Drugs for the Heart and Ciculatory System MEDICATIONS General Information Ace Inhibitor Anti-arrhythmics Anti-hypertensives Anticoagulants Aspirin and antiplatlets Beta blockers Calcium channel blockers Digitalis Diurectics Nitrates Tylox General Information WHAT IS A CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DRUG? This drug is used to treat high cholesterol. It lowers the amount of cholesterol and some fats in your blood. WHY IS IT NECESSARY? Lowering the amount of cholesterol in your blood may help prevent heart disease, angina, strokes, and heart attacks. HOW DO I TAKE IT? Your doctor will tell you when and how many times each day to take this drug. This will be printed on the label on the pill bottle. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is close to the time for your next dose, take only one dose. Do not take both doses. Do not stop taking your pills or change the way you are taking them without talking to your doctor. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Some drugs may change the way your body to responds to other drugs. Food can change the way some drugs act. Ask whether or not you should take your pills with food. If you can not pay for your pills, please tell your doctor. There may be drugs you can take that cost less. Do not borrow from or lend drugs to your friends or family. Keep your pills in the bottle they come in. Store them in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in the bathroom because it is too moist. When you have three or four days of pills left, get a refill. Do not run out of your pills. If you are not sure about how to take your drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Follow the special diet your doctor has given you. WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR? If you have any of these signs, call your doctor. Headaches that are very bad or keep returning. Diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, or gas that is severe. A rash or itching that doesn't go away. Blurred vision. Tiredness or muscle pain that doesn't go away. Flushing or turning red. A yellow color to your skin or eyes. Loss of appetite. [Return to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs] ACE INHIBITORS WHAT IS AN ACE INHIBITOR? This drug is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. WHY IS IT NECESSARY? The ACE Inhibitors decrease the amount of a chemical in your body that causes your blood vessels to get smaller. It lets your blood flow more easily. HOW DO I TAKE IT? Your doctor will tell you when and how many times each day to take this drug. This will be printed on the label on the pill bottle. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is close to the time for your next dose, take only one dose. Do not take both doses. Take the rest of the doses for that day at evenly spaced periods of time. Sit and stand up slowly to avoid feeling dizzy or faint. Tell your doctor if you think you are pregnant. Do not stop taking your pills or change the way you are taking them without talking to your doctor. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Some drugs may change the way your body responds to other drugs. Food can change the way some drugs act. Ask whether or not you should take your pills with food and when is the best time. If you can not pay for your pills, please tell your doctor. There may be drugs you can take that cost less. Do not borrow from or lend drugs to your friends or family. Keep your pills in the bottle they come in. Store them in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in the bathroom because it is too moist. When you have three or four days of pills left, get a refill. Do not run out of your pills. If you are not sure about how to take your drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR? If you have any of these signs, please tell your doctor. Rash. Cough that does not go away. Swelling of hands or feet. Bruising that is not normal. Difficulty breathing. Swelling of face, lips, or tongue. [Return to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs] ANTI-ARRHYTHMICS WHAT IS AN ANTI-ARRHYTHMIC? This drug is used to stop odd or extra heartbeats. WHY IS IT NECESSARY? Odd or extra heartbeats can cause your heart to function poorly. HOW DO I TAKE IT? Your doctor will tell you when and how many times each day to take this drug. This will be printed on the label on the pill bottle. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is close to the time for your next dose, take only one dose. Do not take both doses. This drug works best if taken at evenly spaced periods of time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is OK to chew or crush this drug. Avoid staying in the sun for long periods of time. Do not drive or use dangerous machines until you know how you feel while taking this drug. Do not stop taking your pills or change the way you are taking them without talking to your doctor. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Some drugs may change the way your body responds to other drugs. Food can change the way some drugs act. Ask whether or not you should take your pills with food. If you can not pay for your pills, please tell your doctor. There may be drugs you can take that cost less. Do not borrow from or lend drugs to your friends or family. Keep your pills in the bottle they come in. Store them in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in the bathroom because it is too moist. When you have three or four days of pills left, get a refill. Do not run out of your pills. If you are not sure about how to take your drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR? If you have any of these signs, call your doctor. Joint pain, sore mouth or gums, fever, or fatigue. Chest pain or odd heartbeats. Skin rash. Difficult breathing. Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine that does not go away. Bleeding or bruising that is not normal. Fainting. [Return to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs] ANTI-HYPERTENSIVES WHAT IS AN ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE? This medication is used to control high blood pressure. WHY IS IT NECESSARY? This drug is needed to relax your blood vessels so that blood flows more easily. HOW DO I TAKE IT? Your doctor will tell you when and how many times each day to take this drug. This will be printed on the label on the pill bottle. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is close to the time for your next dose, take only one dose. Do not take both doses. Sit and stand slowly to avoid feeling dizzy or faint. Do not take any drugs for a cold until you ask your doctor. Do not drive or use dangerous machines until you know how you feel while taking this drug. Do not stop taking your pills or change the way you are taking them without talking to your doctor. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Some drugs may change the way your body responds to other drugs. Food can change the way some drugs act. Ask whether or not you should take your pills with food. If you can not pay for your pills, please tell your doctor. There may be drugs you can take that cost less. Do not borrow from or lend drugs to your friends or family. Keep your pills in the bottle they come in. Store them in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in the bathroom because it is too moist. When you have three or four days of pills left, get a refill. Do not run out of your pills. If you are not sure about how to take your drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR? If you have any of these signs, call your doctor. Sudden weight gain. Stuffy nose that does not go away. Sudden fainting. Chest pain, shortness of breath. Bleeding or bruising that is not normal. [Return to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs] ANTICOAGULANTS WHAT IS AN ANTICOAGULANT? This is a drug that keeps your blood from clotting. WHY IS IT NECESSARY? This drug is used after some surgeries and to reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and blood clots. HOW DO I TAKE IT? Your doctor will tell you when and how many times each day to take this drug. This will be printed on the label on the pill bottle. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is close to the time for your next dose, take only one dose. Do not take both doses. Record the date of the missed dose so that you can tell your doctor when you see him. If you miss more than two doses, call your doctor at once. Do not stop taking your pills or change the way you are taking them without talking to your doctor. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Some drugs may change the way your body responds to other drugs. Food can change the way some drugs act. Ask whether or not you should take your pills with food. If you can not pay for your pills, please tell your doctor. There may be drugs you can take that cost less. Do not borrow from or lend drugs to your friends or family. Keep your pills in the bottle they come in. Store them in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in the bathroom because it is too moist. When you have three or four days of pills left, get a refill. Do not run out of your pills. If you are not sure about how to take your drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You may wish to carry a card or wear a bracelet stating that you take this drug. WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR? If you have any of these signs, call your doctor. Bleeding or bruising, bloody or black stools, blood in the urine. Fever, sore throat when you do not feel sick. Skin rash, itching. Difficulty breathing. Pain or swelling of lower legs. [Return to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs] ASPIRIN OR ANTIPLATELET WHAT IS ASPIRIN OR ANTIPLATELET DRUGS? Often called blood thinners, these drugs are used after some surgeries to reduce the risk of strokes or heart attacks. WHY IS IT NECESSARY? These drugs prevent your blood from clotting as quickly as normal, so they may prevent your vessels from clogging up. HOW DO I TAKE IT? Your doctor will tell you when and how many times each day to take this drug. This will be printed on the label on the pill bottle. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is close to the time for your next dose, take only one dose. Do not take both doses. Do not stop taking your pills or change the way you are taking them without talking to your doctor. Ask your doctor if you may chew or crush this drug. Take with food or milk to prevent an upset stomach. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Some drugs may change the way your body responds to other drugs. If you can not pay for your pills, please tell your doctor. There may be drugs you can take that cost less. Do not borrow from or lend drugs to your friends or family. Keep your pills in the bottle they come in. Store them in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in the bathroom because it is too moist. When you have three or four days of pills left, get a refill. Do not run out of your pills. If you are not sure about how to take your drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR? Bleeding or bruising that is not normal, black or bloody stools, blood in urine. Skin rash. Fever or sore throat when you don't feel sick. Yellow color to skin or eyes. Dark urine. Ringing in the ears. Wheezing or difficulty breathing. [Return to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs] BETA BLOCKERS WHAT IS A BETA BLOCKER? This medication is used to control high blood pressure, treat odd heartbeats, and prevent chest pain. It may be used to prevent another heart attack or to prevent or reduce the pain of migraine headaches. WHY IS IT NECESSARY? It is needed to slow your heart rate and make your heart beat less strongly. It also reduces blood vessel changes in the head that can cause migraines. HOW DO I TAKE IT? Your doctor will tell you when and how many times each day to take this drug. This will be printed on the label on the pill bottle. