Heart Circulation System

Medical Summaries

This page lists the side-effects of certain
prescription heart drugs. Here is a summary
listing of current human heart medications by class,
with generic names, brand names, and some
side effects. This page is offered as a
starting point for further research.



Sometimes they give you the Brand Name.
Sometimes they give you the generic name.
Sometimes they give you the Other Brand name.
Sometimes they Capitalize the generic name.
Sometimes they don't capitalize the brand name.
Drive you nuts? Me too. I hope the list below helps a little.

  1. Blood Pressure Reduction

Legal Problems

ACE Inhibitors

ACE Inhibitor Birth Defects

Alpha Agonists

Alpha Blockers

Cardura Class Action Lawsuit

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

Diuretics

  2. Antiarrhythmics (some of which are also #1. above)

Class 1 

Sodium Channel Blockers - Rhythm?

Class 2 

Beta Blockers - Rate?

Coreg Class Action Lawsuit

Class 3 

Potassium Channel Blockers - Rhythm?

Amiodarone Class Action Lawsuits

Class 4 

Calcium Channel Blockers - Rate?

Cardizem Class Action Lawsuit

  3. Cholesterol Lowering

chloestyramine, statins

Statin Class Action Lawsuits

  4. Blood Thinners

aspirin, plavix, warfarin
aprotinin, heparin

Plavix Class Action Lawsuits
Trasylol Class Action Lawsuits

  5. Rate Control

digitalis preparations

  6. Vasodilators

nitroglycerin, etc.

  7. Non-heart Drugs that Cause Heart Attacks

Bextra (NSAID- cox-2 inhibitor)
Celebrex (NSAID- cox-2 inhibitor)
Vioxx (NSAID- cox-2 inhibitor)

Bextra Recall
Celebrex Recall
Vioxx Recall

.
1. Blood Pressure Reduction - Hypertension Treatment

ACE Inhibitors - Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibition
(ACE Inhibitors are derived from the venom of the Brazilian Pit Viper.)

ACE Inhibitor Birth Defects

generic name
( -pril)

Brand Name

Action/ Note

Side Effects

benazepril

Lotensin

#73 Selling Drug 2004

Cough, headache, dizziness, drowsiness,

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
hoarseness,
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
lightheadedness,
fainting,
rash,
yellowing of the skin or eyes,
fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection

benazepril combo
(plus amlodipine)

Lotrel

-

-

Novartis
#74 Selling Drug 2006

-

captopril

Capoten

#150 Selling Drug 2004

Dizziness or lightheadedness, salty or metallic taste, or decreased ability to taste, cough, sore throat, fever, mouth sores, unusual bruising, fast heartbeat, excessive tiredness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Chest pain,
swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs,
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
fainting,
rash

cartopril

 (spanish)

 -

-

weakness or dizziness

enalapril

Vasotec
Vaseretic

#30 Selling Drug 2004
#175 Selling Drug 2006  
Merck

Cough, dizziness, rash, weakness,

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs,
hoarseness,
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
yellowing of the skin or eyes,
fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection,
lightheadedness,
fainting

fosinopril

Monopril

#66 Selling Drug 2004

Dizziness, cough, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, xcessive tiredness, weakness,

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs,
hoarseness,
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
yellowing of the skin or eyes,
fever,
sore throat,
chills, and other signs of infection,
lightheadedness,
fainting

lisinopril

Prinivil, Zestril

- 

#5 Selling Drug 2004

NOT IN top 200 for 2006 - what does this mean?

Cough, dizziness, headache, excessive tiredness, upset stomach, diarrhea, weakness, sneezing, runny nose, decrease in sexual ability, rash,

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs,
hoarseness,
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection,
yellowing of the skin or eyes,
lightheadedness,
fainting,
chest pain

moexipril

Univasc

#162 Selling Drug 2004

agranulocytosis, angioedema, fetal mortality, hepatic failure, hypotension, neutropenia,

quinapril

Accupril

 -

agranulocytosis, angioedema, fetal mortality, hepatic failure, hypotension, neutropenia,

ramipril

Altace


Delix
Tritace

#153 Selling Drug 2006
King Pharma.

