Medication Classifications and Adverse Effects

PTCE Prep 2026

ACE Inhibitors

dry cough, swelling, hypotension

ARBs

dry cough, swelling, fatigue

Antiarrhythmic

QT prolongation, dizziness, drowsiness

Anticoagulants

bleeding, bruising, fatigue

Antiplatelets

bleeding, bruising, stomach irritation

Beta-blockers

fatigue, bradycardia, bronchoconstriction, depression

Calcium channel blockers

peripheral edema, palpitations, drowsiness, headache

Cardiac glycosides

diarrhea, headache, dizziness, vision, changes

Cholesterol-lowering

muscle pain, numbness, upset stomach, headache, dizziness

Diuretics

orthostatic hypotension, hypokalemia

Vasodilators

orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, flushing

Antacids

constipation, diarrhea

Anti-diarrheal

constipation

Anti-gas

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Anti-inflammatory for GI

muscle/joint pain, stiffness, nausea, vomiting

Anti-nausea

drowsiness, diarrhea

Digestive enzymes

hyper/hypoglycemia, abdominal pain

H2 receptor antagonists

constipation, dizziness

Laxatives

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Mucosal protectants

headache

PPIs

abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea

Insulin

pain/irritation at injection site, hypoglycemia

Biguanides

diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lactic acidosis

Sulfonylureas

hypoglycemia, weight gain

DPP-4 inhibitors

hypoglycemia, joint pain, Steven-Johnson syndrome

GLP-1 agonists

diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation

SGLT2 inhibitors

UTIs, yeast infections

HRT

weight gain, mood changes, nausea, bloating

Hypothyroidism

weight loss, tremors

Hyperthyroidism

sore throat, fever, unusual bleeding

Antibiotics

upset stomach, diarrhea

Antifungals

acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, skin burning/irritation

Antineoplastics

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, alopecia, fatigue, infection risk increase

Antivirals

headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation

Antiretroviral therapy

diarrhea, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, depression, liver damage

Immunosuppresants (general)

increased risk of infections

Steroids: short-term

insomnia, irritability, increased appetite

Steroids: long-term

hypertension, hyperglycemia, edema, osteoporosis, cataracts, infections

Bisphosphonates

nausea, abdominal pain

Muscle relaxants

drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension

Acetaminophen

nausea, skin reactions, liver toxicity

COX-2 inhibitors

upset stomach, headache, drowsiness

Narcotic analgesics

nausea, vomiting, constipation, sedation, respiratory depression

NSAIDs

stomach ulcer/bleeding, heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, hypertension, drowsiness, rash, tinnitus

Salicylates

stomach ulcer/bleeding, heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, hypertension, drowsiness, rash, tinnitus

Local anesthetics

blurred vision, headache, muscle twitching, numbness/weakness

General anesthetics

confusion, short-term memory loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shivering

Anticonvulsants

dizziness, drowsiness

SSRIs

nausea, diarrhea, serotonin syndrome, bodyweight fluctuation, s3xual dysfunction

SNRIs

nausea, diarrhea, serotonin syndrome, bodyweight fluctuation, cardiovascular effects

Tricyclic antidepressants

dry mouth, weight gain, reduced libido, 3rectile dysfuction, tachycardia

Benzodiazepines

drowsiness, dependence

Migraine treatments

dizziness, chest discomfort

Sedatives

drowsiness, somnolence

Stimulants

insomnia, hypertension, dependency

Beta-blockers (ophthalmic)

hypotension, bradycardia

Prostaglandin analogs

dry eye, blurred vision, iris discoloration, eye inflammation, eyelash growth

Oral contraceptives

increased stroke risk, depression, breast tenderness

PDE-5 inhibitors

headache, flushing, priapism

Selective estrogen receptor modulators

hot flashes, flu-like symptoms

Antihistamines

drowsiness, dry mouth

Antitussives

headache, dizziness, nausea, upset stomach

Decongestants

appetite loss, insomnia, hypertension, tachycardia, hyperactivity

Inhaled beta-agonists

tachycardia, palpitations

Inhaled anticholinergics

constipation, dry mouth

Inhaled/nasal corticosteroids

upper respiratory tract infection, oral thrush

Leukotrine modifiers

diarrhea, fever, headache, cold-like symptoms, depression

Alpha-blockers

headache, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension

Anticholinergic/antimuscarinic for OAB

dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation