What is diltiazem, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Diltiazem is a drug that is used for treating heart pain (angina), high blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms. It belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which includes amlodipine (Norvasc), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia) as well as …
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What is atenolol? How is atenolol used? Atenolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that blocks the effects of adrenergic chemicals, for example, adrenaline or epinephrine, released by nerves of the sympathetic nervous system. One of the important function of beta-adrenergic nerves is to stimulate the heart muscle to beat more rapidly. By blocking the stimulation by these nerves, atenolol reduces …
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What is digoxin, and how does it work? Digoxin increases the strength and efficiency of heart contractions, and is useful in the treatment of heart failure and control the rate and rhythm of the heart. It is extracted from the leaves of a plant called digitalis lanata. Digoxin increases the force of contraction of the muscle of the heart by …
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Plavix (clopidogrel) vs. Coumadin (warfarin): What’s the difference? Clopidogrel and warfarin are blood thinners used to prevent blood clots. A brand name for clopidogrel is Plavix. Brand names for warfarin include Coumadin and Jantoven. Side effects of clopidogrel and warfarin that are similar include increased bleeding, rash, and diarrhea. Side effects of clopidogrel that are different from warfarin include itching, …
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Clopidogrel vs. heparin: What’s the difference? Clopidogrel and heparin are blood thinners used to prevent blood clots. A brand name for clopidogrel is Plavix. Brand names for heparin include Hemochron, Hep-Lock, Hep-Lock U/P, Heparin in 5% Dextrose, Heparin Lock Flush, and HepFlush-10. Side effects of clopidogrel and heparin that are similar include bleeding and allergic reactions. Side effects of clopidogrel …
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What is Effient and how is it used? Effient is indicated to reduce the rate of thrombotic cardiovascular (CV) events (including stent thrombosis) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are to be managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as follows: Patients with unstable angina (UA) or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) when managed …
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Lasix (furosemide) vs. bumetanide: What’s the difference? Lasix (furosemide) and bumetanide are potent diuretics (water pills) used treat excess accumulation of fluid or swelling of the body (edema) caused by heart failure, kidney disease, chronic kidney failure, or liver disease. Lasix is also used with other high blood pressure medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), and bumetanide is used …
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Lasix (furosemide) vs. Demadex (torsemide): What’s the difference? Lasix (furosemide) and Demadex (torsemide) are diuretics (water pills) used to treat edema (water retention) due to congestive heart failure, kidney disease, chronic kidney failure, or liver disease. Lasix and Demadex are also used with other high blood pressure medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lasix is a brand name for …
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Aldactone vs. Lasix: What’s the difference? Aldactone (spironolactone) and Lasix (furosemide) are types of diuretics used to remove excess fluid from the body in congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease. Aldactone also is used to counteract the effects of excessive adrenal aldosterone production (hyperaldosteronism). Side effects of Aldactone and that are similar include diarrhea, rash, and …
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Lipitor vs. Niacin: What’s the difference? Lipitor (atorvastatin) and niacin (nicotinic acid, vitamin B3) are used to lowers cholesterol levels in the blood. Lipitor and niacin belong to different drug classes. Lipitor is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (a “statin” drug) and niacin is a nutrient. Brand names for niacin include Niacor, Niaspan, Slo-Niacin, and Nicolar. Side effects of Lipitor and …
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