Top 200 Drugs Spring 2026

Dicylomine hydrochloride — What is the brand name?

Brand Name: Bentyl

Dicylomine hydrochloride — What is its therapeutic classification?

Therapeutic Class: Antimuscarinic

Dicylomine hydrochloride — What is the FDA-labeled indication?

FDA Indication: Irritable bowel syndrome: Adolescents, 10-20 mg po tid or qid; Adults, 20 mg po qid, may titrate to 40 mg po qid

Dicylomine hydrochloride — Is this medication contraindicated in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Category (Contraindicated only): none

Dicylomine hydrochloride — What is the boxed warning?

Boxed Warning: none

Dicylomine hydrochloride — What common ADRs occur (>10%)?

Common ADRs (>10%): Nausea, xerostomia, blurred vision, dizziness

Dicylomine hydrochloride — What is the mechanism of action?

Mechanism of Action: Dicyclomine relieves smooth muscle spasm of the GI tract via a specific anticholinergic effect (antimuscarinic) at the acetylcholine-receptor sites and a direct effect on smooth muscle (musculotropic).

Dicylomine hydrochloride — What are the key patient counseling points

Key Counseling Points: May cause drowsiness; avoid driving and operating heavy equipment. Heat prostration (due to decreased sweating) can occur when used in a hot environment. May take without regard to food.

Docusate — What is the brand name?

Brand Name: Colace

Docusate — What is its therapeutic classification?

Therapeutic Class: Softener/Emollient

Docusate — What is the FDA-labeled indication?

FDA Indication: Constipation: Adults and Children ≥12 y of age: 50-360 mg (sodium) po daily in 1 or 2 divided doses or 240 mg po daily (calcium); Children 6-12 y of age: 40-120 mg po daily in 1-4 divided doses (sodium); Children 2-6 y of age: 50-150 mg po daily in 1-4 divided doses.

Docusate — Is this medication contraindicated in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Category (Contraindicated only): none

Docusate — What is the boxed warning?

Boxed Warning: none

Docusate — What common ADRs occur (>10%)?

Common ADRs (>10%): Abdominal cramps, bitter taste

Docusate — What is the mechanism of action?

Mechanism of Action: Docusate is an anionic surfactant that acts as a stool softener; it is believed to stimulate intestinal secretion and increase the penetration of fluid into the stool by emulsifying feces, water, and fat.

Docusate — What are the key patient counseling points

Key Counseling Points: Lifestyle interventions (increasing exercise, intake of water and dietary fiber) generally first-line management of constipation. May require several days of treatment before stool softening is noticeable. Patients can take as a single daily dose or in divided dose if desired. Discontinue and contact an HCP if rectal bleeding occurs or bowel movement fails to occur after appropriate use. Do not use with products containing mineral oil without consulting HCP.

Esomeprazole — What is the brand name?

Brand Name: Nexium

Esomeprazole — What is its therapeutic classification?

Therapeutic Class: PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor)

Esomeprazole — What is the FDA-labeled indication?

FDA Indication: H. pylori GI infection: 40 mg po daily × 10-14 d in combination with amoxicillin 1000 mg and clarithromycin 500 mg po bid Erosive esophagitis, GERD treatment: Children 1-11 y of age and <20 kg, 10 mg po daily × 8 wk; Children ≥20 kg, 10-20 mg po daily × 8 wk; Adults, 40 mg po daily × 4-8 wk, then 20 mg po daily Erosive esophagitis, heartburn: Children 1-11 y of age and <20 kg, 10 mg po daily × 4-8 wk; Children ≥20 kg, 20 mg po daily × 4-8 wk; Children ≥12 y of age and Adults, 20-40 mg po daily × up to 8 wk Prevention of NSAID-induced gastropathy: 20-40 mg po daily × up to 6 mo Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: 40 mg po bid up to 240 mg/d

Esomeprazole — Is this medication contraindicated in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Category (Contraindicated only): none

Esomeprazole — What is the boxed warning?

Boxed Warning: none

Esomeprazole — What common ADRs occur (>10%)?

Common ADRs (>10%): Headache

Esomeprazole — What is the mechanism of action?

Mechanism of Action: Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that, when protonated in the secretory canaliculi of the parietal cells, covalently binds to H+/K+-ATPase (proton pump), which is the final pathway for acid secretion. Esomeprazole produces a profound and prolonged antisecretory effect, and inhibits basal, nocturnal, pentagastrin-stimulated, and food-stimulated gastric acid secretion.

