MEDICINES FOR THE HEART (Part 2)

ANTI –ANGINALS

(BETA –BLOCKERS, CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS, NITRATES, NICORANDIL)


BETA-BLOCKERS

e.g. bisoprolol (Cardicor, Monocor, Emcor), atenolol, metoprolol

What they do
• slow heart rate
• treat several conditions including high blood pressure, angina, regulate heart rhythm, heart failure -your doctor will have chosen the appropriate one for you.

Possible side-effects:
• may feel weak or tired/lethargic – should pass after a few days
• cold hands/feet or tingling – contact you GP if troublesome
• vivid dreams or trouble sleeping
• wheeziness or difficulty breathing – contact you GP
• diabetics may find insulin needs change and reduced ‘hypo’ signs

! NEVER stop taking beta-blockers except on doctor’s advice!



CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS

e.g. diltiazem, amlodipine

What they do:

• relax blood vessels so blood can flow more easily
• help prevent and relieve angina symptoms
• lower blood pressure

Possible side-effects

• headache, dizziness, lethargy – should pass after a few days, contact doctor if persists
• ankle or gum swelling – contact your doctor
• if experience indigestion take these drugs with or after food



NITRATES

Include:

• glyceryl trinitrate spray (GTN)
• glyceryl trinitrate buccal tablets (Suscard Buccal)
• longer-acting oral nitrates e.g. isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate

What they do:
• relax blood vessels so blood can flow more easily
• treat and prevent angina and relieve heart failure


Possible side-effects:
• headache (usually passes – contact doctor if persists)
• fainting, dizziness,weakness


Further information on using the spray:
• check expiry date
• always have a spray with you
• use whenever an attack occurs or before any activity or stressful situation you expect may cause angina
• increased use – tell your doctor
• sit down if possible after using spray

See separate page on using GTN spray for further information




NICORANDIL (IKOREL)

What it does:

• relaxes blood vessels so blood can flow more easily
• other protective effects on heart

Possible side-effects:

• headache – may occur initially but usually wears off
• mouth ulcers

!REMEMBER – Twice daily dose!




DIGOXIN

What it does:

• regulates heart rhythm
• helps the heart work more efficiently to relieve failure

Possible side-effects:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, palpitations, confusion, visual disturbances – contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs as your dose may be too high

Further information:

Your may need a blood test to be taken to ensure that the digoxin dose is appropriate for you