A heart attack refers to a sudden and potentially life-threatening condition in which the heart does not receive enough blood. The Mayo Clinic indicates that heart attack symptoms include crushing chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, vomiting and nausea. Fortunately, there are medications available for treating heart attacks.
Aspirin
Aspirin, commonly sold as Bayer, Ecotrin and Zorprin, is a medication initially given during the onset of chest pain--one to two aspirin are typically given during the onset of a heart attack. This prevents further blood clots from forming in the heart's blood vessels. Drugs.com says that aspirin belongs to a class of drugs called salicylates. It reduces the amount of prostaglandin in the body. This is a substance responsible for pain, inflammation and fever.
Aspirin's less serious side effects include drowsiness, headache, heartburn and stomach problems. Inform a doctor when aspirin's less concerning side effects remain for more than a week.
Aspirin's serious side effects include black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, vomiting, stomach pain, and nausea. Additional side effects include a fever that remains for more than three days, ringing in the ears and hearing problems. Call a doctor right away when aspirin leads to these effects.
A change in the dose of aspirin may be necessary when suffering from such conditions as stomach ulcers, liver disease, gout, nasal polyps or a blood or clotting disorder.
Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin, commonly sold as Nitrolingual, Nitrostat or Nitroquick, is a medication given to dilate the heart's blood vessels. According to Drugs.com, nitroglycerin is a nitrate medication that allows more blood to flow to the heart. Nitroglycerin is taken as a spray or tablet underneath the tongue or side of the mouth. The spray may be given every five minutes, and the tablet may be taken once or as needed.
This drug's less concerning side effects include weakness, dizziness and warmth, and tingling or redness below the skin. Sometimes, nitroglycerin can also lead to a tingling or burning sensation underneath the tongue.
Nitroglycerin's serious side effects include blurry vision, dry mouth, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sore throat. Sometimes, this drug can cause pale skin, lightheadedness and blistering of the skin. Notify a doctor immediately when nitroglycerin leads to these effects.
Do not take this medication with drugs such as sildenafil, because very low blood pressure can result. Also, avoid taking nitroglycerin when suffering from a brain injury, a brain tumor or anemia (low red blood cells).
Clopidogrel
Clopidogrel, commonly sold as Plavix, is a medication prescribed for heart attack management. MedlinePlus indicates that this is an antiplatelet medication that prevents blood clot formation. Clopidogrel is a tablet taken once a day.
Clopidogrel's less concerning side effects include dizziness, diarrhea, nosebleed, stomach pain, headache and nausea. Talk to a physician when clopidogrel's less serious side effects last for more than six or seven days.
Clopidogrel's serious effects include yellowing of the skin or eyes, bloody stools, trouble breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, and itching. Clopidogrel's additional side effects include visual loss, slow speech, fast heartbeat and pale skin. Notify a doctor immediately when clopidogrel causes these effects.
A change in the dose of clopidogrel may be necessary when taking such drugs as fluconazole, cimetidine, fluoxetine or fluvoxamine.
