Seven drugs to avoid with heart-failure patients

NPS MedicineWise has compiled a list of seven drugs to avoid for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. They are:

1. NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors, cause salt and water retention and impair renal function.
2. Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (verapamil and diltiazem) have a negative inotropic effect.
3. Antiarrhythmic drugs (except beta blockers and amiodarone) and tricyclic antidepressants have pro-arrhythmic potential.
4. Corticosteroids result in