Top 200 Drugs

Drugs and their indications/side effects.

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab, Norco)

Pain relief medication. High risk for addiction/dependence, respiratory depression, and constipation.

Lisinopril (Prinivil)

Blood pressure medication. Protects kidneys in diabetes. Common side effects include a dry cough and hyperkalemia.

Simvastatin (Zocor)

Cholesterol-lowering medication. Reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke. Must be dosed at night; risk of myopathy.

Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

Synthetic thyroid hormone (T4) used for hypothyroidism. Monitored via TSH levels. Absorption is lowered by calcium and iron.

Amoxicillin (Amoxil)

Antibiotic for bacterial infections. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and rash.

Azithromycin (Zithromax)

Antibiotic with a longer half-life than most. Causes GI adverse effects; rare risk for QTc prolongation.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (Microzide)

Diuretic used for edema and hypertension. Causes frequent urination and can elevate uric acid levels to exacerbate gout.

Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Blood pressure and angina-prevention medication. Has no action on the heart rate but frequently causes edema.

Alprazolam (Xanax)

Sedative/hypnotic used for acute management of anxiety. Causes dizziness and sedation; generally avoid in the elderly.

Metformin (Glucophage)

First-line oral medication for type 2 diabetes. Prominent GI side effects (diarrhea); avoid in moderate to severe kidney disease due to lactic acidosis risk.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

High-intensity cholesterol-lowering medication. Reduces the risk of heart attack/stroke; risk of myopathy.

Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Potent acid-blocking medication recommended for short-term GERD treatment. Associated with low magnesium and B12 levels.

Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (Augmentin)

Combination antibiotic for bacterial infections. Highly associated with diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and rash.

Atenolol (Tenormin)

Beta-blocker that reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Requires pulse monitoring; can exacerbate asthma/COPD and blunt signs of hypoglycemia (except sweating).

Furosemide (Lasix)

Loop diuretic that increases urine output for fluid retention. Can lead to hypokalemia, frequent urination, and dehydration.

Metoprolol (Lopressor)

Beta-blocker that reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Requires pulse monitoring; can exacerbate asthma/COPD and block signs of hypoglycemia (except sweating).

Sertraline (Zoloft)

Antidepressant that takes several weeks to work. Causes GI side effects and carries a risk of serotonin syndrome.

Zolpidem (Ambien)

Sedative/hypnotic medication used exclusively for insomnia. Causes dizziness and sedation; generally avoid in the elderly.

Oxycodone/APAP (Percocet)

Narcotic pain relief medication. High risk for addiction/dependence, respiratory depression, and constipation.

Esomeprazole (Nexium)

Potent acid-blocking medication recommended for short-term GERD treatment. Associated with low magnesium and B12 levels.

Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Antiplatelet medication used to prevent blood clots (often after heart stenting). Is a prodrug converted by CYP2C19; carries a high bleed risk.

Montelukast (Singulair)

Controller medication used for asthma and allergies (not a rescue inhaler). Rare reports of psychiatric adverse events.

Prednisone (Sterapred)

Corticosteroid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation. Causes suppression of the HPA axis, increased blood sugar, insomnia, GI upset, and osteoporosis risk.

Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Antidepressant that takes several weeks to work. Causes GI side effects and carries a risk of serotonin syndrome.

Ibuprofen (Advil)

NSAID used for pain and inflammation. Increases GI bleed risk (take with food), exacerbates CHF/edema, and inhibits platelet activity.

Citalopram (Celexa)

Antidepressant that takes several weeks to work. Carries a risk of serotonin syndrome and unique QTc prolongation risk at higher doses or in the elderly.

Albuterol (ProAir)

Fast-acting rescue medication of choice for acute relief of respiratory symptoms. Causes tremors and tachycardia.

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Antidepressant that takes several weeks to work. Causes GI side effects and carries a risk of serotonin syndrome.

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

Medication used for nerve pain or seizures. Causes dizziness and sedation; can accumulate in patients with renal disease.