Esomeprazole — What are the key patient counseling points

Key Counseling Points: Should be taken 1 h before meals.

Famotidine — What is the brand name?

Brand Name: Pepcide

Famotidine — What is its therapeutic classification?

Therapeutic Class: Histamine H2 Antagonist

Famotidine — What is the FDA-labeled indication?

FDA Indication: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Children >1 y of age, 0.5-1 mg/kg po bid, max 80 mg/d, duration based on response; Adults, 10-20 mg po bid × up to 6 wk Indigestion, heartburn (OTC): 10-20 mg po bid

Famotidine — Is this medication contraindicated in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Category (Contraindicated only): none

Famotidine — What is the boxed warning?

Boxed Warning: none

Famotidine — What common ADRs occur (>10%)?

Common ADRs (>10%): Agitation (infants)

Famotidine — What is the mechanism of action?

Mechanism of Action: Famotidine is a competitive inhibitor of histamine H2 receptors. The primary clinically important pharmacologic activity of famotidine is inhibition of gastric secretion. Both the acid concentration and the volume of gastric secretion are suppressed by famotidine, while changes in pepsin secretion are proportional to volume output.

Famotidine — What are the key patient counseling points

Key Counseling Points: Take at bedtime. May take with food or antacids, if needed. Shake suspension well before use.

Lansoprazole — What is the brand name?

Brand Name: Prevacid

Lansoprazole — What is its therapeutic classification?

Therapeutic Class: PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor)

Lansoprazole — What is the FDA-labeled indication?

FDA Indication: Duodenal ulcer disease: 15 mg po daily × up to 4 wk Gastric ulcer disease, treatment: 30 mg po daily × up to 8 wk H. pylori GI tract infection, triple therapy: 30 mg po bid × 10-14 d in combination with amoxicillin 1000 mg and clarithromycin 500 mg po bid Erosive esophagitis, GERD, treatment: Children 1-11 y of age and ≤30 kg, 15 mg po daily × 12 wk; Children >30 kg, 30 mg po daily × 12 wk; Children ≥12 y of age and Adults 30 mg po daily × 8-16 wk, may continue indefinitely in adults Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: 60 mg po daily, may titrate to 180 mg/d based on acid secretion output per h

Lansoprazole — Is this medication contraindicated in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Category (Contraindicated only): none

Lansoprazole — What is the boxed warning?

Boxed Warning: none

Lansoprazole — What common ADRs occur (>10%)?

Common ADRs (>10%): none

Lansoprazole — What is the mechanism of action?

Mechanism of Action: Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that, when protonated in the secretory canaliculi of the parietal cells, covalently binds to H++/K+-ATPase (proton pump), which is the final pathway for acid secretion.

Lansoprazole — What are the key patient counseling points

Key Counseling Points: Should be taken on an empty stomach 1 h before eating. Separate administration from concurrent antacid administration. For those unable to swallow capsules, capsules may be opened and sprinkled on 1 tablespoon of applesauce if intact granules are swallowed immediately. More effective if taken regularly than prn.

Omeprazole — What is the brand name?

Brand Name: Prilosec

Omeprazole — What is its therapeutic classification?

Therapeutic Class: PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor)

Omeprazole — What is the FDA-labeled indication?

FDA Indication: Gastroesophageal reflux disease: 10-40 mg po daily, discontinue after asymptomatic × 8 wk Peptic ulcer disease: 20-40 mg po daily, duration 4-8 wk depending on ulcer severity H. pylori eradication: 20-40 mg po bid × 10-14 d in combination with antibiotics, dose varies with regimen Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: 40 mg po bid, titrate to max of 180 mg/d

Omeprazole — Is this medication contraindicated in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Category (Contraindicated only): none

Omeprazole — What is the boxed warning?

Boxed Warning: none

Omeprazole — What common ADRs occur (>10%)?

Common ADRs (>10%): none

Omeprazole — What is the mechanism of action?

Mechanism of Action: Omeprazole is a PPI that, when protonated in the secretory canaliculi of the parietal cells, covalently binds to H+/K+-ATPase (proton pump), which is the final pathway for acid secretion. Produces a profound and prolonged antisecretory effect and inhibits basal, nocturnal, and pentagastrin- and food-stimulated gastric acid secretion.

