Are you taking medicines to help your heart?
Your heart acts as the pump to circulate the blood in your body, so it is very important to
maintain heart health. The best way to help the heart in everyday life is to have a healthy diet and
exercise regularly.
As we age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Diabetes are just some of the problems that
can affect cardiovascular function and medicine is used to maintain your cardiovascular health.
The table below has just some examples of adverse effects of common medicines.
Your doctor, pharmacist or nurse is always available for to answer your questions.
Medicines to treat
Blood Pressure
The most common
class of drugs is called
“ACE Inhibitor”
enalapril,
fosinopril,
lisinipril,
ramipril
Beta blockers
(atenolol, carvedilol
metoprolol, sotolol)
Arrhythmia,
the most common drug
is amiodarone
Cholesterol,
common drugs are
Lipex, Lipitor,
Pravastatin and Zocor
Atrial Fibrillation,
the most common drug
is warfarin
Stoke prevention, the
most common drug is
low dose aspirin
Common adverse effects
When taken with diabetes medicine can
further reduce blood glucose levels (BGL)
When taken with non steroidal antiinflammatory (NSAIDS) drugs, can affect
your kidney function and increase your
blood pressure
When taken with non steroidal antiinflammatory (NSAIDS)* drugs and fluid
tablets can reduce your kidney function
When taken with non prescription
medicines that contain salt, can increase
blood pressure
When taken with potassium supplements
can cause increased potassium levels
Can cause a dry cough
When taken with other medicines that
reduce blood pressure, can cause dizziness
Can cause asthma-like symptoms or cold
hands and feet
Can affect thyroid function, vision and
causes photosensitivity
Can increase levels of Lanoxin when taken
together
If liver function is reduced, there is more
risk of adverse effects
When taken with antidepressant medication
can increase risk of adverse effects
When taken with grapefruit can have
increased blood levels and more risk of
adverse effects
There are many drugs, foods, such as green
leafy vegetables and vitamins such as
ginkgo, fish oil that interact with warfarin
so it is important to continually monitor
your INR
When taken with non-steroidal antiinflammatories (NSAIDs) or warfarin, there
is an increased risk of bruising, bleeding
What to do
Monitor BGL
Take these pain relievers only on
the advice of your doctor and
have your blood pressure checked
regularly
Take these pain relievers only on
the advice of your doctor and
monitor kidney function
Always read the label of non
prescription medicine and avoid
salt if possible
Avoid these supplements, check
with your doctor
Report any cough to doctor
Take care when standing up and
report dizziness to your doctor
Report any symptoms to your
doctor
Discuss any symptoms with your
doctor and always wear sunscreen
Discuss any nausea or loss of
appetite with your doctor
Discuss any muscle pain with
your doctor
Regularly monitor your INR,
notify your doctor if bruising or
bleeding occurs
Notify your doctor if bruising or
bleeding occurs
*If you have been diagnosed with Heart Failure do not take NSAIDS
If you have concerns about your medicines, ask your doctor for a
Home Medicines Review and your pharmacist can visit you at home.
For more information on medicines: www.mydr.com.au
www.nps.org.au
Prepared by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch
www.guild.org.au
84 Christie St., St Leonards 2065
02 9467 7124