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Anticoagulant blood thinner that requires routine INR monitoring (goal 2-3). Massive bleed risk and carries a ton of drug interactions.

Tramadol (Ultram)

Analgesic medication with a risk of dependence, addiction, sedation, and increased seizure risk.

Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Sedative/hypnotic medication used for acute management of anxiety. Causes dizziness and sedation; generally avoid in the elderly.

Lorazepam (Ativan)

Sedative/hypnotic medication used for acute management of anxiety. Causes dizziness and sedation; generally avoid in the elderly.

Cephalexin (Keflex)

Antibiotic providing primarily Gram-positive bacterial coverage. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)

Skeletal muscle relaxant. Highly sedating with anticholinergic potential (dry mouth, confusion); not well tolerated in the elderly.

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)

Antibiotic that has a significant interaction with warfarin. Do not use in patients with a sulfa allergy; take with a full glass of water.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Carries a serious risk of spontaneous tendonitis or tendon rupture; interacts with iron/calcium.

Fluticasone (Flonase)

Nasal steroid spray used for allergic rhinitis. Works best if taken routinely; can cause nose bleeding and irritation.

Triamterene/HCTZ (Dyazide)

Combination diuretic used to lower blood pressure and manage edema. Triamterene component balances potassium wasting from HCTZ.

Pravastatin (Pravachol)

Cholesterol-lowering medication used to reduce heart attack/stroke risk. Often tried if a patient cannot tolerate simvastatin or atorvastatin.

Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

High-intensity cholesterol-lowering medication. Reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke; carries a risk of myopathy.

Fluticasone + salmeterol (Advair)

Asthma/COPD controller medication (not a rescue inhaler). Can cause increased heart rate or tremors; patient must rinse mouth to reduce thrush risk.

Trazodone (Desyrel)

Medication most often used at low doses for sleep rather than depression. Causes dry mouth; slightly safer in the elderly than Z-drugs.

Alendronate (Fosamax)

Bone resorption inhibitor used for osteoporosis. Has an extremely long half-life; patient must take with plain water and remain upright for 30 minutes.

Fexofenadine (Allegra)

Once-daily non-drowsy antihistamine used for allergy symptoms. Can cause mild sedation or dry mouth.

Lovastatin (Mevacor)

Cholesterol-lowering medication that reduces the risk of heart attack/stroke; carries a specific risk of rhabdomyolysis and myopathy.

Carvedilol (Coreg)

Beta-blocker with alpha-blockade used for blood pressure and heart failure. Requires pulse monitoring; can block signs of hypoglycemia (except sweating).

Paroxetine (Paxil)

Antidepressant that takes several weeks to work. Causes GI side effects and carries a risk of serotonin syndrome.

Meloxicam (Mobic)

NSAID used for pain/inflammation. Increases GI bleed risk (take with food), inhibits platelets, and exacerbates CHF/edema.

Diazepam (Valium)

Sedative/hypnotic used for acute management of anxiety or seizures. Causes dizziness and sedation; generally avoid in the elderly.

Valsartan (Diovan)

Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used for blood pressure. Alternate to ACE inhibitors with a much lower incidence of dry cough; causes hyperkalemia.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

SNRI medication beneficial for both depression and nerve pain (neuropathy). Causes GI side effects, serotonin syndrome risk, and hypertension at high doses.

Venlafaxine (Effexor)

SNRI medication beneficial for both depression and nerve pain. Causes GI side effects, serotonin syndrome risk, and hypertension at high doses.

Ranitidine (Zantac)

H2 blocker that reduces gastric acid secretion for heartburn. Works quicker but is less potent than PPIs; can accumulate in kidney disease.

Fluconazole (Diflucan)

Antifungal medication. Carries major CYP3A4 drug interactions (warfarin, amiodarone), GI upset, and liver concerns.

Naproxen (Aleve)

NSAID used for pain and inflammation. Increases GI bleed risk (take with food), inhibits platelets, and exacerbates CHF/edema.

