June 7, 2007

Vasotec (Enalapril maleate) blood pressure cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 9:15 pm

Vasotec (Enalapril maleate)

Vasotec (Enalapril maleate) blood pressure cholesterol drugDrug Uses
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children. It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. This medication is also used with other drugs (e.g., “water pills”/diuretics, digoxin) to treat congestive heart failure.

How Taken

Take this medication by mouth, usually once or twice a day; or as directed by your doctor. You may take this drug with or without food. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. If you are taking this drug in the liquid suspension form, shake the bottle well before each use. Measure the dose out carefully. Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This medicine can raise your potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeats. Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take several weeks before the full benefit of this drug occurs or several weeks to months when used for congestive heart failure. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feelwell. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. (more…)

Vytorin ezetimibe simvastatin Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 8:23 pm

Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin)

Vytorin ezetimibe simvastatin Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses
Vytorin is used for reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides and for increasing HDL cholesterol.

How Taken

The recommended dose range of Vytorin is 10/10 mg to 10/80 mg, and it is administered once daily in the evening with or with out food. Therapy usually is initiated with 10/20 mg daily, but individuals who need more than a 55% reduction in LDL cholesterol can be started on 10/40 mg daily.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Vytorin is a combination of ezetimibe (Zetia) and simvastatin (Zocor) that is used for treating high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Vytorin reduces total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol while it increases high density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol. The ezetimibe component of Vytorin lowers blood cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol, including dietary cholesterol, from the intestine. It does not affect the absorption of triglycerides. The simvastatin component of Vytorin belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly called “statins.” Statins reduce cholesterol by blocking an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) that produces cholesterol. Statins lower total and LDL cholesterol in the blood as well as triglycerides. They also increase HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is believed to be an important cause of coronary artery disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels slows and may even reverse coronary artery disease. Raising HDL cholesterol levels also may slow coronary artery disease. Vytorin was approved by the FDA in July, 2004. (more…)

Acomplia (Rimonabant) - aceon blood pressure cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 8:04 pm

Acomplia (Rimonabant)

Acomplia (Rimonabant) - aceon blood pressure cholesterol drugDrug Uses

Acomplia is used complementary to diet and exercise to treat obese or overweight patients who suffer from Type 2 diabetes and abnormal levels of fat in the blood. It can also prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease.

How Taken
The usual dose is one 20 mg tablet to be taken once daily in the morning before breakfast. Swallow the tablet whole.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Acomplia works on the CB- 1 receptors which are present throughout the body. Acomplia helps in blocking out these receptors which in turn works on intake of food in an individual and curbs his appetite. Weight loss starts taking place as the food intake of an individual is decreased to quite an extent. It acts on the peripheral organs which play a very important part in lipid and glucose metabolism, including the liver, adipose tissue muscles and the gastrointestinal tract. (more…)

Aldactone (Spironolactone) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 7:58 pm

Aldactone (Spironolactone)

Aldactone (Spironolactone) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

This medicine is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat congestive heart failure or high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Follow the directions for using this medicine, provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. This medicine may cause an increase in urine or in frequency of urination. To prevent this from affecting sleep: try not to take any dose later than 6 p.m. (more…)

Capoten (Captopril) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 7:49 pm

Capoten (Captopril)

Capoten (Captopril) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

Capoten can be used alone in treating high blood pressure. Its blood pressure lowering effect can be further enhanced by the addition of a diuretic (water pill) medication. Capozide is an example of a medication that combines the effect of capoten with a diuretic (water pill). By reducing resistance in the arteries, capoten can be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure. In treating heart failure, capoten usually supplements conventional treatment, including a diuretic and digoxin (Lanoxin). After a heart attack, capoten has been found to be effective in improving functioning of the damaged heart. It is also used to treat kidney disease associated with diabetes.

How Taken

Capoten should be taken on an empty stomach one hour before meals. Do not take antacids containing aluminium or magnesium within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking this medicine. (more…)

Cardizem (Diltiazem) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 7:45 pm

 

 

Cardizem (Diltiazem)

Cardizem (Diltiazem) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

Chest pain (angina) occurs because of insufficient oxygen, delivered to the heart muscles. Insufficient oxygen may be a result of coronary artery blockage or spasm, or because of physical exertion which increases heart oxygen demand in a patient with coronary artery narrowing. Cardizem is used for the treatment and prevention of angina, resulting from coronary artery spasm, as well as from exertion. Cardizem is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure. By slowing electrical conduction in the heart, cardizem has been used in treating abnormally fast heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation.

