Flosequinan for heart failure
Article Abstract:
Flosequinan (Manoplax) is a new drug available to treat congestive heart failure. This drug should only be used to treat patients with congestive heart failure who have not responded to an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ACE inhibitors are a group of drugs used to increase exercise tolerance and alleviate symptoms. Some patients may experience different side effects as a result of treatment with these drugs. Flosequinan dilates blood vessels and increases contractibility of heart muscle cells. Treatment with 100 milligrams of flosequinan per day can increase exercise tolerance in patients also being treated with diuretics and digitalis. Side effects include a rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure and a headache during the first several weeks of treatment.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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Carvedilol for heart failure
Article Abstract:
Carvediol could slow the progression of mild to moderate heart failure when added to the standard treatment of digitalis, a diuretic, and an ACE inhibitor. Carvediol is a non-selective beta-blocker and alpha-blocker that works by decreasing blood pressure and heart rate and may prevent expansion of the left ventricle. One study of 366 patients found the addition of carvediol reduced the risk of death, hospitalization, or increased use of other drugs from 21% with placebo to 11% with the drug. It is not yet established if survival rates are improved with treatment with carvediol.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1997
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Drugs for chronic heart failure
Article Abstract:
Most patients with heart failure should take an ACE inhibitor and a beta-blocker. ACE inhibitors not only reduce symptoms but prolong survival. The same is true for beta-blockers, but they should not be used in patients with severe heart failure. Diuretics reduce fluid retention, which reduces symptoms, but they do not delay disease progression. Digoxin also has no effect on mortality rates, but reduces symptoms. More research is needed to determine whether drugs that block the angiotensin II receptor are effective in patients with heart failure.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1999
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