Heart failure patients may need multiple medications. Each one treats a different symptom or contributing factor and comes with its own instructions and rules. Show
You and your caregivers should work with your healthcare team to understand the medications and when, how often and in what dosage to take them. It’s important to discuss all of the drugs you take with your doctor (or other healthcare providers) and understand their desired effects and possible side effects. Your doctor and your pharmacist are your best sources of information. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions about your medicines. It's critical that people with heart failure take their medications exactly as directed by their healthcare provider, to optimize the benefits. The use of these drugs has saved lives, prolonged life and improved the heart’s function. Download a medication tracker (PDF) The following list gives you a quick look at many typical medications to treat heart failure at different stages. Your prescription may have a different name from the ones listed here. Brand names commonly available in the United States are shown in parentheses after the generic name for each drug. Patients taking ACE-i and ARBs who contract COVID-19 should continue treatment, unless otherwise advised by their physician *Some of the major types of commonly prescribed heart failure medications are summarized in this section. For your information and reference, we have included generic names as well as major trade names to help you identify what you may be taking; however, the AHA is not recommending or endorsing any specific products. If your prescription medication isn’t on this list, remember that your healthcare provider and pharmacist are your best sources of information. It’s important to discuss all of the drugs you take with your doctor and understand their desired effects and possible side effects. Never stop taking a medication and never change your dose or frequency without first consulting your doctor. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) InhibitorsCommonly prescribed include:
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (or Inhibitors)(Also known as ARBs or Angiotensin-2 Receptor Antagonists) Commonly prescribed include:
Angiotensin-Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNIs)ARNIs are a new drug combination of a neprilysin inhibitor and an ARB.
If Channel Blocker (or inhibitor)This drug class reduces the heart rate, similar to another class of drugs called beta blockers.
Beta Blockers (Also known as Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents)Commonly prescribed include:
Aldosterone AntagonistsCommonly prescribed include:
Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate (specifically benefits African-Americans with heart failure)Commonly prescribed:
Diuretics (Also known as water pills)Commonly prescribed include:
What this type of medication does:
Other medications that might be prescribedYour doctor may also prescribe other less commonly used drugs depending on your additional health problems. These drugs include:
Additional medication information:
Watch, Learn and Live See your cardiovascular system in action with our interactive illustrations and animations. Explore the Library Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. What should you be on an alert for in a patient who is on furosemide and why?FDA warning: Dehydration risk
Furosemide is a strong diuretic (water pill) that helps your body get rid of excess water. It does this by increasing the amount of urine your body makes. If you take too much of this drug, it can lead to very low amounts of water and electrolytes in your body. This can cause dehydration.
What should you monitor when giving furosemide?Monitor daily weight, intake and output ratios, amount and location of edema, lung sounds, skin turgor, and mucous membranes. Notify health care professional if thirst, dry mouth, lethargy, weakness, hypotension, or oliguria occurs. Monitor BP and pulse before and during administration.
Which action does furosemide have on a patient with heart failure?Furosemide is given to help treat fluid retention (edema) and swelling that is caused by congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, or other medical conditions. It works by acting on the kidneys to increase the flow of urine.
What should a nurse teach patient about furosemide?Patient/Family Teaching
Instruct patient to take furosemide as directed. Take missed doses as soon as possible; do not double doses. Caution patient to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension.
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