How Taken

Cardizem may be taken with or without food. Since cardizem is excreted by the kidney and metabolized by the liver, dosages may need to be lowered in patients with liver or kidney dysfunction. (more…)

Lozol Indapamide Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 6:57 pm

Lozol (Indapamide)

Lozol Indapamide Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

Lozol is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It also is used to eliminate fluid when the body accumulates excess fluid, such as with edema and congestive heart failure.

How Taken

Lozol is taken as a single daily dose, generally in the morning before breakfast. It can be taken with or without food. Antacids have no effect on the activity of Lozol.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Lozol is a diuretic (water pill) that is primarily used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It works by preventing the kidney from reabsorbing (retaining in the body) salt and water that is destined to be eliminated in the urine. This results in increased urine output (diuresis). Lozol also is thought to reduce the salt in the smooth muscle of the walls of blood vessels. (The salt ultimately is eliminated in the urine.) The loss of salt from the muscle causes the muscle to relax, and the relaxation of the vessels results in reduced blood pressure. (more…)

May 7, 2007

Vasodilan (Isoxsuprine) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 9:15 pm

 

 

Vasodilan (Isoxsuprine)

Vasodilan (Isoxsuprine) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

This medication helps to widen blood vessels so blood flows better. It is used in Raynaud’s disease and other blood vessels disorders to improve blood flow.

How Taken

The dose of vasodilan will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of isoxsuprine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Vasodilan belongs to the group of medicines called vasodilators. Vasodilators increase the size of blood vessels. Isoxsuprine is used to treat problems resulting from poor blood circulation. (more…)

Betapace (Sotalol) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 8:09 pm

Betapace (Sotalol)

Betapace (Sotalol) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses
This medication is a beta-blocking agent used to treat serious heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias).

How Taken

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach as prescribed. Be sure to follow instructions closely. Do not increase your dose, skip any doses or take this more often than directed. If you use antacids (e.g., aluminum, magnesium, calcium- containing products), do not take them at the same time as sotalol. Take the antacid 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking sotalol. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctors approval. In some cases, your condition may become worse if the medication is abruptly discontinued.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Betapace belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Betapaceis a brand of sotalol tablets given only to patients with an atrial heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) such as atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation happens when certain heart chambers beat too fast or irregularly. When this happens, you may feel weak and tired, or get out of breath easily. You may get an uncomfortable feeling in your chest and ‘fluttering’ or ‘palpitations.’ (more…)

Altace (Ramipril) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 7:49 pm

Altace (Ramipril)

Altace (Ramipril) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

Altace is used for the treatment of heart failure (congestive heart failure or CHF) and high blood pressure (hypertension). Treatment also prevents heart attacks, strokes and deaths due to heart disease. Altace slows the progression of kidney failure in patients with diabetes.

How Taken

The usual dose of ramipril is 2.5-20 mg a day as a single dose or two divided doses. (more…)

Coreg (Carvedilol) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 7:37 pm

Coreg (Carvedilol)

Coreg (Carvedilol) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

This medication is an alpha- and beta-blocker, used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also used after an acute heart attack to improve survival. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body (such as epinephrine) that affect the heart and blood vessels. This results in lowering of heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.

How Taken

Take this medication by mouth with food, usually twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Take this drug exactly as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease the dose on your own. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, it may take 1 or 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. (more…)

Cozaar (Losartan) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 7:25 pm

 

 

Cozaar (Losartan)

Cozaar (Losartan) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug Drug Uses

Losartan is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other agents. It has less of an effect in black patients, similar to ACE inhibitors, such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), and lisinopril (Zestril).

How Taken

Losartan may be given with or without food. Losartan is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes to an active metabolite that is responsible for most of the drug activity. Reduction in dose by 50% is suggested in patients with impaired liver function. (more…)

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 7:19 pm

Crestor (Rosuvastatin)

Crestor (Rosuvastatin) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

Crestor is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a “statin”), used with a proper diet to help lower cholesterol and fat (triglyceride) levels and to raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels in your blood.

How Taken

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Do not take antacids for at least 2 hours after taking this medicine. This medicine should be taken regularly to get the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you remember. It is important to continue taking this medicine even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick. (more…)

Hytrin (Terazosin) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 7:06 pm

Hytrin (Terazosin)

Hytrin (Terazosin) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

Hytrin is used to treat the symptoms of urinary obstruction as a result of an enlarged prostate. Hytrin relaxes the smooth muscles of the bladder neck, the prostate, and increases urine flow. Hytrin is also used alone or in combination with another blood pressure medication to treat high blood pressure.

