Managing Heart Failure Medications During COVID-19: Key Considerations

Confirmed medication

Hello, Dr.
Wu.
My grandfather is an 82-year-old patient with heart failure.
His usual medications are: 1.
Edarbi 25 mg once daily 2.
Lipitor 40 mg once daily 3.
Amlodipine 2.5 mg twice daily 4.
Cardizem 100 mg twice daily 5.
Kankes 1.25 mg twice daily 6.
Furosemide twice daily 7.
Micronase 500 mg, two capsules daily.
On November 24, due to a cold, the doctor prescribed cold medication and a gastric medication.
On November 25, he was diagnosed with COVID-19, and the doctor added Pfizer antiviral medication and also prescribed Cozaar 50 mg, advising him to stop taking the above medications (1-7).
Currently, my grandfather is taking the cold medication, Pfizer antiviral medication, and Cozaar.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Should he stop taking the gastric medication prescribed with the cold medication? 2.
Is it okay to stop taking the medications listed as 1-7? 3.
I am concerned that stopping the diuretic may affect his health.
I asked the doctor again, and it seems I heard the doctor say to resume the diuretic after three days.
I am unclear whether this means to take the diuretic three days after starting the antiviral medication or to wait three days after completing the five days of antiviral medication before resuming the diuretic.
4.
When should he resume taking the original seven medications? 5.
Should he skip the Pfizer antiviral medication and instead see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor for Qingguan No.
1?

A-Dai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/27

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology

1.
If there are no gastrointestinal discomforts, it is not necessary to take stomach medication.
2.
Medications for heart failure should not be discontinued arbitrarily.
3.
Please consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

Reply Date: 2022/11/27

More Info

Managing heart failure medications during the COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges, especially for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, such as your grandfather. Given his age and heart failure diagnosis, careful consideration must be taken when adjusting his medication regimen, particularly in light of his recent COVID-19 diagnosis and the medications prescribed by his healthcare provider.

1. Gastrointestinal Medications: If your grandfather has been prescribed gastrointestinal medications alongside cold medications, it is essential to consult with his healthcare provider regarding the necessity of continuing these medications. Some gastrointestinal medications may be necessary to manage side effects from other drugs, while others may not be needed during this acute illness. It is crucial to follow the doctor's advice on this matter.

2. Stopping Heart Failure Medications: The medications your grandfather has been taking for heart failure, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers, are vital for managing his condition. Stopping these medications abruptly can lead to worsening heart failure symptoms, fluid retention, and other complications. It is generally advisable to continue heart failure medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by a healthcare provider. If the doctor has advised stopping these medications, it is likely due to potential interactions with the newly prescribed medications for COVID-19.

3. Diuretics and Heart Failure Management: Diuretics are crucial for managing fluid overload in heart failure patients. If your grandfather has been advised to stop taking diuretics, it is essential to clarify with his doctor how long this should last. The recommendation to wait three days before resuming diuretics likely refers to the period after completing the antiviral treatment for COVID-19. However, it is essential to confirm whether this means three days after finishing the antiviral medication or three days after starting it.

4. Resuming Heart Failure Medications: The timeline for resuming heart failure medications should be discussed with your grandfather's healthcare provider. Generally, once he has recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19 and is stable, his heart failure medications can be reintroduced. The healthcare provider will consider his overall clinical status, kidney function, and any potential interactions with other medications he may be taking.

5. Alternative Treatments: Regarding the use of the Pfizer antiviral medication versus traditional Chinese medicine like Qingguan No. 1, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider. While some patients may prefer herbal remedies, it is crucial to ensure that these do not interact negatively with his heart failure medications or antiviral treatment. The healthcare provider can offer guidance on the safety and efficacy of any alternative treatments.

In summary, managing heart failure medications during COVID-19 requires careful coordination with healthcare providers. It is crucial to maintain open communication with his medical team to ensure that your grandfather's heart failure is managed effectively while addressing his acute illness. Always prioritize the advice of his healthcare provider when it comes to medication adjustments, especially in the context of a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Similar Q&A

Managing COVID-19 Risks for Diabetic Patients: A Care Guide

Hello Doctor, my mother is 64 years old and has diabetes and hypertension. She has been regularly visiting a family physician and is on long-term medication for control. However, in September 2020, she experienced pancreatitis (suspected to be due to gallstones, but no stones wer...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: After contracting COVID-19, the two main concerns are monitoring the progression of the illness and medication treatment: 1. Monitoring the progression of the illness: This can be divided into subjective and objective components. Subjective component: If your mother experi...

Effective Medications for Relieving COVID-19 Symptoms

Hello, I visited the clinic for a COVID-19 diagnosis, and the clinic prescribed several medications to alleviate symptoms, which have been successful. Currently, I am only experiencing excessive phlegm. I would like to know if taking "fudecough" or "dex-ctm" w...

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Chen, please take the medication as prescribed for treatment. The medication is commonly used for cough suppression or allergic itching. It is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment for the physician to evaluate your condition. Thank you.

Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights

Hello Doctor, my mother has been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome for over ten years. Currently, she is taking one pill each of Plaquenil, Donison, and the anti-inflammatory medication Celebrex daily. Since the start of the pandemic, she has tested positive multiple times, ...

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask whether antiviral medication is necessary, or if there is a need for antiviral medication for patients with Sjögren's syndrome? (I am not opposed to taking it; if possible, I hope the physicia...

Managing Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure Medications Safely

Hello Doctor, over a year ago I fainted and was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Three months later, I developed heart failure (Ejection Fraction ≤ 35%). Currently, my heart rate often exceeds 100 bpm. The doctor has prescribed cardiac medications including Concor (Bisoprolol)...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, you can discuss with your physician to hear his opinion; it's not necessarily contraindicated to use them together. Ping An Changhua Hospital cares about you.