Drugs of Unproven Value or That May Worsen HF
ÎÎNutritional supplements as treatment for HF are NOT recommended in
patients with current or prior symptoms of HFr EF. (III-B: No Benefit)
ÎÎHormonal therapies other than to correct deficiencies are NOT
recommended for patients with current or prior symptoms of HFr EF.
(III-C: No Benefit)
ÎÎDrugs known to adversely affect the clinical status of patients with
current or prior symptoms of HFr EF are potentially harmful and should
be avoided or withdrawn whenever possible (eg, most antiarrhythmic
drugs, most calcium channel–blocking drugs [except amlodipine],
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or thiazolidinediones). (III-B:
Harm)
ÎÎLong-term use of infused positive inotropic drugs is potentially
harmful for patients with HFr EF, except as palliation for patients with
end-stage disease who cannot be stabilized with standard medical
treatment (see recommendations for stage D on page 32). (III-C: Harm)
Calcium Channel Blockers
ÎÎCalcium channel–blocking drugs are NOT recommended as routine
treatment for patients with HFr EF. (III-A: No Benefit)
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