How Taken

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day. Take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the chances of getting dizzy or fainting. Tablets may be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. (more…)

Lopid Gemfibrozil Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 7:03 pm

Lopid (Gemfibrozil)

Lopid (Gemfibrozil) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

Lopid (also known as a fibrate medication) is used along with a proper diet to help lower fats (triglycerides) and cholesterol in the blood. This drug is usually prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). This drug is thought to work by decreasing the amount of fat produced by the liver. Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides lowers the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. This drug also helps to prevent pancreas disease (pancreatitis) in patients with very high blood levels of triglycerides.

How Taken

Take this medication by mouth usually twice a day, 30 minutes before your morning and evening meals, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day. It may take between 1-3 months before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high triglycerides or cholesterol do not feel sick. (more…)

Lotensin Benazepril Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 6:57 pm

 

Lotensin (Benazepril)

Lotensin Benazepril Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

lotensin can be used alone in treating high blood pressure. Its blood pressure lowering effect can be further enhanced by the addition of a diuretic medication. lotensin HCT is an example of a medication which combines the effect of benazepril with a thiazide type diuretic (water pill) in treating hypertension. By reducing resistance in the arteries, lotensin can be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure.

How Taken

May be taken on an empty or full stomach. Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily while you are taking this medication. (more…)

Mavik Trandolapril Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 6:32 pm

Mavik (Trandolapril)

Mavik Trandolapril Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

Mavik can be used alone in treating high blood pressure. Its blood pressure lowering effect can be further enhanced by the addition of a diuretic medication (”water pill”), such as hydrochlorothiazide. Mavik also can be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure, and ACE inhibitors have been shown to reduce symptoms and hospitalization and improve survival in patients with heart failure. After a heart attack, ACE inhibitors have been found to be effective in improving the function of the damaged heart, and in reducing symptoms and hospitalizations related to heart failure.

How Taken

Mavik is taken once or twice daily. African-American patients generally require higher doses than do Caucasians. Food reduces the amount of mavik that is absorbed, so it is best to take this medication one hour before or two hours after meals. Patients with advanced renal or liver diseases may need to take lower doses. (more…)

Micardis Telmisartan Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 6:28 pm

Micardis (Telmisartan)

Drug Uses

Micardis Telmisartan Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugThis drug is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This drug works by blocking the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

How Taken

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. You may take this drug with or without food. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This medicine can raise your potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeats. Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug occurs. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. (more…)

Norvasc Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 6:23 pm

Norvasc (Amlodipine)

Norvasc Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug Drug Uses

Norvasc is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Norvasc relaxes (widens) the blood vessels (veins and arteries), making it easier for the heart to pump and reducing its workload. Norvasc is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and to treat angina (chest pain). Norvasc may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How Taken

Norvasc comes as a tablet to take it orally. It is usually taken once a day. Norvasc may cause an upset stomach. Take Norvasc with food or milk. Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

(more…)

Plavix Clopidogrel Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 5:29 pm

Plavix (Clopidogrel)

Plavix Clopidogrel Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

Clopidogrel is used to prevent strokes and heart attacks in persons who are at high risk. In one large study, clopidogrel was more effective than aspirin in reducing heart attacks. The frequency of side effects of clopidogrel was similar to aspirin; however, stomach and intestinal bleeding probably occurs less often with clopidogrel than with aspirin.

How Taken

Take clopidogrel exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Clopidogrel can be taken with or without food.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Clopidogrel is an anti-platelet drug, that is, a drug that inhibits the ability of platelets to clump together as part of a blood clot. It is similar to ticlopidine (Ticlid) in chemical structure and in the way it works. Unlike ticlopidine, clopidogrel does not cause serious reductions of white cells in the blood and, therefore, routine blood testing to determine if the white blood cell count is low is not necessary during treatment. The risk of heart attacks and strokes (which usually are caused by blood clots) is increased in patients with a recent history of stroke or heart attack and patients with peripheral vascular disease. (Peripheral vascular disease is the same as atherosclerotic arterial disease or “hardening” of the arteries in which the arteries become narrowed. It frequently occurs in the legs and often causes claudication or pain in the legs upon walking). Clopidogrel is used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in these patients. Clopidogrel was approved by the FDA in 1997. (more…)

Pravachol Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 5:22 pm

Pravachol

Pravachol Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugPravachol is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a “statin”. It is used in adults and children (8 years of age and older), along with a proper diet, to help lower cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. In general, this drug is prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent strokes an.

