side effects of common drug classes

NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen)

GI upset, ulcers, bleeding, kidney dysfunction

Opioids (e.g. morphine, oxycodone)

Constipation, drowsiness, nausea, respiratory depression

Beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol, metoprolol)

Bradycardia, fatigue, dizziness, cold extremities

ACE inhibitors (e.g. lisinopril, enalapril)

Dry cough, hyperkalemia, angioedema, hypotension

ARBs (e.g. losartan, valsartan)

Hyperkalemia, dizziness (less cough than ACE inhibitors)

Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g. amlodipine, diltiazem)

Edema, dizziness, constipation (especially with verapamil)

Diuretics (e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)

Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance (K⁺ loss), increased urination

Statins (e.g. atorvastatin, simvastatin)

Muscle aches, elevated liver enzymes, rare rhabdomyolysis

SSRIs (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline)

Nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, weight gain

SNRIs (e.g. venlafaxine, duloxetine)

Similar to SSRIs plus increased blood pressure

Benzodiazepines (e.g. lorazepam, diazepam)

Drowsiness, dependence, memory impairment

Antipsychotics (e.g. haloperidol, risperidone)

Weight gain, sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms (tremors, rigidity), QT prolongation

Anticholinergics (e.g. diphenhydramine, oxybutynin)

Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention

Insulin

Hypoglycemia, weight gain

Metformin

GI upset (diarrhea, nausea), metallic taste, rare lactic acidosis

Sulfonylureas (e.g. glipizide)

Hypoglycemia, weight gain

Thyroid Hormones (e.g. levothyroxine)

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism if overdosed (palpitations, anxiety, weight loss)

Antibiotics (general)

Nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions, yeast infections

Fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin)

Tendon rupture, QT prolongation, photosensitivity

Tetracyclines (e.g. doxycycline)

Photosensitivity, GI upset, teeth staining in children

Macrolides (e.g. azithromycin)

GI upset, QT prolongation

Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole)

Headache, diarrhea, B12 deficiency with long-term use

Loop Diuretics (e.g. furosemide)

Ototoxicity (high doses), hypokalemia, dehydration

Lithium

Tremor, polyuria, hypothyroidism, nephrotoxicity