#83 Selling Drug 2006  
Sanofi-Aventis

Headache, dizziness, cough, upset stomach, vomiting, excessive tiredness, weakness,

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs,
hoarseness,
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
yellowing of the skin or eyes,
fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection,
lightheadedness,
fainting

trandolapril

Mavik

- 

- 

- 

Cough, dizziness, muscle pain,

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs,
hoarseness,
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
yellowing of the skin or eyes,
fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection,
lightheadedness,
fainting

top of page

Alpha Agonists

(norepinephren release - decrease adrenergic tone)

generic name
( -ine)

Brand Name

Action/ Note

Side Effects

clonidine

Catapres

0.1mg
0.2mg
0.3mg 

 -

#74 Selling Drug 2004


NOT IN top 200 for 2006 - what does this mean?

I take the 0.2mg daily. I have reservations, but it does lower the heck out of my BP.
Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, tiredness, headache, nervousness, decreased sexual ability, upset stomach, vomiting, rash

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Fainting,
increased or decreased heartbeat,
irregular heartbeat,
swollen ankles or feet,

Rapid withdrawal can result in Rebound Hypertension, and
hypertensive crisis - an increase in blood pressure that can be greater than the original high blood pressure.

guanabenz

Wytensin

- 

 -

 -

While taking -
Dizziness; drowsiness; dryness of mouth; weakness, decreased sexual ability; headache; nausea
When you stop -
Anxiety or tenseness; chest pain; fast or irregular heartbeat; headache ; increased salivation; increase in sweating; nausea or vomiting; nervousness or restlessness; shaking or trembling of hands or fingers; stomach cramps ; trouble in sleeping

guanethidine

Ismelin

 -

 -

 -

Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, headache, confusion, decreased sexual ability, upset stomach, loss of appetite, gas, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth, frequent urination, muscle pain, depression, difficulty sleeping

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Severe diarrhea
fainting,
fever,
increased or decreased heartbeat,
irregular heartbeat,
chest pain,
swollen ankles or feet,
shortness of breath

guanfacine

Tenex

- 

 -

 -

Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, tiredness, headache, decreased sexual ability, upset stomach, vomiting

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Fainting,
increased or decreased heartbeat,
irregular heartbeat
swollen ankles or feet

methyldopa

Aldomet

- 

- 

- 

Drowsiness, headache, muscle weakness, swollen ankles or feet, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, dry mouth, rash

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Unexplained fever,
extreme tiredness,
yellowing of the skin or eyes

monoxidine

Physiotens

 -

 -

 -

 -

tizanidine HCl

Zanaflex

- 

 -

Dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting, tingling sensation in the arms, legs, hands, and feet, dry mouth, increased muscle spasms

If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Yellowing of the skin or eyes,
unexplained flu-like symptoms

top of page

Alpha Blockers

Cardura Class Action Lawsuit

generic name
( -ate, ide, -ine, -sin)

Brand Name

Action/ Note

Side Effects

doxazosin mesylate

Cardura

- 

- 

#177 Selling Drug 2006  
Pfizer 

Dizziness, lightheadedness, excessive tiredness, swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, shortness of breath, dry mouth, drowsiness, muscle or joint pain or weakness, abnormal vision, runny nose, decreased sexual ability,

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat,
fainting,
painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours

phenoxybenzamine

Dibenzyline

- 

- 

 -

Nasal congestion, dizziness, upset stomach, sexual dysfunction (difficulty ejaculating), dizziness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Fainting,
fast heartbeat,
vomiting

prazosin

Minipres

 -

 -

 -

Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tiredness, headache, upset stomach,

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Difficulty breathing,
fast heartbeat,
irregular heartbeat,
chest pain,
fainting

terazosin HCL

Hytrin

- 

- 

- 

Dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, stuffed nose, back pain, upset stomach, decreased sexual ability, blurred vision, swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat,
fainting,
painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours

top of page

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

generic name
( -sartan)