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is close to the time for your next dose, take only one dose. Do not take both doses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is OK to chew or crush this drug. Avoid staying in the sun for long periods of time. Do not drive or use dangerous machines until you know how you feel while taking this drug. Do not stop taking your pills or change the way you are taking them without talking to your doctor. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Some drugs may change the way your body responds to other drugs. Food can change the way some drugs act. Ask whether or not you should take your pills with food. If you can not pay for your pills, please tell your doctor. There may be drugs you can take that cost less. Do not borrow from or lend drugs to your friends or family. Keep your pills in the bottle they come in. Store them in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in the bathroom because it is too moist. When you have three or four days of pills left, get a refill. Do not run out of your pills. If you are not sure about how to take your drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR? Call your doctor if you have any of these signs. Fatigue, depression, leg pain, nausea or diarrhea, cold hands or feet. Swelling of feet and lower legs. Sudden weight gain. Chest pain. Change in heart rhythm. [Return to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs] CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS WHAT IS A CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER? This drug is used to treat chest pain or high blood pressure. It is sometimes used to prevent or reduce the pain of migraine headaches. WHY IS IT NECESSARY? It lets more blood flow to the heart muscle. It also relaxes the blood vessels so that blood flows more easily through your body. HOW DO I TAKE IT? Your doctor will tell you when and how many times each day to take this drug. This will be printed on the label on the pill bottle. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is close to the time for your next dose, take only one dose. Do not take both doses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you may chew or crush your medicine. Do not drive or use dangerous machines until you know how this drugs makes you feel. Sit and stand up slowly to avoid feeling dizzy or fainting. Do not stop taking your pills or change the way you are taking them without talking to your doctor. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Some drugs may change the way your body responds to other drugs. Food can change the way some drugs act. Ask whether or not you should take your pills with food. If you can not pay for your pills, please tell your doctor. There may be drugs you can take that cost less. Do not borrow from or lend drugs to your friends or family. Keep your pills in the bottle they come in. Store them in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in the bathroom because it is too moist. When you have three or four days of pills left, get a refill. Do not run out of your pills. If you are not sure about how to take your drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR? If you have any of these signs, call your doctor. Feeling very dizzy. Heart beats that feel odd. Swelling of hands or feet. Shortness of breath. Chest pain that get worse, lasts longer, or occurs more often. Tiredness, nausea, or headache that won't go away. Unable to move bowels. [Return to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs] DIGITALIS WHAT IS DIGITALIS? This medication is used in the management of congestive heart failure and to treat types of irregular heart rhythms. WHY IS IT NECESSARY? If your heart has been injured or is weak, this drug can help it work better. It makes the heart beat stronger and improves heart rhythm. HOW DO I TAKE IT? Your doctor will tell you when and how many times each day to take this drug. This will be printed on the label on the pill bottle. If you forget a dose, but remember it within six hours of when you should take it, go ahead and take it. If more than six hours have passed, skip that dose. Take your next dose at the right time. If you miss two or more doses in a row, contact your doctor. Do not stop taking your pills or change the way you are taking them without talking to your doctor. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Some drugs may change the way your body to responds other drugs. Food can change the way some drugs act. Ask whether or not you should take your pills with food. If you can not pay for your pills, please tell your doctor. There may be drugs you can take that cost less. Do not borrow from or lend drugs to your friends or family. Keep your pills in the bottle they come in. Store them in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in the bathroom because it is too moist. When you have three or four days of pills left, get a refill. Do not run out of your pills. If you develop an illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting, your body may not be able to take in enough of this drug to reach your heart. Call your doctor if you get this type of illness. WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR? If you have any of these signs call your doctor. Loss of appetite, feeling sick to your stomach, throwing up. Blurred vision, flashes or flickering light, seeing yellow or green, seeing halos or borders on objects, feeling that light hurts your eyes. Headache, feeling sleepy, tired, weak, or confused. Change in heart rhythm. Difficulty breathing. Swelling of your lower legs or ankles. [Return to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs] DIURETICS WHAT IS A DIURETIC? This drug is used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure. WHY IS IT NECESSARY? This drug helps your kidneys flush out water and salt into the urine. It is needed if you are having swelling. HOW DO I TAKE IT? Your doctor will tell you when and how many times each day to take this drug. This will be printed on the label on the pill bottle. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is close to the time for your next dose, take only one dose. Do not take both doses. Take early in the day to avoid getting up during the night to go to the bathroom. If you take a few doses each day, take the last dose prior to 6 p.m. unless your doctor says otherwise. Wear a sun block of SPF 15 or greater when outdoors for long periods of time. Sit and stand slowly to avoid feeling dizzy or faint. Do not stop taking your pills or change the way you are taking them without talking to your doctor. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Some drugs may change the way your body responds to other drugs. Food can change the way some drugs act. Ask whether or not you should take your pills with food. If you can not pay for your pills, please tell your doctor. There may be drugs you can take that cost less. Do not borrow from or lend drugs to your friends or family. Keep your pills in the bottle they come in. Store them in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in the bathroom because it is too moist. When you have three or four days of pills left, get a refill. Do not run out of your pills. If you are not sure about how to take your drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR? If you have any of these signs, call your doctor. A great deal of weight loss or gain in a short period of time. Muscle cramps or weakness. Feeling very thirsty. Fever or sore throat when you aren't sick. Bleeding or bruising that is not normal. Skin rash. [Return to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs] NITRATES WHAT IS A NITRATE? This drug is used to treat chest pain. Sometimes it is used for heart failure. WHY IS IT NECESSARY? This drug helps the heart work with less oxygen. It also lets more blood flow through the heart. HOW DO IT TAKE IT? Your doctor will tell you when and how many times each day to take this drug. This will be printed on the label of the pill bottle. Do not swallow pills that you must dissolve under your tongue. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is close to the time for your next dose, take only one dose. Take the rest of the doses that day at evenly spaced periods of time. This drug may stop helping you over time. Call your doctor if you no longer feel relief with your normal dose. If you take your pills under your tongue, go to the hospital if the chest pains do not go away after three doses. Do not stop taking your pills or change the way you are taking them without talking to your doctor. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Some drugs may change the way your body responds to other drugs. Food can change the way some drugs act. Ask whether or not you should take your pills with food. If you can not pay for your pills, please tell your doctor. There may be drugs you can take that cost less. Do not borrow from or lend drugs to your friends or family. Keep your pills in the bottle they come in, with the lid closed. Store them in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in the bathroom because it is too moist. When you have three or four days of pills left, get a refill. Do not run out of your pills. If you are not sure about how to take your drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR? If you have any of these signs, call your doctor. Blurred vision. Skin rash. Chest pain that occurs more often or lasts longer. Headaches that occur often. [Return to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs] TYLOX/NARCOTIC ANALGESICS WHAT IS A TYLOX/NARCOTIC ANALGESICS? This drug is used to relieve pain. HOW DO I TAKE IT? Your doctor will tell you when and how many times each day to take this drug. This will be printed on the label on the pill bottle. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is close to the time for your next dose, take only one dose. Do not take both doses. Do not take more doses than your doctor has instructed. Do not drive or use dangerous machines until you know how you feel while taking this drug. Do not stop taking your pills or change the way you are taking them without talking to your doctor. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Some drugs may change the way your body responds to other drugs. Food can change the way some drugs act. Ask whether or not you should take your pills with food. If you can not pay for your pills, please tell your doctor. There may be drugs you can take that cost less. Do not borrow from or lend drugs to your friends or family. Keep your pills in the bottle they come in. Store them in a cool, dry place. Do not keep them in the bathroom because it is too moist. Ask your pharmacist if your prescription is refillable. If you are not sure about how to take your drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR? If you have any of these signs, call your doctor. Nausea, vomiting Feeling sleepy or dizzy Unable to move bowels Skin rash Hard to breathe Pain that is not helped by the drug [Return to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs]