Congestive heart failure refers to a potentially fatal medical condition in which the heart no longer properly pumps blood to the body. The Mayo Clinic says that signs of congestive heart failure include shortness of breath, weakness, swelling of the feet, ankles or legs and swelling of the stomach. Additional signs include difficulty concentrating, a poor appetite and the decreased ability to exercise. Fortunately, drugs for congestive heart failure exist.
Enalapril
Enalapril, commonly sold as Vasotec, is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Specifically, this medication reduces congestive heart failure symptoms, high blood pressure and kidney problems due to diabetes. Drugs.com says that enalapril's less serious side effects include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, a cough and drowsiness. Its serious effects include chest pain, a fever, body aches, fainting, swelling and rapid weight gain. Talk to a doctor when enalapril leads to these effects. Enalapril is a tablet taken daily.
Digoxin
Digoxin, commonly sold as Lanoxin, Digitek or Lanoxicaps, is another medication that manages heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. MedlinePlus indicates that digoxin's less serious side effects include drowsiness, an irregular heartbeat, visual changes and a rash. Some of digoxin's serious side effects include trouble breathing, diarrhea, a poor appetite and swelling. Notify a physician when digoxin's side effects erupt. Digoxin is a tablet, capsule or liquid taken daily.
Bumetanide
Bumetanide, commonly sold as Bumex, is a water pill (loop diuretic) that treats congestive heart failure by ridding the body of excess fluid. In fact, Drugs.com says that bumetanide rids the body of too much salt. Bumetanide's less serious side effects include a headache, dizziness, a skin rash and stomach pain. Its serious side effects include hearing loss, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain or weakness. Sometimes, bumetanide causes easy bleeding or bruising. Phone a doctor when bumetanide leads to these effects. Bumetanide is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Bisoprolol
Bisoprolol, commonly sold as Zebeta, is a beta-blocker medication that improves the blood flow to the heart and the veins. This medication is also used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). Drugs.com says that some of bisoprolol's less serious side effects include fatigue, weakness, joint or muscle pain, ringing in the ears, constipation, stomach pain and a decrease in sex drive. Sometimes, bisoprolol leads to such serious side effects as confusion, hallucinations, swelling of the feet or ankles, chest pain and slow or pounding heartbeats. Notify a doctor when bisoprolol leads to these effects. Bisoprolol is a tablet taken daily or as indicated.
