Sara Paul DNP, FNP
Catawba Valley Cardiology
Conover, NC
Heart Failure Medications
1. ACE inhibitor/ARB
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Iisinopril
enalapril
quinapril
benazapril
losartan
valsartan
Entresto (new)
2. Beta blocker
– carvedilol or metoprolol
3. Aldosterone blocker
– spironolactone or
eplerenone
4,5. Hydralazine/isosorbide
6. Digoxin
7. Diuretic (“water pill”)
– furosemide, bumetanide,
torsemide, metolazone
8. Corlanor (new)
Other common medicines heart patients take:
• Blood pressure pill(s)
• Cholesterol lowering pill
• Blood thinner
– warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto,
Pradaxa, etc
• If stents
– clopidogrel, Brillinta
• Aspirin
• Diabetes medicine
– Pills, injections
• Arthritis/pain medicine
• Allergy pill
• Chronic pain pill
• Your chance of having a medication problem is
increased if:
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You take 5 or more drugs.
You take drugs for 3 or more health problems.
You get prescriptions from more than one provider.
You got prescriptions during a recent stay in the
hospital.
• The word for taking multiple medications is
“polypharmacy”
• It is important to know the name and purpose of each
medication that you are prescribed
 Always carry a list of your medications or bring your
medicines with you to appointments
 Sometimes the instructions on the bottle are not the same as your
provider has instructed, ie sometimes when changing dosage of
medicine
 Ask your provider the PURPOSE of medications
 Ask your provider HOW to take your medications
 Tell your provider if you are taking any non-prescription
medicines
 Many medications have more than one effect
 All medications have a brand name and a generic name
• Know what your medications look like
– Pharmacies buy medications in bulk
– The same medication may be different colors if they
are made by a different manufacturer
• VERY IMPORTANT POINT:
– Do not expect your doctor or nurse to know what
color your pills are!!
– Always use the name of the pill, even if you have to
spell it
• How should you schedule your medications
throughout the day?
Taking too many medications at one time can sometimes
cause fatigue, dizziness or stomach upset
Some medications must be taken with food or on an
empty stomach. The pill bottle should state that.
Some medicines have a timed release, usually 12 or 24
hours
Once-a-day medicines can often be taken any time of
day, just take at the same time each day
• What is the best way to make sure
medications are taken correctly?
– Bring your pills with you to appointments
– Weekly pill box with morning, afternoon & night
slots
– ? Turn pill bottle upside down after taking pill
– Pill reminder apps on mobile phone or iPad
– Medication tracking sheets
PATIENT MEDICATION CHART
Heart Failure Clinic
Patient Name:
Date
Medication
Dosage
• What should you do if you suspect a side
effect?
– Try to identify which pill you think is causing the
problem
– Set the medication aside and contact your
provider right away
– Do not wait until your next appointment
– Do not stop the medication without instructions
from your provider
• What should you do if you are having difficulty
affording all of your medications?
– TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER!!
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May be able to change to a less expensive drug
May help with samples (not long term)
Pharmaceutical assistance programs
May be able to discontinue a drug
• How can I get more information about
taking my medications?
– https://www.consumerreports.org/health/resources/pdf
– http://www.mustforseniors.org/documents/must_juggling.pdf
– http://www.webmd.com/interaction-checker/