If you can't find your medication below, click here (http://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/)then enter the name of the medication into the "Drug Search" search box.
Antiplatelet Medications:(https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/treatments/medications/antiplatelet-medications)
Most people who have experienced a heart event are prescribed an antiplatelet medication. Let's break down what that means. Platelets are tiny particles in your blood. Imagine getting a cut on your finger; these platelets race over to the injured area, bind together, and create a clot to halt the bleeding. This is great when you're dealing with a cut on your finger, but not so much when this happens inside your arteries. The clot, essentially a lump of these sticky platelets, can block the blood flow in your arteries, leading to a heart attack or even a stroke. This is where antiplatelet drugs come in. Their job is to make your platelets less likely to clump together and form these dangerous clots. This helps to keep your arteries and any stents (tiny tubes used to keep arteries open) clear and free from blockages.
• Acetylsalicylic Acid / ASA (Aspirin®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,4327-3)) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,4327-3)
• Clopidogrel (Plavix®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11511-7084))(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11511-7084)
• Ticagrelor (Brilinta®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10295-1427)) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10295-1427)
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners):(https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/treatments/medications/anticoagulants)
Anticoagulant medications, sometimes called "blood thinners," don't actually thin your blood, but they do prevent your blood from forming clots too quickly or too easily. When you get a cut, your body forms a clot to stop the bleeding. That's your body's way of preventing you from losing too much blood. This clotting is a normal and necessary process. However, sometimes this clotting process can cause problems inside your body, like in your blood vessels. When blood clots form inside your blood vessels, they can block blood flow. This can lead to serious health issues like strokes and heart attacks. That's why doctors sometimes prescribe medications called anticoagulants. They slow down the body's clotting process and reduce the chance of clots forming in your blood vessels.
These drugs are also called “blood thinners.” They don’t actually thin your blood. But they can help prevent clots from forming.
• Apixaban (Eliquis®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10426-1443)) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10426-1443)
• Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10716-1153)) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10716-1153)
• Edoxaban (Lixiana®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,27361-1674)) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,27361-1674)
• Dabigatran (Pradaxa®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10291-1122))(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10291-1122)
• Warfarin (Coumadin®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10603-6022)
ACE-Inhibitors:(https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/treatments/medications/angiotensin-converting-enzyme-inhibitors)
ACE-inhibitors are a type of medicine often prescribed for conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, or after a heart attack or heart surgery. The term "ACE" stands for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme. Your body has a system, the renin-angiotensin system, which controls blood pressure. This system makes a substance called angiotensin, which can cause blood vessels to tighten or narrow down. This tightening can increase your blood pressure, making your heart work harder than it should. ACE-inhibitors block the creation of angiotensin. So, the blood vessels don't tighten up as much and your blood pressure stays in a healthier range. This is a bit like turning down the volume on a stereo. The music (or in this case, the angiotensin) is still playing, but it's not as loud or powerful, so it doesn't have as much of an impact. With the blood vessels more relaxed and the blood pressure lower, your heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood throughout your body. These medications also reduce the risk of heart attacks, help the heart to heal after a heart attack or heart surgery, and protect the kidneys in people with diabetes.
• Captopril (Capoten) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,9861-7075)
• Cilazapril (Inhibace®)
• Enalapril (Vasotec®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11334-3281)) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11334-3281)
• Fosinopril (Monopril®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11358-1281)) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11358-1281)
• Lisinopril (Prinivil®, Zestril®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10523-9371)) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10523-9371)
• Perindopril (Coversyl®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11432-9281)) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11432-9281)
• Quinapril (Accupril®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11450-1075)) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11450-1075)
• Ramipril (Altace®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11452-4075)) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11452-4075)
• Trandolapril (Mavik®(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11492-281)) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11492-281)
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs):(https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/treatments/medications/angiotensin-receptor-blockers)
ARBs are similar to ACE-Inhibitors. They are also prescribed for conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure. Your body has a system, the renin-angiotensin system, which controls blood pressure. This system makes a substance called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to tighten or narrow down. This tightening can increase your blood pressure, making your heart work harder than it should. ARB medications work by blocking the effect of angiotensin II on the blood vessels. As a result, your blood vessels stay relaxed, and your blood pressure stays lower. This makes it easier for blood to flow, reducing the strain on your heart. These medications also reduce the risk of heart attacks, help the heart to heal after a heart attack or heart surgery, and protect the kidneys in people with diabetes.