Doxycycline (Vibramycin)

Tetracycline antibiotic. Increases sensitivity to sunburn, binds with calcium/iron, and must be avoided in pregnancy.

Potassium (Klor-Con)

Potassium replacement supplement often given to patients on depleting diuretics. Large pills can cause swallowing difficulties and GI upset.

Amitriptyline (Elavil)

Tricyclic antidepressant often used for chronic pain syndromes (migraines, fibromyalgia). Highly anticholinergic and carries high cardiac risk in overdose.

Lansoprazole (Prevacid)

Potent acid-blocking PPI recommended for short-term GERD. Associated with low magnesium and B12 levels.

Pioglitazone (Actos)

Diabetes medication that decreases peripheral insulin resistance. Causes weight gain and edema; generally avoid in CHF patients.

Methylprednisolone (Medrol)

Corticosteroid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation. Risks include HPA axis suppression, high blood sugar, insomnia, and osteoporosis.

Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

Medication used for chronic gout prophylaxis to lower uric acid levels. Not meant for acute flares; can cause a rash.

Codeine + APAP (Tylenol #3)

Narcotic combination pain reliever. High risk for addiction/dependence, respiratory depression, and constipation.

Enalapril (Vasotec)

ACE inhibitor that lowers blood pressure and protects kidneys in diabetes. Common side effects include a dry cough and hyperkalemia.

Carisoprodol (Soma)

Controlled substance muscle relaxant. Causes prominent sedation and dizziness.

Valsartan (Diovan)

Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used for blood pressure. Alternate to ACE inhibitors with a much lower incidence of dry cough; causes hyperkalemia.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

SNRI medication beneficial for both depression and nerve pain (neuropathy). Causes GI side effects, serotonin syndrome risk, and hypertension at high doses.

Venlafaxine (Effexor)

SNRI medication beneficial for both depression and nerve pain. Causes GI side effects, serotonin syndrome risk, and hypertension at high doses.

Ranitidine (Zantac)

H2 blocker that reduces gastric acid secretion for heartburn. Works quicker but is less potent than PPIs; can accumulate in kidney disease.

Fluconazole (Diflucan)

Antifungal medication. Carries major CYP3A4 drug interactions (warfarin, amiodarone), GI upset, and liver concerns.

Naproxen (Aleve)

NSAID used for pain and inflammation. Increases GI bleed risk (take with food), inhibits platelets, and exacerbates CHF/edema.

Doxycycline (Vibramycin)

Tetracycline antibiotic. Increases sensitivity to sunburn, binds with calcium/iron, and must be avoided in pregnancy.

Potassium (Klor-Con)

Potassium replacement supplement often given to patients on depleting diuretics. Large pills can cause swallowing difficulties and GI upset.

Amitriptyline (Elavil)

Tricyclic antidepressant often used for chronic pain syndromes (migraines, fibromyalgia). Highly anticholinergic and carries high cardiac risk in overdose.

Lansoprazole (Prevacid)

Potent acid-blocking PPI recommended for short-term GERD. Associated with low magnesium and B12 levels.

Pioglitazone (Actos)

Diabetes medication that decreases peripheral insulin resistance. Causes weight gain and edema; generally avoid in CHF patients.

Methylprednisolone (Medrol)

Corticosteroid that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation. Risks include HPA axis suppression, high blood sugar, insomnia, and osteoporosis.

Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

Medication used for chronic gout prophylaxis to lower uric acid levels. Not meant for acute flares; can cause a rash.

Codeine + APAP (Tylenol #3)

Narcotic combination pain reliever. High risk for addiction/dependence, respiratory depression, and constipation.

Enalapril (Vasotec)

ACE inhibitor that lowers blood pressure and protects kidneys in diabetes. Common side effects include a dry cough and hyperkalemia.

Carisoprodol (Soma)

Controlled substance muscle relaxant. Causes prominent sedation and dizziness.