Patient Education Caring For Your Heart Booklet | Page 21

Side effects may include dizziness,
lightheadedness, unusual tiredness
or weakness, and increased diffi culty
breathing.
ARBs
(Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)
Some patients who cannot take ACE
inhibitors may be on similar medicines
called ARBs. These medicines also relax
the vessels and may help the heart pump
better. ARBs do not usually cause side
effects.
Do not stop taking your beta-blocker
unless your doctor has told you to do so.
Stopping abruptly may be harmful.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Listed are some examples of ARBs.
Generic Name
Candesartan
Losartan
Valsartan
These medicines prevent chest pain
by dilating coronary arteries. They also
control irregular heartbeats and decrease
high blood pressure.
Brand Name
Atacand ®
Cozaar ®
Diovan ®
Side effects may include dizziness,
lightheadedness, headache, unusual
tiredness, fl ushing, swelling of the hands
or feet, and constipation.
Antihypertensives/
Antiarrythmics
Listed are some examples of calcium
channel blockers.
Beta-Blockers
Listed are some examples of
beta-blockers.
Generic Name
Atenolol
Bisoprolol
Carvedilol
Labetalol
Metoprolol
Generic Name
Amlodipine
Diltiazem
Brand Name
Tenormin ®
Zebeta ®
Coreg ®
Normodyne ® ,
Trandate ®
Lopressor ® ,
Toprol-XL ®
Nicardipine
Nifedipine
Beta-blockers slow the heart rate,
resulting in a decreased need for blood
and oxygen to the heart. This reduces
the workload on the heart. They also
help the heart beat more regularly and
help control high blood pressure. After
a heart attack, patients who are able to
take and continue on beta-blockers live
longer.
Verapamil
20
Brand Name
Norvasc ®
Cardizem ® ,
Cardizem ® SR,
Cardizem ® CD,
Dilacor XR ®
Cardene ® ,
Cardene ® SR
Adalat ® , Procardia ® ,
Adalat ® CC,
Procardia XL ®
Isoptin ® ,
Isoptin ® SR,
Verelan ® ,
Covera-HS ®