• Azilsartan
• Candesartan (Atacand®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11275-372)
• Eprosartan (Teveten®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,19827-544)
• Irbesartan (Avapro®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11257-9372)
• Losartan (Cozaar®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10532-8372)
• Olmesartan (Olmetec®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11648-251)
• Telmisartan (Micardis®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11481-7372)
• Valsartan (Diovan®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11607-6372)
Beta-Blockers:(https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/treatments/medications/beta-blockers)
If you’re running away from Zombies, adrenaline (the "fight or flight" hormone), attaches to tiny receptors in your heart and blood vessels, and makes your heart beat faster and harder. If you're exercising or feeling stressed or scared, your heart beats faster. If you're resting, it beats slower. Beta-blockers work by reducing the impact of the signals that make your heart beat faster and harder. Beta-blockers attach to the receptors and block them, which prevents chemicals like adrenaline from making your heart beat too fast or too hard. This means your heart doesn't have to work as hard, and your blood pressure goes down. Doctors often prescribe beta-blockers to people with high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, heart failure, after a heart attack, or after heart surgery. These medications can help protect the heart and improve its function over time.
• Acebutolol (Monitan®, Sectral®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,15882-454)
• Atenolol (Tenormin®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,9797-5353)
• Bisoprolol (Monocor®)(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,9837-602)
• Carvedilol (Coreg®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10496-5168)
• Labetalol (Trandate®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11370-1168)
• Metoprolol (Betaloc®, Lopresor®,(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11401-6353) Lopresor-SR®)(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11624-7168)
• Nadolol (Corgard®)(https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10551-459)
• Pindolol (Visken®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,25900-476)
• Propranolol (Inderal®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10579-9168)
• Timolol (Blocadren®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,29907-562)
Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs):(https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/treatments/medications/calcium-channel-blockers)
In your body, there are numerous channels that allow different substances to enter and exit your cells. One of these is the calcium channel. Calcium is a mineral that's crucial for many body functions, including the way your heart and blood vessels work. When your heart beats, it's because of electrical signals that are generated and spread throughout the heart. Calcium plays a big role in creating these signals. When more calcium enters the heart cells, your heart beats with more force and your blood vessels can tighten up. Calcium Channel Blockers are medications that 'block' or reduce the amount of calcium that can enter the heart's cells and the walls of the blood vessels. This makes your heart beat less forcefully and helps your blood vessels relax and widen. Two Calcium Channel Blockers, Diltiazem and Verapamil, also slow the pulse rate, but the others do not affect the pulse rate.
• Amlodipine (Norvasc®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,9781-9010)
• Diltiazem (Cardiazem®, Tiazac®, Tiazac® XC ) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11507-1225)
• Felodipine (Plendil®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,19342-4010)
• Nifedipine XL (Adalat XL®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11413-2010)
• Verapamil (Isoptin®, Isoptin® SR, Verelan®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11503-7010)
Aldosterone Antagonists:(https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/treatments/medications/aldosterone-antagonists)
Aldosterone antagonists are diuretics or “water pills.” Aldosterone is a hormone produced by your body that helps control the balance of salt and water. This balance is crucial because it directly affects your blood pressure. If your body produces too much aldosterone your body will hold onto too much salt and water, which can raise your blood pressure. High blood pressure can put extra strain on your heart and can lead to heart disease. Aldosterone antagonists are a type of medication that helps block the effects of aldosterone. By blocking aldosterone, these drugs help your body get rid of excess salt and water through urine. This in turn helps lower your blood pressure and takes some of the strain off your heart.
