Top 101 Medications Lecture Review

A comprehensive vocabulary list of the top 101 medications, including brand names, pharmacologic classes, major counseling points, and safety warnings.

Acetaminophen (APAP, Tylenol)

An Analgesic and Antipyretic used for pain and fever; maximum Rx tablets are $325\,mg$.

Celecoxib (Celebrex)

A COX-2 selective Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and arthritis.

Codeine + Acetaminophen (Tylenol with Codeine)

A Schedule $C-III$ Opioid agonist used for pain.

Diclofenac (Voltaren, PENNSAID)

An NSAID available in oral and topical forms ($1.5\%$ and $2\%$ solutions, or $1\%$ OTC gel). It is used for pain and arthritis and is listed on the Beers Criteria for chronic oral use.

Hydrocodone (Norco, Vicodin)

A Schedule $C-II$ Opioid agonist combined with acetaminophen (e.g., $5/325\,mg$, $7.5/325\,mg$, $10/325\,mg$) used for pain management.

Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)

A Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and fever. OTC strengths are $200\,mg$, while $400\,mg$, $600\,mg$, and $800\,mg$ are Rx only.

Meloxicam (Mobic)

An NSAID used for pain and arthritis with common tablet strengths of $7.5\,mg$ and $15\,mg$. Counseling includes taking with food to mitigate GI risk.

Morphine (MS Contin)

A Schedule $C-II$ Opioid agonist used for severe pain, available in oral and parenteral routes. Common ER strengths include $15\,mg$, $20\,mg$, $60\,mg$, $100\,mg$, and $200\,mg$.

Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)

A Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and arthritis. OTC strength is $220\,mg$, while Rx strengths include $375\,mg$ and $500\,mg$.

Oxycodone (OxyContin)

A Schedule $C-II$ Opioid agonist used for pain with strengths ranging from $10\,mg$ to $80\,mg$. It is often dosed every $8$ to $12$ hours for chronic pain.

Oxycodone + Acetaminophen (Percocet)

A Schedule $C-II$ combination Opioid agonist used for pain. Common strengths include $2.5/325\,mg$, $5/325\,mg$, $7.5/325\,mg$, and $10/325\,mg$.

Tramadol (Ultram)

A Schedule $C-IV$ medication that acts as an Opioid agonist and a Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It carries a specific warning for seizure risk.

Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

A second-generation Antihistamine and OTC metabolite of hydroxyzine used for allergic rhinitis and pruritus; the maximum daily dose is $10\,mg$.

Amoxicillin (Amoxil)

A Penicillin antibiotic used for bacterial infections. A common counseling point is that it may taste better if refrigerated.

Amoxicillin + Clavulanate (Augmentin)

A combination of a Penicillin and a Beta-lactamase inhibitor used for bacterial infections. Tablet strengths include $250\,mg/125\,mg$, $500\,mg/125\,mg$, and $875\,mg/125\,mg$.

Azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-PAK)

A Macrolide antibiotic used for bacterial infections. A common dosing regimen is $500\,mg$ on Day $1$ followed by $250\,mg$ on Day $2$ through Day $5$.

Cefdinir (Omnicef)

A Cephalosporin antibiotic used for bacterial infections. Caplets are typically $300\,mg$ taken every $12$ hours.

Cephalexin (Keflex)

A Cephalosporin antibiotic used for bacterial infections, typically dosed every $6$ hours ($QID$) in strengths of $250\,mg$, $500\,mg$, or $750\,mg$.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

A Quinolone antibiotic with a boxed warning for tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects. It undergoes chelation with $Ca$, $Mg$, $Fe$, or $Zn$.

Clindamycin (Cleocin)

An Antibacterial antibiotic used for bacterial infections. It carries a risk for serious C. difficile infection.

Doxycycline (Vibramycin, Doryx)

A Tetracycline antibiotic used for acne and bacterial infections. Patients are counseled to take with water, avoid sunlight, and not lie down immediately after taking.

