Medication Class

Common Drugs in Category Common Side Effects Tell your doctor if...

Angiotensin

converting

enzyme

inhibitors (ACEis)

Angiotensin

receptor

blockers (ARBs)

ACE-inhibitors: Lisinopril

(Zestril), Quinapril (Accupril),

Captopril (Capoten), Enalapril

(Vasotec), Ramipril (Altace),

Benazepril (Lotensin)

ARBs: Losartan (Cozaar),

Valsartan (Diovan), Irbesartan

(Avapro), Olmesartan,

Candesartan, Telmisartan

Low blood pressure,

dizziness, headache, dry

cough

Dizziness or fainting, signs of

high potassium (weakness,

irregular heartbeat, numbness or

tingling, feeling of passing out),

cough that does not go away

Beta Blockers Non-Selective: Propranolol

(Inderal), Carvedilol (Coreg),

Labetalol (Trandate), Sotalol

Selective: Metoprolol

succinate/tartrate (Toprol XL,

Lopressor), Atenolol, Bisoprolol

Non-Selective:

Fatigue, Diarrhea,

Dizziness

Selective:

Slow heart rate, Dizziness,

Fatigue

Very slow heart rate (less than 50

BPM), feeling cold, very bad

dizziness or feeling of passing

out, low mood (depression),

shortness of breath, a big weight

gain, swelling in arms and legs

FACT SHEET: Heart Disease Medications

Calcium Channel

Blockers

DHP CCB: Amlodipine

(Norvasc), Nifedipine (Procardia)

Non-DHP CCB: Diltiazem,

Verapamil (calan, verelan)

Dizziness, headache,

constipation, flushing*,

swelling in fingers and

toes*

*specific to DHP CCB

agents

Severe lightheadedness, fainting,

chest pain or abnormal

heartbeat*, signs of liver

problems (dark urine, feeling

tired, stomach pain, yellow skin

or eyes)**, shortness of breath or

a big weight gain

*specific to DHP CCB agents

**specific to non-DHP CCB

agents

Diuretics Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ),

Furosemide (lasix),

Spironolactone (Aldactone),

Eplerenone (Inspra)

Muscle weakness*,

irregular heart rhythm, low

blood pressure*

*caused by HCTZ and

Furosemide

Signs of fluid and electrolyte

problems (mood changes,

confusion, muscle pain or

weakness), fever or chills,

abnormal tingling or numbness,

feeling very tired or weakness

Nitrates Nitroglycerin (NitroStat),

Isosorbide mononitrate (ISMO),

Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)

Dizziness, fainting,

headache, low blood

pressure

Severe facial redness (flushing),

persistent severe headache, fast

or slow heartbeat, very upset

stomach or throwing up

Regarding Nitroglycerin

(NitroStat): contact emergency

services (911) if you have not

experienced relief or experience

worsened chest pain/discomfort

5 minutes after taking your first

dose

Hydralazine Apresoline Headache, loose stools,

upset stomach or throwing

up

Feeling tired or weak, joint or

muscle pain, rapid heartbeat

Minoxidil Loniten Elongation, thickening and

enhanced pigmentation of

fine body hair

(hypertrichosis), fluid and

salt buildup, dizziness

Consistent fluid buildup,

shortness of breath, dizziness or

passing out

Statins Atorvastatin (Lipitor),

Rosuvastatin (Crestor),

simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin

(Pravachol)

Muscle cramps, headache,

upset stomach, weakness

Unexplained muscle pain,

tenderness, signs of liver

problems (dark urine, feeling

tired, stomach pain, yellow skin

or eyes

Aspirin Bayer, Ecotrin, Baby Aspirin Stomach ulcers, bruising,

increased risk of bleeding,

Signs of bleeding (throwing up

blood or throw up that looks like

ringing in ears coffee grounds), Feeling

confused, very bad headache

Clopidogrel Plavix Bleeding (bleeding of

gums and increased

bruising)

Unanticipated, prolonged, or

excessive bleeding, Chest pain

or pressure, Abnormal heartbeat

The table above provides information about common heart-related medications, how they work, their side effects and

any issue you should let you doctor know about. Knowing these things about your medications can improve your heart

health.

If you have any further questions, please contact REACH MTM at 1-855-815-1897 to discuss these medications with a

pharmacist.