Drug Masterlist (Newest)

bupropion

(Wellbutrin, Zyban)

norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)

Depression, SAD, Smoking Cessation

(IR) 100mg po bid x 3 days, the increase to 150mg po bid

(ER) 150mg po daily, titrate up to 300mg

Agitation, constipation, dizziness, headache, insomnia

Avoid alcohol, take at the same time each day.

varenicline

(Chantix)

Smoking Cessation (nicotinic receptor partial agonist)

Smoking Cessation

0.5mg po daily x 3 days, then bid x 4 days, then 1mg po bid for 4-6 weeks

Dream disorder, nausea, headache, insomnia, irritability 

Take drug after eating and with a full glass of water. Contact HCP if there is onset of mental/sleep issues.

warfarin

(Coumadin)

Anticoagulants

Atrial Fibrillation, risk of MI

2-5mg po daily, adjust dose based on INR.

Bleeding, anemia, epistaxis, rash, hemorrhage

Report signs of hemorrhage, tissue necrosis. Avoid situations where you could bruise or get cut.

apixaban

(Eliquis)

Anticoagulants

Atrial Fibrillation, risk of DVT

5mg po bid

Bleeding, elevated LFTs, nausea, hypotension

Seek medical attention if any unexpected bleeding or trouble breathing.

rivaroxaban

(Xarelto)

Anticoagulants

Risk of thromboembolism, treatment of DVT/PE, coronary heart disease

2.5mg-15mg po bid

Bleeding, cough, peripheral edema, dizziness, headache

Educate patient of signs and symptoms of bleeding and interactions w/ other anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications.

clopidogrel

(Plavix)

Anticoagulants

MI, Thrombosis prevention

75mg po daily

Headache, arthralgia, backache, epistaxis, gastritis 

Report signs/symptoms of bleeding, do not stop abruptly.

albuterol AND levalbuterol

(Ventolin or ProAir and Xopenex)

(Asthma/COPD (PRN))

(SABA)

(1-2 puffs q 4-6 hrs prn.)

(Side Effects: Tremor, nervousness, nausea, throat irritation, tachycardia.)

(Counseling Points: Device Use Counseling)

Fluticasone

(Flovent)

(Asthma/COPD (Maintenance))

(Corticosteroids)

1 puff bid for chronic asthma treatment. Titrate up as prescribed.

(Side Effects: Candidiasis, Fatigue, Headache, Arthralgia)

Counseling Points: Rinse mouth, inhaler instructions

Budesonide

(Pulmicort)

Asthma/COPD (Manage Symptoms)

Corticosteroids

Dry Inhaler: 2 puffs bid, up to 4 puffs bid.

Nebulizer: 0.5-1mg in 1-2 divided doses daily.

Side Effects: Cough, headache, respiratory tract infection, ear infection, rhinitis

Counseling Points: Swirl suspension before use, proper inhalation technique.

Fluticasone/Salmeterol

(Advair)

Asthma/COPD (Manage symptoms)

Corticosteroid/LABA

2 MDI puffs/1 disk puff q 12 hours prn asthma.

Side Effects: Headache, pharyngitis, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, difficulty speaking

Counseling Points: Proper Inhaler technique and mouth rinsing.

Budesonide/Formoterol

(Symbicort)

Asthma/COPD (Manage Symptoms)

Corticosteroid/LABA

Asthma: 2 puffs bid, can titrate up.

COPD: 2 puffs bid of high conc. solution.

Side Effects: Respiratory tract infections, headache, cough

Counseling Points: Proper inhalation technique and mouth rinsing.

Fluticasone/vilanterol

(Breo Ellipta)

COPD/Asthma (Manage symptoms)

Corticosteroid/LABA

1 puff qd

Side Effects: Candidiasis, osteoporosis, increased risk of infection

Counseling Points: Risks, mouth rinsing, inhalation technique

Ipratropium/albuterol

(Combivent)

COPD/Asthma

Anticholinergic/Beta-2 Agonist

1 puff qd or 3mL nebulizer q6h.

Side Effects: Bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, tachycardia

Counseling Points: Instruct on proper inhalation technique and cleaning. Use entire vial of nebulizer solution at once to avoid contamination.

