medications of the heart

ACE inhibitor drugs

Produce vasodilation and decrease blood pressure by inhibiting the angiotensin converting enzyme.

benazepril

An ACE inhibitor drug, also known as Lotensin.

captopril

An ACE inhibitor drug, also known as Capoten.

antiarrhythmic

Reduces or prevents cardiac arrhythmias.

flecainide

An antiarrhythmic drug, also known as Tambocor.

ibutilide

An antiarrhythmic drug, also known as Covert.

anticoagulant

Prevent blood clot formation.

heparin

An anticoagulant commonly used to prevent blood clots.

warfarin

An anticoagulant also known as Coumadin.

antilipidemic

Reduces amount of cholesterol and lipids in the bloodstream; treats hyperlipidemia.

atorvastatin

An antilipidemic drug, also known as Lipitor.

simvastatin

An antilipidemic drug, also known as Zocor.

antiplatelet agents

Inhibits the ability of platelets to clump together as part of a blood clot.

clopidogrel

An antiplatelet agent, also known as Plavix.

aspirin

An antiplatelet agent used to prevent clots, also used with ticlopidine known as Ticlid.

beta-blocker drugs

Treats hypertension and angina pectoris by lowering the heart rate.

metoprolol

A beta-blocker drug, also known as Lopressor.

propranolol

A beta-blocker drug, also known as Inderal.

calcium channel blocker drugs

Treats hypertension, angina pectoris, and congestive heart failure by reducing heart rate and contractility.

diltiazem

A calcium channel blocker, also known as Cardizem.

nifedipine

A calcium channel blocker, also known as Procardia.

cardiotonic

Increases the force of cardiac muscle contraction; treats congestive heart failure.

digoxin

A cardiotonic drug, also known as Lanoxin.

diuretic

Increases urine production by the kidneys, reducing blood volume and pressure.

furosemide

A diuretic commonly known as Lasix.

thrombolytic

Dissolves existing blood clots.

tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA)

A thrombolytic agent, also known as alteplase or Activase.

vasoconstrictor

Contracts smooth muscle in blood vessels, raising blood pressure.

metaraminol

A vasoconstrictor drug, also known as Aramine.

vasodilator

Relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels, increasing diameter and reducing blood pressure.

nitroglycerine

A vasodilator used to treat angina, also known as Nitro-Dur.

isoxsuprine

A vasodilator used to increase circulation, also known as Vasodilan