Which medication class is contraindicated in acute decompensated heart failure?

The medication class contraindicated in acute decompensated heart failure is calcium channel blockers. In the setting of acute decompensated heart failure, the heart's ability to pump blood is significantly impaired, and maintaining adequate cardiac output is critical. Calcium channel blockers can lead to negative inotropic effects, which means they can weaken the heart's contractility and further compromise cardiac output, worsening the patient's condition.

In contrast, diuretics are often used to manage fluid overload in heart failure patients, helping to reduce symptoms associated with congestion. Beta-blockers are typically utilized in stable heart failure to improve outcomes over the long term, though they are introduced carefully during treatment of decompensation. ACE inhibitors are also important in heart failure management for their vasodilatory effects and benefits on the neurohormonal system, aiding in reducing the workload on the heart.

Therefore, calcium channel blockers are not suitable for patients experiencing acute decompensated heart failure due to their potential to further decrease cardiac function and exacerbate the situation.