Fluconazole (Diflucan)

An Antifungal medication used for yeast infections (Candidiasis). It can cause QT prolongation and hepatotoxicity.

Ketoconazole (Nizoral)

An Antifungal available as Rx tablets/cream or $1\%$ OTC shampoo. Oral tablets have boxed warnings for fatal liver injury and QT prolongation.

Mupirocin (Bactroban)

A topical antibiotic cream or ointment that inhibits protein synthesis, commonly used to treat skin infections like impetigo.

Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)

An Anti-infective used for bacterial infections (UTIs). Macrobid is dosed $BID$ (twice daily) while Macrodantin is dosed $QID$ (four times daily).

Ofloxacin (Ocuflox, Floxin)

A Fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for bacterial infections in ophthalmic, otic, and oral forms. It carries a boxed warning for tendon rupture and peripheral neuropathy.

Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)

A combination Sulfonamide and folic acid inhibitor used for bacterial infections. It can raise potassium ($K$) levels and should not be refrigerated.

Amlodipine (Norvasc)

A Calcium channel blocker used for hypertension ($HTN$). Common strengths are $2.5\,mg$, $5\,mg$, and $10\,mg$; higher doses may cause edema.

Amlodipine + Benazepril (Lotrel)

A combination of a Calcium channel blocker and an ACE inhibitor used for hypertension.

Apixaban (Eliquis)

A Factor Xa inhibitor anticoagulant used for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and treatment of $DVT/PE$. It carries a boxed warning for spinal/epidural hematoma risk.

Aspirin (Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin)

An NSAID and platelet aggregation inhibitor used for pain and prevention of stroke or MI. Common doses are $81\,mg$ and $325\,mg$.

Atenolol (Tenormin)

A Beta-$1$ selective adrenergic antagonist used for angina and hypertension. It is available in $25\,mg$, $50\,mg$, and $100\,mg$ tabs.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

An HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used for hypercholesterolemia. It has a risk of myalgia and serious rhabdomyolysis.

Benazepril (Lotensin)

An Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used for hypertension. It is contraindicated in pregnancy due to fetal toxicity.

Clonidine (Catapres)

A Central alpha adrenergic agonist used for hypertension. Abrupt discontinuation can cause rebound hypertension.

Evolocumab (Repatha)

A PCSK9 Inhibitor and monoclonal antibody used for hypercholesterolemia, administered parenterally either $140\,mg$ every $2$ weeks or $420\,mg$ once monthly.

Ezetimibe (Zetia)

A cholesterol absorption inhibitor used for hypercholesterolemia. The only dose is $10\,mg\,QD$.

Fenofibrate (Tricor)

A Fibrate used for hypertriglyceridemia, available in several strengths including $145\,mg$ and $160\,mg$.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

A Thiazide diuretic used for edema and hypertension. It can reduce levels of $K$, $Na$, and $Mg$, and increase uric acid (gout risk).

Hydrochlorothiazide + Triamterene (Dyazide, Maxzide)

A combination of a Thiazide diuretic and a potassium-sparing diuretic used for edema.

Lovastatin (Mevacor)

An HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used for hypercholesterolemia, available in IR and ER forms of $20\,mg$, $40\,mg$, or $60\,mg$.

Pravastatin (Pravachol)

An HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used for hypercholesterolemia, typically dosed at $10\,mg$ to $80\,mg$ per day.

Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

A potent HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used for hypercholesterolemia in strengths of $5\,mg$, $10\,mg$, $20\,mg$, and $40\,mg$.

Simvastatin (Zocor)

An HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor used for hypercholesterolemia. It has significant CYP interactions that increase levels and myopathy risk.

Spironolactone (Aldactone)

A potassium-sparing diuretic used for heart failure and hypertension. A notable side effect is gynecomastia.

Torsemide (Demadex)

A Loop diuretic used for edema and heart failure. It can significantly reduce levels of sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

Esomeprazole (Nexium)

A Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for GERD and peptic ulcers. Long-term use is linked to fractures, C. difficile, and B12 deficiency.

