Antiangina drugs are medicines that are used to relieve the symptoms of
severe chest pain , medically referred as angina pectoris . These drugs are
prescription drugs and under no circumstances should be taken over the
counter. The recommended dosage depends on the patient's condition and also
the type and form of antiangina drug.
How angina pain occurs?
Angina pain, which is a tight chest pain
occurs, when the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen.
How does anti angina drugs helpful?
When anti-angina drugs are
taken at the time of chest pain, they reduce the heart's work load by
relaxing the blood vessels, and thereby increasing the amount of oxygen-rich
blood that reaches the heart. They are taken in three ways:
- They are taken regularly over a long duration and this reduces the
number of angina attacks.
- There are some anti angina drugs which are taken just before some
activity like climbing stairs to prevent attacks.
- Another type of antiangina drug is taken when an attack begins. This
is to relieve the pain and pressure.
Antiangina Drugs Forms
These drugs come in different forms like as
tablets and capsules that are swallowed, like tablets that are kept inside
the lip or held under the tongue until they dissolve. There are stick-on
patches, ointment, and in-the-mouth sprays which are used as anti angina
drugs. The anti-angina drugs are also known as nitrates.
Classes of Drugs Used to Treat Angina
- Vasodilators (dilate arteries and veins): Calcium-channel blockers,
Nitrodilators
- Cardioinhibitory drugs (reduce heart rate and contractility):
Beta-blockers, Calcium-channel blockers
- Ranolazine (FDA approved 1/06 - blocker of late sodium currents)
- Anti-thrombotic drugs (prevent thrombus formation): Anticoagulants
Popular Antiangina Drugs
- Isosorbidedinitrate (Sorbitrate, Isordil, and other brands)
- Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat Tablets, Nitrolingual
Spray, Transderm-Nitro, and other brands)
Side Effects of Anti Angina Drugs
There are instances of people
feeling dizzy, lighthearted when they get up after sitting or lying down
after taking these medicines. The drugs may also cause dizziness,
lightheadedness, or fainting in hot weather. Drinking alcohol also lead to
the same problems. Antiangina drugs may interact with other medicines, which
increase the risk of side effects or change the effects of one or both
drugs. Some people develop tolerance to antiangina drugs over time. In such
cases he should check with his or her physician.