Cardiac Medications
Introduction
Your doctor may prescribe medicine for you to take at home to help your
heart continue to heal and function efficiently. The medication is carefully
chosen to meet your needs. There are points you need to remember about
taking medication.
Know the name of your medicine and how you are to take it (i.e.: on an
empty stomach, with food, times, frequency, how long will you be taking,
etc).
Know what to do if you forget a dose of the drug. Know why you are taking
the medicine, what it is supposed to do for you. Know possible problems
that can be caused by the drug (side effects).
Know what to do if they occur.
Some drugs available in drug stores have warning attached against use
by cardiac patients. When looking for cold or cough preparations or other
medications not prescribed by your doctor, read labels carefully for warnings
and avoid taking them.
- Never use medications prescribed for someone else or allow others
to use your medications.
- It is dangerous to mix drugs or to try to prescribe medication for
yourself.
- Consult your doctor before making any changes in your medication plan.
Do not stop taking your medication without instructions from your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions about your
medications.
Most cardiac medications have two names, which causes some confusion.
There are brand names, which may be given to the same medication by several
different companies. In addition, there is the generic name, which is
the same name for the same medication manufactured by different companies.
Pharmacies are permitted and expected to substitute less expensive generic
medications for brand name medications unless otherwise specified by the
physician. The active ingredients in these medications are generally the
same, although other constituents may vary. In the following discussion,
brand names will be listed in brackets.
It is the patients' responsibility to know the names and doses of
his/her medications or to carry a list of medications with him/her.
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