Omeprazole — What are the key patient counseling points

Key Counseling Points: Should be taken 1 h before meals.

Ondansetron — What is the brand name?

Brand Name: Zofran

Ondansetron — What is its therapeutic classification?

Therapeutic Class: Antiemetic

Ondansetron — What is the FDA-labeled indication?

FDA Indication: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, highly emetogenic chemotherapy: 24 mg po 30 min prior to the start of chemotherapy Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, moderately emetogenic chemotherapy: Adults and Children >12 y of age, 8 mg po 30 min prior to chemotherapy and repeated in 8 h, then 8 mg po q12h for 1-2 d postchemotherapy; Children 4-11 y of age, 4 mg po 30 min prior to chemotherapy, repeated 4 and 8 h after the 1st dose, then q8h for 1-2 d postchemotherapy Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: 8 mg po 1 h before anesthesia induction Radiation-induced nausea and vomiting: 8 mg po 1-2 h prior to radiotherapy and q8h prn after 1st dose of radiation on each day of radiotherapy

Ondansetron — Is this medication contraindicated in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Category (Contraindicated only): none

Ondansetron — What is the boxed warning?

Boxed Warning: none

Ondansetron — What common ADRs occur (>10%)?

Common ADRs (>10%): Constipation, diarrhea, headache, fatigue

Ondansetron — What is the mechanism of action?

Mechanism of Action: Ondansetron is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. Serotonin receptors of the 5-HT3 type are present both peripherally and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone. Cytotoxic chemotherapy releases serotonin from the enterochromaffin cells of the small intestine, initiating the vomiting reflex.

Ondansetron — What are the key patient counseling points

Key Counseling Points: Dry hands before handling disintegrating tablet. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Do not push the oral disintegrating tablet through the foil. Place tablet in mouth, allow to melt, swallow, or drink water. Drinking water while taking it is not required.

Pantoprazole — What is the brand name?

Brand Name: Protonix

Pantoprazole — What is its therapeutic classification?

Therapeutic Class: PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor)

Pantoprazole — What is the FDA-labeled indication?

FDA Indication: GERD: Children ≥5 y of age and 15-40 kg, 20 mg po daily × up to 8 wk; Adults and Children ≥5 y of age and >40 kg, 40 mg po daily Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: 80 mg po bid, may titrate to 240 mg/d po

Pantoprazole — Is this medication contraindicated in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Category (Contraindicated only): none

Pantoprazole — What is the boxed warning?

Boxed Warning: none

Pantoprazole — What common ADRs occur (>10%)?

Common ADRs (>10%): Headache

Pantoprazole — What is the mechanism of action?

Mechanism of Action: Pantoprazole is a PPI that, when protonated in the secretory canaliculi of the parietal cells, covalently binds to H+/K+-ATPase (proton pump), which is the final pathway for acid secretion. Produces a profound and prolonged antisecretory effect and inhibits basal, nocturnal, pentagastrin-stimulated, and food-stimulated gastric acid secretion.

Pantoprazole — What are the key patient counseling points

Key Counseling Points: Can be taken with or without food but best if taken before meals to reduce acid production caused by food. Seek medical care for severe headache or blistering skin rash.

Promethazine — What is the brand name?

Brand Name: Phenergan

Promethazine — What is its therapeutic classification?

Therapeutic Class: Phenothiazine Antihistamine

Promethazine — What is the FDA-labeled indication?

FDA Indication: Nausea and vomiting: Adults, 12.5-25 mg po or pr q4-6h prn; Children ≥2 y of age, 12.5 mg po or pr q4-6h prn

Promethazine — Is this medication contraindicated in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Category (Contraindicated only): none

Promethazine — What is the boxed warning?

Boxed Warning: Children <2 y of age (fatal respiratory depression)

Promethazine — What common ADRs occur (>10%)?

Common ADRs (>10%): Somnolence, xerostomia

Promethazine — What is the mechanism of action?

Mechanism of Action: Competitively blocks histamine H1 receptors without blocking the secretion of histamine. Has sedative, antimotion sickness, antiemetic, and anticholinergic effects, but it has no dopaminergic action

Promethazine — What are the key patient counseling points

Key Counseling Points: May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or other tasks requiring motor coordination. Avoid alcohol.

Sucralfate — What is the brand name?

