Anti Angina Drugs

Prescription Drugs   Non-Prescription Drugs

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.


Prescription Drugs   Non-Prescription Drugs