Brand Name

Action/ Note

Side Effects

candesartan

Atacand
Blopress

 -

 -

Astrazenica, Takeda
#54 Selling Drug 2006  

Dizziness, lightheadedness, congestion, cough, diarrhea, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fever, sore throat, runny nose,

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs,
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
fainting,
rash

irbesartan

Avapro

Bristol-Meyers Squibb 
#35 Selling Drug 2006

Runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea, heartburn, excessive tiredness,

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs,
hoarseness,
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
hives,
fainting

losartan

Cozaar

 Merck
#19 Selling Drug 2006

Dizziness, runny nose, sore throat,

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs,
hoarseness,
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
fainting

olmesartan

Benicar
Olmetec

-

-

Daiichi Sankyo
#73 Selling Drug 2006

-

telmisartan

Micardis

-

-

Boehringer
#58 Selling Drug 2006

-

valsartan

Diovan

Novartis
#9 Selling Drug 2006

Dizziness, headache, excessive tiredness, diarrhea, stomach pain, back pain, joint pain,

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs,
hoarseness,
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
fainting

Combo

Combination of 2 drugs

losartan

Hyzaar

-

-

losartin plus HCTZ

-

top of page

Diuretics

(Thiazides)

(Induce urination to reduce blood volume)

generic name
( -ide)

Brand Name

Action/ Note

Side Effects

bumetanide

Bumex

 -

- 

#185 Selling Drug 2004
Roche

Muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, faintness, thirst, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea,

If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Rapid, excessive weight loss,
sore throat with fever,
ringing in ears,
loss of hearing,
unusual bleeding or bruising,
severe rash with peeling skin,
difficulty breathing or swallowing

chlorothiazide

Diuril

 -

 -

Merck 

Muscle weakness, dizziness, cramps, thirst, stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, hair loss,

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Sore throat with fever,
unusual bleeding or bruising,
severe skin rash with peeling skin,
difficulty breathing or swallowing

furosemide

Lasix

 -

 -

Aventis Pharma 

Muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, confusion, thirst, upset stomach, vomiting, blurred vision, headache, restlessness, constipation,

If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Fever,
sore throat,
ringing in the ears,
unusual bleeding or bruising,
loss of hearing,
severe rash with peeling skin,
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
rapid, excessive weight loss

hydrochlorothiazide

HydroDIURIL
(HCTZ)

#18 Selling Drug 2004
Merck

Muscle weakness, dizziness, cramps, thirst, stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, hair loss,

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Sore throat with fever,
unusual bleeding or bruising,
severe skin rash with peeling skin,
difficulty breathing or swallowing

hydrochlorothiazide/
spironolactone

Aldactazide

-

-

potassium sparing

-

metolazone

Zaroxolyn

 -

 -

Rhône-Poulenc Rorer  

Muscle weakness, dizziness, cramps, thirst, stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, hair loss,

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Sore throat with fever,
unusual bleeding or bruising,
severe skin rash with peeling skin,
difficulty breathing or swallowing

spironolactone

Aldactone

 -

 -

#56 Selling Drug 2004
Searle

Upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, frequent urination, dizziness, headache, enlarged or painful breasts, irregular menstrual periods, drowsiness,

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Muscle weakness or cramps,
rapid, excessive weight loss,
fatigue,
slow or irregular heartbeat,
sore throat,
unusual bruising or bleeding,
yellowing of the skin or eyes,
skin rash,
vomiting blood,
fever,
confusion

triamterene

Dyrenium

- 

- 

GlaxoSmithKline 

Vomiting, dizziness, headache,

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Muscle weakness or cramps,
slow or irregular heartbeat,
diarrhea,
rash,
difficulty breathing or swallowing
upset stomach,
extreme tiredness,
unusual bleeding or bruising,
lack of energy,
loss of appetite,
pain in the upper right part of the stomach,
yellowing of the skin or eyes,
flu-like symptoms,
sore throat,
severe dry mouth,
unusual bruising or bleeding

triamterine/ hydrochlorothiazide

Dyazide

-

-

#24 Selling Drug 2004
GlaxoSmithKline

This is good stuff -
I take it daily.-

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.
2. Antiarrhythmia Drugs

AntiArrhythmics

generic name

Brand Name

Action/ Note

Side Effects

Class 1

Sodium Channel Blockers - Rhythm Control

 ( -ide, ine)

disopyramide- 1A

Norpace

-

-

 Rhythm-?