• Eplerenone (Inspra) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,29220-8078)
• Spironolactone (Aldactone) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10589-67)
Statins and Other Cholesterol-Lowering Medications: (https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/treatments/medications/other-cholesterol-lowering-medications)
Our bodies naturally produce a substance called cholesterol. There are two types: 'bad' cholesterol, known as LDL, and 'good' cholesterol, known as HDL. LDL cholesterol can build up in the walls of your arteries, the big tubes that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. This build-up forms a kind of plaque, making the arteries narrower and less flexible - a condition called atherosclerosis. If the plaque gets big enough, it can block the artery and put you at risk of heart attacks or strokes. This is where statins come in. These are drugs that help lower the level of 'bad' cholesterol in your body. They do this by slowing down the production of cholesterol by your liver, the organ that produces most of your body's cholesterol. By keeping 'bad' cholesterol in check, statins help prevent plaque build-up in your arteries. This helps to keep your blood flowing smoothly. Not only that, but statins can also help stabilize the lining of our blood vessels, making them less likely to be damaged, and reducing the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
Statins (https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/treatments/medications/statins)
• Atorvastatin (Lipitor®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10484-284)
• Fluvastatin (Lescol®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11356-5092)
• Lovastatin (Mevacor®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11383-92)
• Pravastatin (Pravachol®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10571-7092)
• Rosuvastatin (Crestor®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11678-4284)
• Simvastatin (Zocor®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11470-1092)
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
• Ezetimibe (Ezetrol®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11608-5284)
Fibrates
• Bezafibrate (Bezalip®)
• Fenofibrate (Lipidil®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11664-4092)
• Gemfibrozil (Lopid®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11361-9092)
Niacin (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,20769-126)
Resins (bile acid sequestrates)
• Cholestyramine (Questran®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,9906-714)
• Colestipol (Colestid®) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11506-8111)
Antiarrhythmics:(https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/treatments/medications/antiarrhythmics)
You know how a clock keeps time with a steady, regular tick-tock? Your heart is similar. It has a specific rhythm to how it beats - a steady lub-dub, lub-dub - to pump blood around your body. Sometimes, the rhythm of the heart can get off track. This can be like a clock that starts ticking too fast, too slow, or just irregularly. In your heart, these abnormal rhythms are called arrhythmias, and they can make it hard for your heart to pump blood effectively. This is where antiarrhythmic drugs come into play. These medications help get your heart back on its steady rhythm. You could think of them as the conductor of an orchestra, bringing all the different parts back into a coordinated, harmonious pattern.
By helping to regulate your heart's rhythm, antiarrhythmic drugs allow it to pump blood more effectively. This ensures that all parts of your body get the oxygen and nutrients they need from your blood, which is crucial for your overall health.
Sodium Channel Blockers
Your heart is a pretty amazing organ. It works like a pump, sending blood all around your body, and to do this, it needs to beat in a regular and controlled rhythm. Now, this rhythm is controlled by electrical signals in your heart, which flow through 'channels.' One of these channels is for sodium, a type of element. Sometimes, these signals can go a bit haywire and cause your heart to beat irregularly. This is known as an arrhythmia. That's where sodium channel blockers come in. These medications work by blocking or reducing the flow of sodium ions through the sodium channels in your heart. Why sodium? Because it's part of the electrical signals that regulate your heart's rhythm. When sodium channel blockers reduce the flow of sodium, they slow down the electrical signals in your heart. This can help return your heart to a normal rhythm if it's been beating too fast or irregularly.
• Disopyramide (Rhythmodan) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,20752-85)
• Quinidine (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,27498-70)
• Mexiletine (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10544-145)
• Flecainide (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11712-9070)
• Propafenone (Rythmol) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,19293-4070)
Potassium Channel Blockers
Potassium channel blockers are medications used to help regulate your heart's rhythm. They're called 'channel blockers' because they work on tiny pathways, or 'channels,' in the cells of your heart. These channels are what allow potassium, a type of mineral in your body, to move in and out of your heart cells. Why does that matter? Well, the movement of potassium in and out of these cells plays a big role in how your heart beats. By blocking these channels, these medications can slow down the electrical signals that cause your heart to beat. This helps to restore a regular rhythm.
• Amiodarone (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,11241-7070)
• Dronedarone (Multaq) (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,14051-1217)
• Sotalol (https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/Library/DrugReference/DrugSearch/208,10588-3013)
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