Famotidine (Pepcid)

A Histamine-$2$ receptor antagonist used for heartburn and GERD. Dosing is typically $20\,mg\,QD/BID$ or $40\,mg\,HS$; requires renal adjustment.

Meclizine (Antivert, Bonine)

An Antihistamine used for motion sickness. It has strong anticholinergic effects and is on the Beers List to avoid in older adults.

Omeprazole (Prilosec)

A Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for GERD. It inhibits $CYP2C19$ and is linked to increased osteoporosis risk.

Pantoprazole (Protonix)

A Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for GERD and heartburn, available in oral and parenteral forms. Dosed at $20\,mg$ or $40\,mg\,QD$.

Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)

A $5$-alpha-reductase inhibitor used for BPH ($5\,mg$) or hair loss ($1\,mg$). Pregnant women should avoid contact with the medication.

Oxybutynin (Ditropan)

An Anticholinergic/Antispasmodic used for urinary incontinence. It has strong anticholinergic effects and is listed on the Beers Criteria.

Sildenafil (Viagra)

A Phosphodiesterase-$5$ inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction. It is contraindicated with nitrates/riociguat due to severe hypotension risk.

Tadalafil (Cialis)

A Phosphodiesterase-$5$ inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction and BPH. It is contraindicated with nitrates.

Tamsulosin (Flomax)

A selective alpha-$1a$ adrenergic antagonist used for BPH. It may cause syncope and orthostatic hypotension; dosed at $0.4\,mg\,HS$.

Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)

An Antihistamine with strong anticholinergic effects used for allergies. It carries a risk of QT prolongation and is on the Beers List.

Levocetirizine (Xyzal)

A second-generation Antihistamine used for allergic rhinitis. It is the active metabolite of cetirizine.

Loratadine (Claritin)

An OTC second-generation Antihistamine used for allergies, typically dosed at $10\,mg\,QD$.

Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

A Xanthine oxidase inhibitor used for gout and hyperuricemia. It can cause serious hypersensitivity reactions like SJS/TEN, especially in certain genetic groups.

Alprazolam (Xanax)

A Schedule $C-IV$ Benzodiazepine used for anxiety and panic. Abrupt discontinuation can cause rebound anxiety or withdrawal seizures.

Amitriptyline (Elavil)

A Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA) with strong anticholinergic effects. It has a boxed warning for suicidal thinking in young adults.

Aripiprazole (Abilify)

An Atypical antipsychotic used for depression and bipolar disorder. It may cause weight gain and has a boxed warning for mortality in elderly dementia patients.

Atomoxetine (Strattera)

A Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor used for ADHD. It has a boxed warning for suicidal ideation in children and adolescents.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)

An Antidepressant used for depression and smoking cessation. It carries a specific seizure risk and should not be taken at bedtime ($HS$).

Buspirone (Buspar)

An Antianxiety agent used for anxiety disorder, typically dosed at $7.5\,mg\,BID$ or $5\,mg\,TID$, with a maximum of $60\,mg/day$.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

An Antiepileptic/Antimanic used for seizures and neuropathic pain. It requires blood concentration monitoring and has a boxed warning for aplastic anemia.

Citalopram (Celexa)

An SSRI used for depression. Doses above $40\,mg$ are associated with QT interval prolongation and arrhythmias like TdP.

Clonazepam (Klonopin)

A Schedule $C-IV$ Benzodiazepine used for anxiety, panic, and seizure disorders. It is on the Beers List due to risk of falls and cognitive impairment.

Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

A Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for depression, typically dosed at $50\,mg\,QD$.

Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)

A Schedule $C-II$ CNS stimulant used for ADHD. It has a high potential for abuse and dependence.

Dextroamphetamine + Amphetamine (Adderall)

A Schedule $C-II$ stimulant used for ADHD. It can cause insomnia, appetite loss, and increased blood pressure or heart rate.