Brand Name: Carafate

Sucralfate — What is its therapeutic classification?

Therapeutic Class: Gastrointestinal Agent, Miscellaneous

Sucralfate — What is the FDA-labeled indication?

FDA Indication: Duodenal ulcer: Adults, 1 g po qid × 4-8 wk, then 1 g po bid if maintenance therapy is needed

Sucralfate — Is this medication contraindicated in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Category (Contraindicated only): none

Sucralfate — What is the boxed warning?

Boxed Warning: none

Sucralfate — What common ADRs occur (>10%)?

Common ADRs (>10%): none

Sucralfate — What is the mechanism of action?

Mechanism of Action: Forms a complex with positively charged proteins that forms a protective coating for local protection of the gastric lining against peptic acid, pepsin, and bile salts.

Sucralfate — What are the key patient counseling points

Key Counseling Points: Take on an empty stomach and do not take any other medications within 2-4 h of sucralfate. Shake suspension well before use; suspension can be stored at room temperature.

Dapagliflozin — What is the brand name?

Brand Name: Farxiga

Dapagliflozin — What is its therapeutic classification?

Therapeutic Class: SGLT2 inhibitor

Dapagliflozin — What is the FDA-labeled indication?

FDA Indication: Diabetes mellitus, type 2: Adults, 5-10 mg po daily, before first meal Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: 10 mg po daily Chronic kidney disease: 10 mg po daily

Dapagliflozin — Is this medication contraindicated in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Category (Contraindicated only): none

Dapagliflozin — What is the boxed warning?

Boxed Warning: none

Dapagliflozin — What common ADRs occur (>10%)?

Common ADRs (>10%): none

Dapagliflozin — What is the mechanism of action?

Mechanism of Action: Dapagliflozin inhibits SGLT2 in the proximal renal tubules, which reduces reabsorption of filtered glucose from the tubular lumen.

Dapagliflozin — What are the key patient counseling points

Key Counseling Points: Take before the first meal of the day to help reduce post-meal hyperglycemia. Take without regard to food. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration (dizziness, low BP, decreased urination), and urinary tract infections and report to HCP.

Dulaglutide — What is the brand name?

Brand Name: Trulicity

Dulaglutide — What is its therapeutic classification?

Therapeutic Class: GLP-1 receptor agonist

Dulaglutide — What is the FDA-labeled indication?

FDA Indication: Diabetes mellitus, type 2: Children ≥10 y of age to 17 y of age, 0.75 mg every wk SUBQ, may titrate to 1.5 mg/wk after 4 wk; Adults, 0.75 mg every wk SUBQ, may titrate every 4 wk to max 4.5 mg/wk SUBQ

Dulaglutide — Is this medication contraindicated in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Category (Contraindicated only): none

Dulaglutide — What is the boxed warning?

Boxed Warning: Risk of thyroid cancers

Dulaglutide — What common ADRs occur (>10%)?

Common ADRs (>10%): Hypoglycemia, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting

Dulaglutide — What is the mechanism of action?

Mechanism of Action: Dulaglutide is an agonist of human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor and augments glucose-dependent insulin secretion and slows gastric emptying.

Dulaglutide — What are the key patient counseling points

Key Counseling Points: Inject SUBQ into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen; rotate injection site each week. Administer once weekly on the same day each wk, without regard to meals or time of day. Administration day can be changed as long as at least 3 d have passed. If using concomitantly with insulin, administer as separate injections (do not mix); may inject in the same body region as insulin, but do not administer both agents directly adjacent to one another. Keep refrigerated, but is stable at room temperature for 14 d. Be aware of symptoms of thyroid cancer (eg, lump in neck, trouble breathing or swallowing), hypoglycemia (eg, dizziness, sweating, anxiety), and kidney problems (eg, decreased urination, blood in urine) and report to HCP.

Empagliflozin — What is the brand name?

Brand Name: Jardiance

Empagliflozin — What is its therapeutic classification?

Therapeutic Class: SGLT2 inhibitor

Empagliflozin — What is the FDA-labeled indication?

FDA Indication: Diabetes mellitus, type II: 10-25 mg po daily; titrate to effect, max dose 25 mg po daily Chronic kidney disease: 10 mg po daily Heart failure, in combination with other agents: 10 mg po daily

Empagliflozin — Is this medication contraindicated in pregnancy?

Pregnancy Category (Contraindicated only): none