Commonly Used Drugs

Many children with single ventricle heart disease will need medications to support the work of their heart at different times in their life. It is important to remember that each child’s needs are different and not all children require the same medication.

Drugs used to treat Heart Failure

Diuretics
These are drugs which increase the body’s ability to pass out fluid. They make the kidneys work better so more urine is made.

Frusemide
Is the most commonly used diuretic; it works well in all age groups.

Amiloride
Is often used as it keeps the body’s salts (electrolytes) in balance as the child passes out more urine.

Spironolactone
Another form of diuretic.

Ace Inhibitors

Captopril
Is a drug that opens up the body’s blood vessels which makes it easier for the heart to pump blood through them. It is used in children whose heart muscles are under strain.

Enalapril and Lisinopril

These drugs are similar to Captopril and may be used in older children.

Anti-Arrythmics
These are medications that help a heart that is not beating in rhythm. These drugs strengthen the heart beat and make the beat more regular.

Digoxin
Is a drug that slows, strengthens and steadies the heart. It is often used in the treatment of heart failure as it makes the heart beat more efficiently.

Anti-Coagulants
These are drugs that lengthen the time it takes for the blood to clot. They are used to ensure that the blood flows freely through the tubes and passages that have been created in the heart.

Aspirin
Is a gentle anti-coagulant that stops blood cells sticking together. It is often the drug of choice in young children.

Warfarin
Is a medication that slows down the blood’s ability to clot (form scabs). Regular blood tests are required to ensure that the correct dose of Warfarin is given.

For more information on anti-coagulation click here.

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