Drug Name

Pravachol (Pravastatin)

Drug Uses

Pravachol is an enzyme blocker (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor), also known as a “statin“. It is used in adults and children (8 years of age and older), along with a proper diet, to help lower cholesterol and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. In general, this drug is prescribed after non-drug treatment options have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol (e.g., diet change, increase in exercise, weight loss if overweight). Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent strokes and heart attacks

How Taken

Take this medication by mouth usually once daily, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. This drug is best taken in the evening. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Many of the drugs listed in the Drug Interactions section may increase the chances of muscle injury when used with pravachol. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take pravachol at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after these drugs. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol or triglycerides do not feel sick.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Pravachol is an oral drug for lowering cholesterol in the blood. It has been shown to reduce the occurrence of heart attacks, strokes and death caused by coronary heart disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase Inhibitors, commonly called “statins”. Other statins include simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor) and fluvastatin (Lescol). Statins reduce cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) that is necessary for the production of cholesterol. In the blood, statins lower total and LDL (”bad”) cholesterol as well as triglycerides. They also increase HDL (”good”) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is believed to be an important cause of coronary artery disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels slows and may even reverse coronary artery disease. Raising HDL cholesterol levels also may slow coronary artery disease.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch.

Storage

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Possible Side Effects

Heartburn, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This drug may infrequently cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very serious, possibly fatal, condition called rhabdomyolysis). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, severe fatigue, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, change in the amount of urine. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist
More Information

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood cholesterol levels, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. For best results, this medication should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. Also to help reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes, check your blood pressure regularly, seek medical treatment if your blood pressure is high, and stop smoking. Consult your doctor for more details

Lipitor Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 5:14 pm

Lipitor

Lipitor Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugAtorvastatin is knowed as Lipitor is an oral drug that lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs referred to as statins which includes lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin, (Zocor), fluvastatin (Lescol), and pravastatin (Pravachol). All statins, including atorvastatin, prevent the production of cholesterol by the liver by blocking the enzyme that makes cholesterol, HMGCoA reductase. They lower total blood cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol levels. (LDL cholesterol is believed)

Drug Name

Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
Drug Uses

Lipitor is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (Chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.
How Taken

Lipitor comes as a tablet to take it orally. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take Lipitor, take it around the same time every day. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Lipitor and gradually increase your dose. Continue to take Lipitor even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Lipitor without talking to your doctor. Eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet
Drug Class and Mechanism

Atorvastatin is an oral drug that lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs referred to as statins which includes lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin, (Zocor), fluvastatin (Lescol), and pravastatin (Pravachol). All statins, including atorvastatin, prevent the production of cholesterol by the liver by blocking the enzyme that makes cholesterol, HMGCoA reductase. They lower total blood cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol levels. (LDL cholesterol is believed to be the “bad” cholesterol that is primarily responsible for the development of coronary artery disease.) Lowering LDL cholesterol levels retards progression and may even reverse coronary artery disease. Unlike the other drugs in this class, atorvastatin also can reduce the concentration of triglycerides in the blood. High blood concentrations of triglycerides also have been associated with coronary artery disease. Atorvastatin was approved by the FDA in December of 1996.
Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Possible Side Effects

Although side effects from Lipitor are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • gas
  • stomach pain or cramps
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • heartburn
  • headache
  • blurred vision
  • dizziness
  • rash or itching
  • upset stomach
      If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

      • muscle pain
      • tenderness
      • muscle cramps or weakness with or without a fever.

      More Information

      • Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of atorvastatin and other similar medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems.
      • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking atorvastatin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
        • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
        • decreased urine or rust-colored urine; or
        • blurred vision.
      • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take atorvastatin and talk to your doctor if you experience
        • headache;
        • upset stomach or flatulence; or
        • a rash.
      • Side effects other than those listed here may also

Zocor Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 5:12 pm

Zocor

Zocor Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugSimvastatin is knowed as Zocor is a cholesterol- lowering medicine. It inhibits the production of cholesterol by the liver. It lowers overall blood cholesterol as well as blood LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is believed to be the “bad” cholesterol that is primarily responsible for the development of coronary artery disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels retards progression and may even reverse coronary artery disease.

Tenormin Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 5:01 pm

Tenormin

Tenormin Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugTenormin is prescribed for patients with high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to treat chest pain (angina pectoris) related to coronary artery disease. Tenormin is also useful in slowing and regulating certain types of abnormally rapid heart rates (tachycardias).

April 30, 2000

Plendil (Felodipine) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drug

Filed under: Blood Pressure / Cholesterol drug — admin @ 9:24 pm

Plendil (Felodipine)

Plendil (Felodipine) Blood Pressure Cholesterol drugDrug Uses

Plendil is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Felodipine is known as a calcium channel blocker. By blocking calcium, this medication relaxes and widens blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

How Taken
Take this medication by mouth usually once a day on an empty stomach, or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, Plendil may be taken with a light meal. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets, which can destroy the long action of the drug and increase side effects. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day as directed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. This drug is not effective if you use it only when chest pain occurs. It is very important to take this medication regularly as prescribed to help prevent chest pain. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of this medication in your bloodstream.Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. (more…)