anti-cholinergenic effects
may cause Torsades de Pointes

procainamide- 1A

Pronestyl

-

-

 Rhythm-?

may cause med-induced SLE
may cause Torsades de Pointes

quinidine -   1A

Quinablute

-

-

 Rhythm-?
cinchona herb

may cause Torsades de Pointes

 -

 -

 -

 -

 angelica herb

-

lidocaine -  1B

Xylocaine

-

-

-

seizures

phenytoin - 1B

Dilantin

-

-

med interactions

tocainide -  1B

Tonocard

-

-

-

tremor, pulmonary fibrosis

 -

 -

-

-

-

-

encainide -   1C

Enkaid

-

-

-

may worsen arrhythmias

flecainide -   1C

Tambocor

-

-

  Rhythm-? no CAD, CHD

-

propafenone- 1C

Rytmonorm,
Rhythmol

-

-

  Rhythm-? no CAD, CHD

may worsen arrhythmias

 top of page

Class 2 (most used)

Beta Blockers - Rate Control - Stops transmission

 ( -olol)

acebutolol

Sectral

-

-

-

-

atenolol

Tenormin

- 

#11 Selling Drug 2004
AstraZeneca

Dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, drowsiness, depression, upset stomach, diarrhea,

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Shortness of breath,
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs,
unusual weight gain,
fainting

bisopropol

Concor


Zebeta

-

-

#193 Selling Drug 2006
Merck  

too-low blood pressure

bisopropol/ HCTZ

Ziac

-

-

#95 Selling Drug 2004

too-low blood pressure

carteolol

Cartrol

-

-

 -

worse asthma symptoms

carvedilol

Coreg

-

-

Glaxo Smith Kline
#70 Selling Drug 2006

The information on the right is presented as a GRAPHIC on the Coreg website, so that it CANNOT be indexed by search engines. This is a VERY DECEPTIVE practice. I don't like it. You shouldn't either.

"If patients stop taking Coreg suddenly, they could have chest pain and/or a HEART ATTACK."

"Some COMMON side effects associated with Coreg CR include shortness of breath, a slow heartbeat, weight gain, fatigue, hypotension, dizziness, faintness, or runny nose/sore throat."
(capitalization mine)

ALL KINDS of intervening circumstances can cause you to "stop taking Coreg suddenly." Do you want to die, because of this? I DON'T LIKE any kind of medicine that causes dependance. Do you want to be a lifetime pharmaceutical addict? That's what THEY want!

esmolol 

Brevibloc

-

-

 -

blocks heart w/ digitalis

esmolol 

Kerlone

-

-

 -

-

labetalol

Trandate

-

-

#109 Selling Drug 2004

-

metoprolol 

Lopressor

Toprol
Seloken

#42 Selling Drug 2004

#52 Selling Drug 2006

Dizziness or lightheadedness, tiredness, depression, upset stomach, dry mouth, stomach pain, gas or bloating, heartburn, constipation, rash or itching, cold hands and feet

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Shortness of breath,
wheezing,
welling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs,
unusual weight gain,
fainting,
rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

metoprolol 

Toprol XL

Astrazeneca

penbutolol

Levatol

-

-

-

-

propranolol

Inderol

#146 Selling Drug 2004
Wyeth

POISON - This stuff damn near killed me! They left out Crushing Chest Spasm, making breathing in or out EXTREMELY difficult. Can't walk, can't sit, can't lie down, can't sleep, can't breathe. AND, INSTANT PERMANENT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION. NO SINUS RHYTHM (NO PACEMAKER). FOR FIVE YEARS NOW.

