Common Side Effects of Heart Failure Medications
Blood Pressure Medications
Beta blockers: carvedilol (Coreg), bisoprolol (Zebeta), metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)
Common side effects: Feeling tired, dizziness, wheezing/shortness of breath, low blood pressure and a slow heart rate.
Stopping beta blockers suddenly can cause symptoms to get worse. Don't abruptly stop taking any medications without talking to your doctor/nurse.
ACE inhibitors: lisinopril (Prinivil), enalapril (Vasotec), ramipril (Altace)
Common side effects: Dizziness, low blood pressure, changes in kidney function, dry cough, increased potassium levels and swelling in your lips or throat.
Angiotensin receptor blockers: losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), candesartan (Atacand)
Common side effects: Dizziness, low blood pressure, changes in kidney function and increased potassium levels.
Neprilysin inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker: sacubitril and valsartan (Entresto)
Common side effects: Dizziness, low blood pressure, changes in kidney function and increased potassium levels.
Vasodilators: hydralazine (Apresoline), isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), isosorbide-hydralazine (BiDil)
Common side effects: Low blood pressure, dizziness, headache and nausea.
Antiarrhythmic Agents
Cardiac glycosides: digoxin (Lanoxin)
Common side effects: Nausea, poor appetite, digestive problems, yellow tinge or halos in your vision (sign of toxicity) and abnormal heart rhythm (dizziness/palpitations).
Diuretics (water pill)
Loop diuretics: furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex) torsemide (Demadex)
Common side effects: Increased urination, dizziness, low blood pressure, dehydration, changes in kidney function, ringing or buzzing in ears, skin rash or hives, increased blood sugar levels and gout.
Aldosterone Antagonists: spironolactone (Aldactone), eplerenone (Inspra)
Common side effects: Changes in kidney function, increased potassium levels, and swelling or tenderness in breasts (men and women).
Miscellaneous Cardiac Agents
Medication: ivabradine (Corlanor)
Common side effects: Dizziness, slow heartbeat, chest pain, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, headache, feeling tired and changes in eyesight, including brightness caused by sudden changes in light.