Cardiology Medication Stems

A collection of cardiology-related drug stems, their pharmacological classes, therapeutic indications, and common side effects.

-olol

• Class: Beta-blockers

• For: Hypertension, angina, heart conditions

• Side effects: Bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, cold extremities; may mask hypoglycemia

-pril

• Class: ACE inhibitors

• For: Hypertension, heart failure

• Side effects: Dry cough, hyperkalemia, hypotension, angioedema, kidney problems

-sartan

• Class: ARBs

• For: Hypertension, heart failure, diabetic kidney disease

• Side effects: Hyperkalemia, dizziness, hypotension; less cough than ACE inhibitors

-dipine

• Class: DHP calcium channel blockers

• For: Hypertension, angina

• Side effects: Peripheral edema, flushing, headache, dizziness, reflex tachycardia

-alol

• Class: Some beta-blockers / alpha + beta blockers

• For: Hypertension and certain arrhythmias

• Side effects: Bradycardia, hypotension, dizziness; some can cause QT prolongation

-semide

• Class: Loop diuretics

• For: Edema, heart failure, hypertension

• Side effects: Hypokalemia, dehydration, hypotension, ototoxicity

-etanide

• Class: Loop diuretics

• For: Edema, especially from heart/kidney/liver problems

• Side effects: Hypokalemia, dehydration, hypotension, ototoxicity

-thiazide

• Class: Thiazide diuretics

• For: Hypertension, edema

• Side effects: Hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia/gout, photosensitivity

-renone

• Class: Aldosterone antagonists / potassium-sparing diuretics

• For: Hypertension, heart failure

• Side effects: Hyperkalemia; spironolactone can cause gynecomastia

-zolamide

• Class: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

• For: Glaucoma, altitude sickness; some are used as adjuncts for seizures

• Side effects: Tingling/paresthesia, metallic taste, increased urination; possible sulfa reaction

-azosin

• Class: Alpha-1 blockers

• For: Hypertension, BPH

• Side effects: First-dose orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, fainting

-grel

• Class: Antiplatelet drugs

• For: Prevent blood clots/heart attack/stroke

• Side effects: Bleeding, bruising, GI upset

-parin

• Class: Heparin anticoagulants

• For: Prevent/treat blood clots

• Side effects: Bleeding, HIT, injection-site bruising

-xaban

• Class: Factor Xa inhibitors / DOACs

• For: DVT, PE, stroke prevention in certain patients

• Side effects: Bleeding

-vastatin

• Class: Statins

• For: High cholesterol; cardiovascular disease prevention

• Side effects: Muscle pain/myopathy, elevated liver enzymes; rare rhabdomyolysis

-fibrate

• Class: Fibrates

• For: High triglycerides

• Side effects: GI upset, gallstones, myopathy

-coles

• Class: Bile acid sequestrants

• For: High cholesterol

• Side effects: Constipation, bloating; can decrease absorption of other drugs/vitamins

-cumab

• Class: PCSK9 inhibitors

• For: High cholesterol, cardiovascular risk reduction

• Side effects: Injection-site reactions, flu-like symptoms