Angina (chest pain) is a medical condition that occurs when the heart is not receiving enough blood and oxygen. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), three types of angina exist: stable, unstable and variant. Stable angina occurs with exertion. Unstable angina occurs at rest and variant angina also occurs at rest during the night or morning. Specific medications treat angina.
Beta-Blocker Medications
Beta-blocker medications are used to treat angina. Specifically, they work to relax blood vessels and slow the heart rate. This allows for more blood flow to the heart. Nadolol is an example of a beta-blocker medication. According to the Drugs website, nadolol is also used to treat high blood pressure.
Nadolol's can typically cause fatigue, anxiety, nervousness and a reduced sex drive (libido). Nadolol's other side effects include trouble sleeping, fainting, lightheadedness, an irregular or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath and depression, says the Drugs website. Also, it is advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking nadolol because the mixture can lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. Nadolol is a tablet taken everyday with a glass of water.
Nitrate Medications
Nitrate medications effectively treat angina. According to the NHLBI, nitrate drugs relax and dilate the blood vessels. Like beta-blocker medications, they promote more blood flow to the heart. Nitroglycerin is one of the most commonly prescribed nitrate medications to treat angina. MedlinePlus reports that nitroglycerin's common side effects include lightheadedness, dizziness and flushing. Its additional effects include trouble swallowing or breathing, chest pain, a dry mouth, sweating, vomiting, a rash and blurry vision.
Nitroglycerin is available as an extended-release capsule, a sublingual (placed under the tongue) tablet and as a spray. MedlinePlus says that the extended-release capsule is taken three to four times daily while the spray and sublingual tablets are used on an as-needed basis.
Calcium Channel Blockers
The NHLBI says that calcium channel blockers also reduce the heart rate, relax blood vessels and decrease the strain placed on the heart. Nifedipine is an example of a calcium channel blocker used to manage angina. Like nadolol, nifedipine is also used to treat high blood pressure.
A headache, dizziness, nausea, heartburn, muscle cramps and cough are typical nifedipine side effects. Nifedipine's other side effects include constipation, fainting, yellowing of the skin or eyes and difficulty breathing, according to MedlinePlus. Nifedipine is taken either as a capsule or extended-release tablet three to four times each day.
