertension Side effects are uncommon if daily dose is below 1g Causes a dry mouth in 40% of patients Can cause diarrhea Side Effects
Can cause a positive direct Coomb's test in 20% of Very rare but serious effects include hepatitis and a lupus-like syndrome Drug-Drug
Methyldopa enhances the effect of other drugs that lower the blood pressure Can cause drowsiness that can interfere with skilled Patient Information
motor tasks (e.g. driving) Alcohol enhances the sedative effect of methyldopa Start initially with 250mg Can increase gradually to a maximum daily total of 3g Calcium Channel Blockers:

Drug Names: Nifedipine, Amlodipine, Felodipine
Treatment of hypertension Prophylaxis of angina Symptomatic treatment of Raynaud's syndrome Uses of the Drug
Prophylaxis of migraine Prevention and treatment of ischemic neurological deficits after subarachnoid hemorrhage Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions on the Drug
Can cause severe hypotension in patients with a fixed cardiac output (e.g. aortic stenosis, mitral stenosis) Major side effects that occur in 1-10% of the patients Side Effects
are flushing, headache, and peripheral oedema Rarely it can cause gum hyperplasia These drugs will effect other drugs that lower blood Drug-Drug
The metabolic rate of the drugs are effected by grapefruit juice (except amlodipine) There is a possibility of ankle swelling or headache Patient Information
Avoid grapefruit juice Doses and Specific
Specific names: Nifedipine, Amlodipine,& Felodipine Doses are usually between 5mg and 20mg Drug Names: Diltiazem
Prophylaxis of angina Uses of the Drug
Treatment of hypertension Avoid in pregnancy and breast feeding Avoid if you have heart failure Cautions on the Drug
Avoid using if you have a 2nd or 3rd degree heart block or sick sinus syndrome When to Use the Drug
The major use of the drug is to treat angina 1-10% of the patients will experience flushing, Side Effects
headache, and peripheral oedema Hypotension can also result Drug-Drug
Has an effect on other drugs that lower blood pressure Can conflict with beta-blockers Patient Information
Can cause swelling of the ankles Doses typically range from 120mg a day to 360mg Drug Names: Verapamil
Treatment of SVT Uses of the Drug
Treatment of hypertension Prophylaxis of angina Take care in pregnancy and breastfeeding (but no clear evidence of harm) Cautions on the Drug
Avoid using with 2nd or 3rd degree heart block or sick Low does is needed if you have a liver impairment Can worsen cardiac failure in patients with impaired left ventricular function Side Effects
Can cause hypotension With long-term care, can cause gynacomastia and gingival hyperplasia Affects drugs that lower blood pressure Drug-Drug
Do not take with beta-blockers The drug is also effected by grapefruit juice Patient Information
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice SVT – 40mg to 120mg Angina – 80mg to 120mg Hypertension – 240mg to 480mg Diuretics:

Loop diuretics:
Drug Names: Furosemide, Ethacrynic Acid, Edecrin
Uses of the Drug
Used for rapid diuresis and in long-term therapy Will not work on patients that are anuric Can cause severe hypokalaemia and hyponatraemia in Cautions on the Drug
patients with preceding conditions Can precipitate type II diabetes mellitus or worsen glucose control in diabetes mellitus Can cause gastrointestinal disturbance, precipitation of Side Effects
attacks of gout, and rashes Prior treatment with diuretics increases the risk of Drug-Drug
first-dose hypotension when starting treatment with Compliance is necessary when using a diuretic Patient Information
because patients tend to stop the drug when it starts to interfere with daily activities Does range from 40mg to a rarely used 2g for 50mg to 100mg for the Ethacrynic Acid Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics:
Drug Names: Hydrochlorothiazide, Metazocore
Treatment of hypertension In combination with loop diuretics for the control of Uses of the Drug
sever oedema in chronic heart failure Specialized use in the treatment of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus Thiazides can cause hypokalaemia Can precipitate gout Cautions on the Drug
Can precipitate type II diabetes mellitus or worsen glucose control in diabetes mellitus Can rarely cause an allergic vasculitis Side Effects
Commonly cause very mild rashes Can raise plasma lipid concentrations NSAID interfere with the anthypertensive effect of Drug-Drug
The drugs can reduce the excretion of lithium salt Compliance is necessary when using a diuretic Patient Information
because patients tend to stop the drug when it starts to interfere with daily activities HCTZ Doses are 12.5mg to 25mg Potassium-sparing diuretics:
Drug Names: Amiloride, Triamterene
Although these drugs have diuretic action, their major Uses of the Drug
use is in combination with thiazide or loop diuretics in order to conserve potassium Potassium-sparing diuretics are not the most Cautions on the Drug
appropriate treatment for oedema When to Use the Drug
Patients who are at risk of developing hypokalaemia These drugs are usually well tolerated at first Side Effects
Long term use can rarely cause interstitial nephritis Drug-Drug
There is a risk of hyperkalaemia if co-prescribed with and ACE inhibitor, NSAIDs, or Trimethoprim Patient Information
Triamterene can cause the urine to fluoresce blue Control of ascites and oedema resulting from hepatic Control of malignant ascites As a potassium-sparing diuretic in heart failure Uses of the Drug
Symptomatic relief in the nephritic syndrome Diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperaldosteronism Avoid if you have severe renal insufficiency Avoid in pregnancy and breast feeding Cautions on the Drug
Avoid in Addison's disease Do not take with other potassium-sparing diuretics This drugs are usually well tolerated at first Side Effects
Long term use can rarely cause interstitial nephritis Drug-Drug
There is a risk of hyperkalaemia if co-prescribed with and ACE inhibitor, NSAIDs, or Trimethoprim Doses are 25mg to 100mg Erectile Dysfunction:

