Treatment options depend on the type of pulmonary hypertension that you have and its severity. In addition to targeted therapies, your doctor will evaluate if supportive therapies are an option and may prescribe non-PH-specific medication to assist with symptom management. Not all medications are appropriate for all types of PH and related conditions.
These medications may include:
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) such as amlodipine and nifedipine decrease blood pressure by relaxing the muscles in the walls of blood vessels. This option can be used in some patients with PH who demonstrate favorable responses to vasodilator testing at the time of heart catheterization.
Approximately 10% of patients may benefit in the short term, and even fewer over the long term. These medications can also be used in people who also have Raynaud’s phenomenon (numbness, pain, and/or color changes in fingers or toes when exposed to cold temperatures or stress). However,it is important to note that this therapy is not recommended for all patients and can cause harm if not prescribed properly.
Digoxin can assist the pumping of the heart for people with heart failure associated with PH. It is important to note that this medication is not recommended for all patients with pulmonary hypertension and can cause harm if not managed appropriately.
Diuretics, such as furosemide, torsemide and spironolactone, are used to eliminate excess fluid that puts pressure on the heart.
Oxygen is an essential element that is needed to sustain life often prescribed to patients. Supplemental oxygen may be inhaled via nasal cannulas or face masks and works to increase blood oxygen levels and relax and widen pulmonary blood vessels.
Blood thinners are a group of medications used to thin the blood and block some of the chemicals that make blood clot anticoagulants.
Learn more about medications and therapies that may be prescribed, including how to manage any side effects.
- Supplemental Oxygen Therapy
Supplemental oxygen helps increase oxygen levels in the blood and reduce symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
- Managing Your Pulmonary Hypertension Medication
Taking charge of your health means getting organized, adhering to your medication regimen and learning what questions to ask your medical team and other patients.
- Targeted Therapies for Pulmonary Hypertension
Targeted medications for pulmonary hypertension are the result of years of research and development, including clinical trials with patients. These treatments work by addressing chemical imbalances in the lungs.
- Medication Side Effects and Interactions
Every drug class that treats pulmonary hypertension has several side effects and drug interactions. Each specific treatment page also lists warnings, but here you can easily compare between types of drugs.
- Managing Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can be side effects of some pulmonary hypertension drugs. Here’s what you can do. Since these symptoms can also be caused by heart failure common in PH, let your medical team know what you are experiencing.
Over-the-counter medications and supplements
While they don’t require prescriptions, certain ingredients in over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements can affect the heart and lungs and should be used cautiously if you have PH.
As with prescription drugs, talk to your PH doctor before taking anything new.
For example, medications that contain antihistamines (diphenhydramine, Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra) can be used to treat cold symptoms, allergies and hay fever, as long as they don’t contain decongestants (Claritin D, Zyrtec D or Allegra D).
Learn more about interactions with over the counter medications and supplements.
Managing Your PH Medication