Dizziness or lightheadedness, difficulty sleeping, excessive tiredness, upset stomach, vomiting, rash, diarrhea, constipation,

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Difficulty breathing,
sore throat,
unusual bleeding,
swelling of the feet or hands,
unusual weight gain,
chest pain,
slow, irregular heartbeat,

sotolol

Betapace

-

-

#84 Selling Drug 2004

  plus K channel blocker

tim-olol

Blocadren

-

-

-

may cause Torsades de Pointes,
which frequently causes death

tim-olol/ HCTZ

Timolide

-

-

-

-

triamterene/ HCTZ

Dyazide

-

-

antikaliuretic agent/ diuretic

-

 top of page

Class 3

Potassium Channel Blockers - Rhythm Control

 ( -ide, -ium, -lol, -one)

amiodarone

Cordarone (khella)

Rhythm-?

#73 Selling Drug 2004
Wyeth

liver, thyroid, fibrosis

bretylium

Bretylol

-

-

-

eye problems

dofetilide

Tikosyn

-

-

one pharmacy

may cause Torsades de Pointes

ibutilide

Corvert

-

-

-

may cause Torsades de Pointes

sotalol

Betapace

Rhythm-?

works w/ purkinje

-

top of page

Class 4

Calcium Channel Blockers - Rate Control - Relaxes muscles

 ( -dil, -ipine, -mil, -zem)

 -

amlodipine

Amlodin


Norvasc

-

-

#184 Selling Drug 2006  

#5 Selling Drug 2006

-

amlodipine combo
(plus benazepril)

Lotrel

-

-

#74 Selling Drug 2006

-

bepridil

Vascor

-

-

-

-

diltiazem

Cardizem

#25 Selling Drug 2004
Aventis

Dizziness or lightheadedness, flushing (feeling of warmth), headache, excessive tiredness, slower heartbeat, upset stomach, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, dry mouth, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep,

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs,
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
fainting,
rash,
yellowing of the skin or eyes,
fever,
increase in frequency or severity of chest pain (angina)

diltiazem

Cartia XT

-

-

#45 Selling Drug 2004
Douglas

diltiazem

Dilacor

-

-

Benzo-thiaze-pine

diltiazem

Tiazac

 -

 -

Benzo-thiaze-pine

felodipine

Plendil

 -

 -

 -

-

isradipine

DynaCirc

 -

 -

 -

-

nicardipine

Cardene

 -

 -

 -

-

nifedipine 

Adalat

 -

 -

 Bayer
#128 Selling Drug 2006

-

nifedipine 

Procardia

 -

 -

 -

-

nisoldipine

Sular

 -

 -

 -

-

verapamil

Calan

 -

 -

#28 Selling Drug 2004
Searle

Constipation, dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, upset stomach, heartburn, excessive tiredness, flushing (feeling of warmth), slow heartbeat, vivid, unusual dreams,

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
difficulty breathing or swallowing,
fainting,
rash,
yellowing of the skin or eyes,
fever,
increase in frequency or severity of chest pain (angina)

verapamil

Covera

 -

 -

Phenyl-alky-amine

verapamil

Isopten

 -

 -

Phenyl-alky-amine

verapamil

Verelan

- 

 -

Phenyl-alky-amine

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.
3. Cholesterol Lowering - Anti-lipemic

Statin Class Action Lawsuits

generic name
(-statin)

Brand Name

Action/ Note

Side Effects

STATINS

atorvastatin

Lipitor

-

-

#1 Selling Drug 2006

-

cerivastatin

Baycol

-

-

Recalled 2001

Baycol Class Action Lawsuits

cholestyramine

Questran

-

-

-

-

ezetimibe (Zetia) and simvastatin (Zocor)

Vytorin

-

-

#47 Selling Drug 2006

-

fenofibrate

Tricor
Lipanthyl

-

-

#61 Selling Drug 2006

-

fluvastatin

Lescol

-

-

Novartis
#141 Selling Drug 2006

-

lovastatin

Mevacor

-

-

Merck
#16 Selling Drug 2004

Constipation

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness,
lack of energy or fever,
yellowing of the skin or eyes

niacin

Niaspan

-

-

#185 Selling Drug 2006  
KOS Pharma.

-

pravastatin

Mevalotin
Pravachol

-

-

#132 Selling Drug 2006 #87 Selling Drug 2006
Bristol-Meyers

-

rosuvastatin

Crestor

-

-

#42 Selling Drug 2006

Crestor Riskier than Others

simvastatin

Zocor

-

#25 Selling Drug 2006

-

NON-STATINS

colestipol

Colestid

-

-

-

Chest pain, angina, and tachycardia have been reported.

ezetimibe

Zetia

-

-

#48 Selling Drug 2006

Severe allergic reaction
Difficulty breathing
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, tiredness

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.
4. Blood Thinners

Blood Thinners

(to prevent stroke)

generic name
( -in)

Brand Name

Action/ Note

Side Effects

aspirin

Bayer

-

Increased bleeding risk
Easy bruising
sodium retention

aprotinin

Trasylol

-

-

 hospital use

Trasylol Class Action Lawsuits

heparin

Calciparine

-

-

 hospital use

-

clopidogrel

Plavix

-

-

 Stomach bleeding

Plavix Class Action

warfarin

Coumadin

#15 Selling Drug 2004
Bristol-Myers Squibb

If you receive too little warfarin, you can get a blood clot, and suffer a stroke. If you receive too much warfarin, you can bleed internally, such as stomach bleeding at best, or brain hemorrhage at worst.

Headache, upset stomach, diarrhea, fever, skin rash,

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Unusual bleeding or bruising,
black or bloody stools,
blood in the urine,
tiredness,
unexplained fever,
chills,
sore throat,
stomach pain

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5. Rate Control Drugs

Digitalis Preparations

(Pulse Rate Control)

generic name
( -oxin)

Brand Name

Action/ Note

Side Effects

digoxin

Lanoxin

#192 Selling Drug 2004

Loss of appetite
bad taste in the mouth
nausea or vomiting
impaired kidney function
headaches
skipped heartbeats
rapid breathing

Digitran

-

-

 foxglove herb

digitoxin

-

-

-

-

-

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6. Vasodilators

Vasodilators

(Expand blood vessels)

generic name

Brand Name

Action/ Note

Side Effects

hydralazine

Apresoline

-

Flushing (feeling of warmth), headache, upset stomach, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, eye tearing, stuffy nose, rash,

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Fainting, joint or muscle pain,
unexplained fever,
rapid heartbeat,
chest pain,
swollen ankles or feet,
numbing or tingling in hands or feet

isosorbide

Isordil

-

-

-

Headache, rash, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, flushing (feeling of warmth),

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Blurred vision,
dry mouth,
chest pain,
fainting

nitroglycerin

Nitrobid,
Nitrostat

-

-

#102 Selling Drug 2004

Headache, rash, dizziness, upset stomach, flushing (feeling of warmth),

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Blurred vision,
dry mouth,
chest pain,
fainting

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7. Non-heart Drugs That Cause Heart Attacks

celecoxib

Celebrex

-

-

Celebrex Heart Attack

Heart Attack
Stroke
Vioxx Class Action Lawsuits
Full List

rofecoxib

Vioxx

-

-

Recalled 2004

valdecoxib

Bextra

-

-

Recalled 2005

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DISCLAIMER
2006 Top Selling Drugs data from Wikipedia.
The author has no medical training. No advice is intended.
Although the author has tried to be as accurate as possible, errors, mis-statements and misspellings are possible.
Use this heart medicine guide to begin your in-depth study of the medications that concern you.
Consult your doctor for personal advice. I could not find a simple heart drug list. So, I compiled the one above, to help myself understand heart treatment alternatives. I hope that it helps you.

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