Sildenafil:
Drug Names: Viagra
Uses of the Drug
Treatment of erectile dysfunction Avoid if you are at risk of priapism Halve the doses with moderate hepatic insufficiency, Cautions on the Drug
avoid it if the insufficiency is severe Do not combine with drug treatments for erectile Sildenafil requires sexual stimulation in order to work Begin with a low dose and increase according to the Use of the Drug
Do not take more than one dose ever 24 hours Sildenafil is not currently indicated for women. It is a treatment for erectile dysfunction, not an aphrodisiac The most common effect is headaches, flushing, and Side Effects
High doses of sildenafil can cause a colored tinge to Drug-Drug
In combination with nitrates, patients are at a high risk Do not have grapefruit juice while on the drug Should be taken 1 hour before intercourse Patient Information
Food will delay the onset of action If you are prescribed a nitrate, DO NOT take sildenafil Initial doses are 50mg It can be increased to 100mg Lipids (Cholesterol):

HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (‘statins')
Drug Names: Atorvastatin, Crestor, Lovastatin, Lipitor,
Simbastatin, Zocor .
Treatment of hyperlipoproteinaemia (Types IIa and Uses of the Drug
Primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery Statins are contraindicated during pregnancy Patients with renal insufficiency may be at an increased risk of myositis Cautions on the Drug
Patients with hepatic insufficiency or to ones with persistently raised transaminases should not use this drug Use of the Drug
Very effective at reducing plasma cholesterol The most important adverse effect of these drugs is a myopathy. It is very rare but it can be fatal. Side Effects
A rise in creatine kinase (CK) is more common Other common symptoms are headaches, nausea, and abdominal cramps Drug-Drug
The risk of myopathy is increased when these drugs are used with fibrates or ciclosporin Patient should report any generalized muscle weakness or pain immediately Patient Information
Patients should take the tablet at night-time, when the drug is supposed to have a slightly greater effect Doses 10mg to 40mg Fibrates:
Drug Names: Bezafibrate, Fenofibrate .
Treatment of hyperlipoproteinaemia (Types IIa, IIb, Uses of the Drug
Primary prevention of coronary artery disease (license is for men only) Fibrates are contraindicated during pregnancy Do not use this drug if you have primary biliary cirrhosis or gall bladder disease Cautions on the Drug
Patients with renal insufficiency are at an increased risk of myositis from these drugs Do not take if you have severe heptic insufficiency Use of the Drug
Very effective at reducing plasma cholesterol The most important effect of these drugs is myositis. It is very uncommon, but can be fatal. Hypersensitivity to these drugs manifests as urticaria, Side Effects
pruritus, and a photosensitive rash Gastrointestinal effect, such as nausea and vomiting, The risk of myositis is increased when these drugs are Drug-Drug
given with statins and ciclosporin Fibrates enhance the anticocoagulant action of Patients are advised to report any generalized muscle Patient Information
weakness or pain immediately Fenofibrate doses are 100mg to 200mg

Source: http://www.whitbycardiovascular.com/pdf/Common%20Cardiac%20Related%20Medications.pdf