The Pharmacologic Treatment of Heart Failure ^cont.

• Page 1: Causes of Heart Failure
• Page 2: Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
• Page 3: Rationale for Drug Therapy
• THIS PAGE: Classes of Drugs Used to Treat Heart Failure

Classes of Drugs Used to Treat 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