What are beta blockers? Beta blockers are a class of drugs that block beta-adrenergic substances such as adrenaline (epinephrine), a key agent in the "sympathetic" portion of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system and activation of heart muscle. By blocking the action of the involuntary nervous system on the heart, beta blockers slow the heartbeat and...
What is lisinopril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other ACE inhibitors include: enalapril (Vasotec) quinapril (Accupril) captopril (Capoten) fosinopril (Monopril) benazepril (Lotensin) ramipril (Altace)...
What is amiodarone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Amiodarone is an oral and injectable drug that is used to correct abnormal rhythms of the heart. (It is an antiarrhythmic medication.) Although amiodarone has many side effects, some of which are severe and potentially fatal, it has been successful in treating many arrhythmias...
What is torsemide, and how does it work? Torsemide (Demadex) is a potent drug that's a diuretic (water pill). This medicine causes a profound increase in urine output (diuresis) by preventing the kidney from retaining water. Specifically, it blocks the reabsorption back into the blood of sodium and water that has been filtered out of...
What is midodrine? ProAmatine is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (OH). Because ProAmatine can cause marked elevation of supine blood pressure (BP>200 mmHg systolic), it should be used in patients whose lives are considerably impaired despite standard clinical care, including non-pharmacologic treatment (such as support stockings), fluid expansion, and lifestyle alterations. The...
Digoxin vs. metoprolol: What’s the difference? Digoxin is used for treating adults with mild to moderate congestive heart failure and for treating abnormal heart rhythms. Digoxin is also used for increasing myocardial contractility in pediatric patients with heart failure. Metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, heart pain, hyperthyroidism, and some...
What is Trental? Pentoxifylline is an oral drug used for treating symptoms of intermittent claudication caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Why is Trental prescribed to patients? Pentoxifylline is used for the treatment of intermittent claudication caused by peripheral arterial disease. Is Trental available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for...
What is Eliquis (apixaban) and how does it work? Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used for reducing the risk of blood clots in the heart and strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation who have no problems with their heart valves (nonvalvular atrial fibrillation). Eliquis is also used to treat and prevent deep vein...
What is ramipril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ramipril belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors that are used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril (Accupril), captopril...
Heart failure definition and facts Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story The definition of heart failure is when the heart cannot pump efficiently enough for blood to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. When the heart becomes weak or when it becomes thickened and stiff, the heart muscle cannot keep up with its workload. Signs...