The Pharmacologic Treatment of Myocardial Infarction

Classes of Drugs Used to Treat Myocardial Infarction

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

• Vasodilators (dilate arteries and veins)
  -  nitrodilators
  -  angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)
  -  angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
  -  aldosterone (mineralocorticoid receptor) antagonists
• Cardiac depressant drugs (reduce heart rate and contractility)
  -  beta-blockers
• Antiarrhythmics (if necessary)
• Anti-thrombotics (prevent thrombus formation)
  -  anticoagulant
  -  antiplatelet drugs
• Thrombolytics (dissolve clots - i.e., "clot busters")
  -  plasminogen activators
• Analgesics (reduce pain)
  -  morphine

Revised 11/30/2023