heart failure

Classes of drugs used in the treatment of heart failure are given below. Clicking on the drug class will link you to the page describing the pharmacology of that drug class.

Diuretics
- thiazide diuretics
- loop diuretics
- natriuretic peptides
Vasodilators (dilate arteries and veins)
- angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- direct acting arterial dilators
- nitrodilators
- natriuretic peptides
- phosphodiesterase inhibitors
Cardiostimulatory or inotropic drugs (stimulate contractility)
- digitalis
- beta-agonists (sympathomimetic drugs)
- phosphodiesterase inhibitors
Cardioinhibitory
- beta-blockers
- calcium-channel blockers (for diastolic dysfunction)

Revised 03/14/07

DISCLAIMER: These materials are for educational purposes only, and are not a source of medical decision-making advice.