Diuretics

Common names include:

• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Chlorothiazide
• Metolazone
• Furosemide
• Bumetanide
• Triamterene
• Spironolactone
• Torsemide
• Indapamide
• Polythiazide
• Amiloride
• Combination agents

Diuretics can affect fluid levels in your body. It encourages the passing of water and sodium from the body. You may have heard them referred to as water pills. They are used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure.

Possible general side effects include:

• Altered potassium levels, which can cause muscle cramping and abnormal heart rhythms
• Low blood pressure
• Light-headedness

Aldosterone Receptor Blocker (MRAs)

Common names include eplerenone

MRAs are used to treat high blood pressure. It may be used in people who have heart failure after a heart attack.

Possible general side effects include:

• Headache
• Light-headedness
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Flu-like symptoms
• Breast enlargement or tenderness

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)

Common names include:

• Captopril
• Enalapril
• Lisinopril
• Benazepril
• Quinapril
• Ramipril
• Fosinopril
• Moexipril
• Trandolapril
• Perindopril

ACE inhibitors help to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. This can ease the workload on the heart. It can decrease symptoms and prolong life in people with heart failure.

Possible general side effects include:

• Cough and occasional rash
• Altered sense of taste
• Increased potassium levels, altered kidney function

Vasodilators

Common names include:

• Isosorbide dinitrate
• Nesiritide
• Hydralazine
• Nitrate drugs
• Minoxidil

Heart failure often leads to tightened blood vessels. It increases blood pressure and workload of the heart. Vasodilators help to open blood vessels. This will lower blood pressure and decrease stress on the heart.

Possible general side effects include:

• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Light-headedness, which can lead to fainting
• Headache
• Flushing
• Racing heart or palpitations

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Common names include:

• Losartan
• Irbesartan
• Valsartan
• Candesartan
• Eprosartan
• Telmisartan
• Olmesartan

ARBs are similar to ACE inhibitors. However, they do not cause coughing as much as ACEs. ARBs can have very rare, but severe side effects. ACE inhibitors may be used along with ARBs in some with severe heart failure.

Possible side effects:

• Upper respiratory infections
• Light-headedness
• Nasal congestion
• Muscle cramps
• Back pain

Beta-Blockers

Common names include:

• Metoprolol
• Atenolol
• Carvedilol
• Bisoprolol
• Propranolol
• Sotalol
• Pindolol
• Penbutolol
• Acebutolol
• Timolol
• Nadolol
• Betaxolol

Beta-blockers help to slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure. They are used for mild to moderate heart failure. They are often used along with other medicine.

Possible side effects:

• Decreased sexual ability
• Trouble sleeping
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Low blood pressure, which can make you feel tired, light-headed, or faint
• Decreased ability to participate in strenuous physical activity

Digoxin (Digitalis)

Common names include:

• Digoxin
• Digitoxin

Digoxin increases the strength of the heart and slows the heartbeat. This helps the heart pump out more blood with less stress. Digoxin can also control abnormal heart rhythms.

Possible side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion