Overview

Most people with heart failure are helped by taking several medicines to protect their heart. Medicines may be used to help you feel better, have a better quality of life, stay out of the hospital, and live longer. It is important to take all your medicines exactly as prescribed to get the best results. They can also cause side effects.

If you think that any of your medicines are causing side effects, talk with your doctor.

What medicines are used for heart failure?

This list includes most of the common medicines used to treat heart failure. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.

• Aldosterone receptor antagonists. These are a type of diuretic. They make the kidneys get rid of extra fluid.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help blood flow. They relax the blood vessels and lower your blood pressure.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) relax the blood vessels and lower your blood pressure.
• Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) medicine relaxes the blood vessels and lowers your blood pressure.
• Beta-blockers can slow the heart rate and decrease blood pressure.
• Diuretics reduce swelling. They do this by helping the kidneys get rid of excess fluid. They are also called water pills.
• Hydralazine. This may be taken with a nitrate to widen blood vessels. It can lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart.
• Ivabradine slows the heart rate.
• SGLT2 inhibitors help remove extra glucose through the urine, lower blood pressure, and help people lose weight.

What should you know about these medicines?

This is not a complete list of medicines used for heart failure. If you have questions about your medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Aldosterone receptor antagonists

Before you start to take an aldosterone receptor antagonist, talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor:

• All of the prescription medicines and natural health products you take.

Side effects include:

• Hair loss.
• An irregular menstrual cycle.
• Tender breasts. This may occur in men who take spironolactone. Call your doctor if you get tender breasts that bother you.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

Before you start to take an ACE inhibitor, talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if:

• You take any anti-inflammatory medicines. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
• You take antacids, potassium pills or a salt substitute, or lithium.
• You take a diuretic.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding or you plan to get pregnant.
• You have kidney disease.

Side effects include:

• A dry cough. If the cough is bad enough to make you stop the medicine, talk to your doctor. You may need to take a different one.
• Feeling light-headed. This may happen when you stand up too fast. It usually gets better with time.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)

Before you start to take an ARB, talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if:

• You take any anti-inflammatory medicines. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
• You take antacids, potassium pills or a salt substitute, or lithium.
• You have kidney disease.
• You take a diuretic.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding or you plan to get pregnant.

Side effects include:

• Feeling light-headed or dizzy. These are the most common side effects.

Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI)

Before you start to take an ARNI, talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if:

• You take any anti-inflammatory medicines. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
• You take antacids, potassium pills or a salt substitute, or lithium.
• You take an ACE inhibitor or an ARB.
• You have kidney or liver problems.
• You take a diuretic.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding or you plan to get pregnant.

Side effects include:

• Feeling light-headed or dizzy. These are the most common side effects.

Beta-blockers

Before you start to take a beta-blocker, talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if:

• You have asthma or diabetes.

Side effects include:

• Feeling dizzy or tired. This usually gets better with time.

Diuretics (water pills)

Before you start to take a diuretic, talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if:

• You take lithium or anti-inflammatory medicines such as Advil or Aleve.

Side effects include:

• Urinating often. Ask your doctor about timing these pills so that you don't have to use the bathroom at a bad time.
• Muscle cramps. This may mean that you are losing too much potassium. It is an important mineral. Call your doctor if you get muscle cramps.

SGLT2 inhibitors

Before you start to take an SGLT2 inhibitor, talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor:

• All of the prescription medicines and natural health products you take.

Side effects include:

• Genital or urinary tract infections.