Which of the following drug is contraindicated in a patient with congestive heart failure?

Option 1 : Diltiazem

Concept:

• Congestive heart failure -> A chronic condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well it should pump.
• Causes:
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiomyopathy
• Diltiazem is contraindicated in patient with congestive heart failure.

Explanation:

• NSAIDs, antiarrhythmic agents and calcium channel blockers should be avoided in patients with congestive heart failure.
• Because they are known to have negative effects on:
  • Cardiac contraction
  • Neurohormonal system 
  • It may cause sodium retention.
• Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker and it causes relaxation of blood vessels.
• This gradually reduces the blood pressure causing fatal complications.

• Digoxin -> First drug of choice for congestive cardiac failure as it increases the contractility.
• Furosemide -> Diuretic which helps the kidneys to flush out the excess fluid and maintain normal blood volume.
• Captopril -> Effective vasodilator to treat congestive cardiac failure.