MEDICINES FOR THE HEART (Part 1)
This section is to provide you with information you may find useful about your medication. Medicines are listed under their proper (or generic) names with examples of their trade names which may be more familiar to you.

GENERAL ADVICE

• always read the label
• take treatment regularly
• take tablets and capsules with a glass of water
• know your medicines (make a list - generic and trade names)
• make sure you have enough (remember holidays)
• never stop taking your medicines – speak to your doctor first
• never share medicines with others or use theirs
• keep all medicines out of reach of children


COMMON HEART (CARDIAC) MEDICATION

ACE INHIBITORS

e.g. ramipril (Tritace), lisinopril (Zestril), perindopril (Coversyl)

What they do:
• improve heart function
• treat high blood pressure

Possible side – effects
• dry cough – will not be relieved by ‘cough medicine’ (your doctor may prescribe an alternative)
• skin rash, loss of taste (usually temporary), dizziness
• renal (kidney) problems – monitored by blood tests


ANGIOTENSIN II ANTAGONISTS

e.g. valsartan (Diovan), candesartan (Amias), losartan (Cozaar), irbesartan (Aprovel)

What they do:

• act in a similar way to ACE inhibitors (see entry above), but do not cause the persistent dry cough that ACE inhibitors sometimes cause
v are a useful alternative to ACE inhibitors

Possible side-effects

• renal (kidney) problems – monitored by blood tests
• dizziness



ANTI-PLATELET DRUGS

What they do:

-prevent platelets (a type of blood cell) from clumping together to form clots in the arteries

ASPIRIN
- usual dose 75mg daily
- take with or after food

Possible Side –effects
- Stomach irritation
- Shortness of breath or wheezing - contact doctor

CLOPIDOGREL (PLAVIX)

- usual dose 75mg daily
- often given in combination with aspirin
- alternative to aspirin if cannot tolerate aspirin / have aspirin allergy
- given to patients who have had a stent put into a coronary artery
- take with or after food

Possible Side- effects
- Rash
- Nausea
- Stomach irritation
- Prolonged or unusual bleeding/bruising - contact doctor




AMIODARONE

What it does:
• helps to regulate heart rhythm

Possible side-effects:
• numbness or tingling in hands, legs or feet – contact your doctor
• visual disturbances – contact your doctor. It is a good idea to see your optician yearly for an eye test
• causes your skin to become more light-sensitive. Avoid exposure of uncovered skin to direct sunlight. Cover up and use a sun-block cream. Avoid sun lamps /beds.
• thyroid and liver function will be monitored
• tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems


Further information:

These tablets are usually taken at a higher dose initially and then decreased as directed by your doctor.




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