Medicines for Stroke Patients

• Medicines that are commonly prescribed to stroke patients are listed.

Antiplatelet Drugs

• Aspirin, Clopidogrel(Plavix), and Ticagrelor (Brilinta) are examples.
• These drugs work by making blood less likely to clot.
• Possible side effects include bruising or bleeding, stomach upset/diarrhea, and rash.

Anticoagulants

• Warfarin (Coumadin), Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Apixaban (Eliquis), Heparin injections, and Enoxaparin injections (Lovenox) are examples.
• These drugs work by making blood less likely to clot.
• Possible side effects include bruising and bleeding.
• Warfarin requires monthly blood tests performed, as it has many interactions with other medicines and foods.
• All anticoagulant medicines require close follow-up with a doctor and blood tests to measure kidney function should be performed.

Statins

• Simvastatin (Zocor), Pravastatin (Pravachol), Atorvastatin (Lipitor), and Rosuvastatin (Crestor) are examples.
• These drugs work by lowering cholesterol.
• Possible side effects include muscle aches, liver problems, and headaches.

ACE Inhibitors

• Lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil), Enalapril (Vasotec), and Captopril (Capoten) are examples.
• These drugs work by lowering blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
• Possible side effects include a dry, annoying cough, high potassium levels or kidney problems, and swelling of the lips or tongue (report right away if this occurs).

Diuretics

• Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Microzide) and Furosemide (Lasix) are examples.
• These drugs work by lowering blood pressure by removing excess water.
• Possible side effects include dizziness if blood pressure is too low, increased urination, and low potassium levels or kidney problems.

Beta Blockers

• Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), Atenolol (Tenormin), and Carvedilol (Coreg) are examples.
• These drugs work by lowering heart rate and blood pressure, which helps the heart work better.
• Possible side effects include dizziness if blood pressure or heart rate is too low, worsening of asthma symptoms, and less tolerance for physical activity.

Calcium Channel Blockers

• Amlodipine (Norvasc), Diltiazem (Cardizem), Verapamil (Calan), and Nimodipine (Nymalize) are examples.
• These drugs work by lowering blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
• Possible side effects include dizziness if blood pressure is too low, ankle swelling, facial flushing, and headaches.

ARBs

• Valsartan (Diovan), Candesartan (Atacand), and Losartan (Cozaar) are examples.
• These drugs work by lowering blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
• Possible side effects include dizziness if blood pressure is too low, high potassium levels or kidney problems, and swelling of the lips or tongue (report right away if this occurs).

Diabetic Medications

• Insulin injections, Metformin (Glucophage), and Glipizide (Glucotrol) are examples.
• These drugs work by lowering blood sugar.
• Possible side effects include dizziness/confusion if blood sugar is too low, and redness/itching/swelling at the injection site.

Anticonvulsants

• Levetiracetam (Keppra), Phenytoin (Dilantin), and Lacosamide (Vimpat) are examples.
• These drugs work by preventing seizures.
• Possible side effects include irritability, drowsiness, and rash.

Antihypertensive

• Hydralazine (Apresoline) is an example.
• This drug works by lowering blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
• Possible side effects include dizziness if blood pressure is too low, and headaches.