Diuretics
Heart failure will cause the body to hold onto fluid . Diuretics , or water pills , work by helping the body to remove excess fluid . When there is too much fluid in your body , the heart has to work harder . When you take a diuretic , you will have fewer symptoms .
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Do not take extra diuretic pills unless directed by your doctor .
Do not increase your fluid intake when you are taking diuretics .
Diuretics
Generic Name |
Brand Name |
Furosemide |
Lasix ® |
Chlorothiazide |
Diuril ® |
Hydrochlorothiazide ( HCTZ ) |
HydroDIURIL ® |
Bumetanide |
Bumex ® |
Torsemide |
Demadex ® |
Metolazone |
Zaroxolyn ® |
Chlorthalidone |
Hygroton ® |
Some diuretics help the kidneys to produce more urine without losing too much potassium . These are called potassium-sparing diuretics .
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Generic Name |
Brand Name |
Spironolactone |
Aldactone ® |
Eplerenone |
Inspra ® |
Combinations of diuretics include Dyazide ® ( triamterene and HCTZ ) and Aldactazide ® ( spironolactone and HCTZ ).
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers slow the heart rate , which decreases the heart ’ s need for blood and oxygen . This reduces the heart ’ s workload . Beta-blockers also help the heart beat more regularly and control blood pressure .
Beta-Blockers
Generic Name |
Brand Name |
Carvedilol |
Coreg ®, Coreg CR ® |
Metoprolol |
Lopressor ®, Toprol ® |
Bisoprolol |
Zebeta ® |
Angiotensin Receptor- Neprilysin Inhibitor
Entresto ® ( sacubitril and valsartan ) is an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor ( ARNI ). This medication has 2 medicines combined in 1 pill and may be used for certain types of heart failure . It works by relaxing blood vessels to improve the flow of blood , reduce sodium ( salt ) retention and decrease the strain on the heart muscle .
Digoxin
Digoxin , also called Lanoxin ® or digitalis , increases the pumping strength of the heart and helps to control heart rhythm .
Nitrates ( Vasodilators )
These drugs are best known for relaxing the arteries of the heart to decrease chest pain , but they also help relax the heart muscle and veins to reduce congestion .
Call 911 if you do not get relief from chest pain within 15 minutes after taking your nitrate .
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