Medicines called "angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors ("ACE inhibitors") or "angiotensin receptor blockers" ("ARBs")Medicines called "calcium channel blockers"Medicines called "beta blockers"
This article has only some basic information on these medicines. For more detailed information about your medicines, ask your doctor or nurse for information from Lexicomp, available through UpToDate. The Lexicomp hand-outs explain how to use and store your medicines. They also list possible side effects and warn you if your medicines should not be taken with certain other medicines or foods. ‚
Diuretics " ” Diuretics are sometimes called "water pills," because they make you urinate more than usual. Some examples of diuretics include chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide (also known as HCTZ), and furosemide (brand name: Lasix). ‚
ACE inhibitors and ARBs " ” ACE inhibitors and ARBs are often grouped together, because they work in similar ways. These medicines can help prevent kidney disease. Doctors often prescribe them for people with diabetes, because people with diabetes have a higher-than-average risk of kidney disease. ‚
Some examples of ACE inhibitors include enalapril, captopril, and lisinopril. Some examples of ARBs include candesartan (brand name: Atacand) and valsartan (brand name: Diovan). ‚
Calcium channel blockers " ” Some examples of calcium channel blockers include amlodipine (brand name: Norvasc), felodipine (brand name: Plendil), and diltiazem (brand name: Cardizem). These medicines also help prevent chest pain caused by heart disease. ‚
Beta blockers " ” Besides lowering blood pressure, beta blockers help reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. Studies show that people who take a beta blocker after a heart attack are less likely to have another heart attack or die than people who don't take a beta blocker. Studies also show that people with heart failure who take beta blockers live longer than people with heart failure who don't. ‚
When people first start taking beta-blockers, they sometimes feel tired. That is just while the body gets used to the medicine. But once the body gets used to beta blockers, the medicines can really help. If your doctor prescribes a beta blocker, give it a little time to start working. ‚
Some examples of beta blockers include atenolol (brand name: Tenormin), metoprolol (brand names: Lopressor, Toprol-XL), and propranolol (brand name: Inderal LA). ‚
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. ‚
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. ‚
Topic 16234 Version 5.0 ‚
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 ‚
‚ © 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. ‚
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table 1Tips on taking medicinesView Largetable 1Tips on taking medicines
To get the most out of your medicines, follow these tips:
Take your medicines every day, as instructed, and at the same time every day.
Use tools, such as a daily or weekly pill box, to organize your medicines.
Keep your medicine containers in a place you will see them every day.
Create reminders for yourself to take your medicines. Try using a calendar, smart phone app, a digital watch, or whatever method might work for you.
Read the prescription label and printed patient information that comes with each medicine.
Do not skip pills, change doses, or take extra pills unless your doctor tells you to. The dose your doctor prescribes takes into account your age, weight, health problems, and other medicines you take.
Learn the names of how each of your medicines, how each works, and why you take it. People who understand their medicines are more likely to stay on them.
Learn what each of your medicines looks like (shape, size, color). When you get a refill, you might get a new generic version that looks different from the last time. That is OK as long as the new medicine has the same ingredient as the one it is replacing. If you are worried about a refill looking different, talk to your pharmacist.
Tell your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have. He or she might have ways to reduce or get rid of the side effects.
Tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you cant afford your medicines. There are often ways to reduce costs.
Make a list of all the medicines you take and keep one copy at home and one in your wallet.
Bring a bag containing ALL your medicines with you to your doctor's office. Have your doctor or nurse go over them with you.
Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before you take any cough, cold, allergy, pain, or other extra medicines. The same goes for supplements and herbal medicines. Over-the-counter and herbal medicines can interact with prescription medicines.
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This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. ‚ ©2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. ‚
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‚ © 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. ‚