Diazepam (Valium)

A Schedule $C-IV$ Benzodiazepine used for anxiety; also available as a rectal gel ($Diastat$).

Donepezil (Aricept)

A reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used for Alzheimer's disease. Dosing usually starts at $5\,mg\,QHS$ and titrates to $10\,mg\,QHS$.

Doxepin (Silenor, Sinequan)

A TCA used for depression (Sinequan) or low-dose insomnia (Silenor $3\,mg$ or $6\,mg$). It has strong anticholinergic effects.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

An SNRI used for depression, anxiety, neuropathic pain, and musculoskeletal pain.

Escitalopram (Lexapro)

An SSRI used for depression and anxiety. Like citalopram, it carries a risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmias.

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

An SSRI used for depression, OCD, and bulimia. It has a long half-life and a weekly formulation ($90\,mg$).

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

An Antiepileptic used for seizures and neuropathic pain. Side effects include respiratory depression, sedation, and weight gain/edema.

Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

An Antiepileptic used for seizure disorders. It has a boxed warning for serious skin rashes (SJS/TEN), requiring slow titration.

Levetiracetam (Keppra)

An Antiepileptic used for seizures. Counseling should include monitoring for mood and behavior changes.

Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

A Schedule $C-II$ CNS stimulant used for ADHD, available in capsules and chewable tablets.

Lithium (Lithobid)

An Antimanic lithium salt used for bipolar disorder. It has a narrow therapeutic index with a boxed warning for toxicity; levels must be monitored.

Lorazepam (Ativan)

A Schedule $C-IV$ Benzodiazepine used for anxiety, available in oral and parenteral forms.

Memantine (Namenda)

An NMDA receptor antagonist used for Alzheimer's disease. Dosing is often $10\,mg\,BID$ or $28\,mg\,QD$ for the XR version.

Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin)

A Schedule $C-II$ CNS stimulant used for ADHD. Concerta is the extended-release formulation available in $18\,mg$ to $54\,mg$.

Mirtazapine (Remeron)

An Antidepressant that causes weight gain and sedation; patients are counseled to take it at bedtime ($HS$).

Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

An Atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia. It is associated with significant weight gain, DM, and hyperlipidemia.

Paroxetine (Paxil)

An SSRI with strong anticholinergic effects used for depression and PTSD. It has a risk of withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.

Pregabalin (Lyrica)

A Schedule $C-V$ Antiepileptic used for fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain. Common side effects include weight gain and somnolence.

Quetiapine (Seroquel)

An Antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, bipolar, and anxiety. It has a boxed warning for increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia.

Risperidone (Risperdal)

An Atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia. It is notable for causing galactorrhea and gynecomastia.

Sertraline (Zoloft)

An SSRI used for depression, panic disorder, and PTSD. Available in $25\,mg$, $50\,mg$, or $100\,mg$ tablets.

Topiramate (Topamax)

An Antiepileptic used for seizures and migraine prophylaxis. It has been nicknames 'Dopamax' due to cognitive effects and increases kidney stone risk.

Trazodone (Desyrel)

An Antidepressant frequently used off-label for insomnia; patients should take it at bedtime ($HS$).

Valproic Acid (Depakene)

An Antiepileptic with boxed warnings for hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, and fetal teratogenicity.

Venlafaxine (Effexor)

An SNRI used for depression, available in XR capsules ($37.5\,mg$, $75\,mg$, or $150\,mg$).

Zolpidem (Ambien)

A Schedule $C-IV$ Hypnotic used for insomnia. It has a boxed warning for complex sleep behaviors like sleep-walking and sleep-driving.

Cyclosporine (Restasis, Sandimmune)

A Calcineurin inhibitor used for dry eyes (Restasis) or systemic organ transplant rejection prevention (Sandimmune).

Montelukast (Singulair)

A Leukotriene receptor antagonist used for asthma and allergies. It carries a boxed warning for serious neuropsychiatric events including suicidal thoughts.