Tiotropium

(Spiriva)

COPD/Asthma (Maintenance)

Anticholinergic

COPD: Inhale 1 capsule or 2 puffs of solution once daily.

Asthma: 2 actuations of aerosol solution once daily.

Side Effects: Dry mouth, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, constipation

Instruct proper use of inhalation device, remind that this is not indicated for acute bronchospasm.

umeclidinium/vilanterol

(Anoro Ellipta)

COPD (Maintenance)

Anticholinergic/Beta-2 Agonist

1 puff qd

Side Effects: Rhinitis, respiratory tract infections, muscle spasms, cough, joint pain

Instruct on proper inhaler use and mouth rinsing.

umeclidinium/vilanterol/fluticasone

(Trelegy)

COPD/Asthma (Maintenance)

Anticholinergic/Beta-2 Agonist/Corticosteroid

1 puff qd

Side Effects: Candidiasis, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, headache, joint pain

Instruct on proper inhaler use and mouth rinsing.

Prednisone AND Methylprednisolone

(Deltasone and Medrol)

Inflammatory conditions like dermatitis and bronchitis, severe allergies.

Corticosteroids (oral)

(5-60mg/4-64) po daily titrating the dose down with/without dosepak as prescribed.

Side Effects: GI Upset, impaired skin healing, euphoria, hypertension, immunosuppression

Take with meals to prevent GI upset. Inform on incidence of long-term effects if being used long-term.

Montelukast

(Singulair)

Asthma, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, seasonal congestion

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (oral)

Children: 5mg po daily

Adults: 10mg po daily

Side Effects: Dizziness, fatigue, nausea, rash, rare neurological problems (depression).

Counsel on long-term use and incidence of rare neurological effects.

Lisinopril

(Zestril, Prinivil)

ACE inhibitors

Hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmia

2.5-10mg po daily

Dizziness, hypotension, dry cough, swelling of face

Use potassium or salt substitutes only under medical supervision.

Enalapril

(Vasotec)

ACE inhibitors

Hypertension, heart failure

2.5-10mg po daily

High serum creatinine (reduced kidney function), dizziness, hypotension, swelling of face

Use caution when getting up from a seated/lying position. Avoid pregnancy.

benazepril

(Lotensin)

ACE inhibitors

Hypertension

10mg po daily

Rare: Constipation, facial swelling, dizziness, cough

Avoid pregnancy, may cause dizziness, caution using salt substitutes.

Losartan

(Cozaar)

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

(ARBs)

Hypertension, stroke chance reduction, diabetic management

25-50 mg po daily

Headache, back pain, anorexia, constipation, dizziness

Avoid sudden discontinuation, use salt subs under supervision.

Valsartan

(Diovan)

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

(ARBs)

Hypertension, heart failure

HTN: 80-160mg po daily

Heart Failure: 20-40mg po bid

Dizziness, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, back pain, cough

Avoid sudden discontinuation, salt subs only under supervision.

Olmesartan

(Benicar)

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

(ARBs)

HTN

20-40mg po daily

Rarely: Back pain, dizziness, headache, hyperkalemia

Use salt subs under supervision, may cause dizziness, avoid pregnancy.

Sacubitril/Valsartan

(Entresto)

Neprilysin Inhibitor + ARB

Heart Failure

24mg/36mg po bid (or other available dose amount)

Hypotension, hyperkalemia, increased serum creatinine, dizziness

Do not discontinue abruptly, use salt substitutes under supervision

Canagliflozin

(Invokana)

SGLT-2 inhibitors

Diabetes mellitus

100-300mg po daily before first meal (if albumin excretion is >300mg/d)

GU fungal infection, hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia

Take before first meal of the day to reduce post-meal hyperglycemia. Be aware of ulcer symptoms.

Dapagliflozin

(Farxiga)

SGLT-2 inhibitors

Diabetes mellitus, heart failure, kidney disease

5-10mg po daily

GU fungal infection, hypoglycemia, hypovolemia, UTIs

Take before first meal of the day to reduce post-meal hyperglycemia.

Amlodipine

(Norvasc)

Calcium Channel Blockers

HTN, Angina

5-10mg po daily

Peripheral edema, abdominal pain, arthralgia, dizziness, fatigue

Report symptoms of hypotension, avoid drinking alcohol.

Diltiazem

(Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac)

Calcium Channel Blockers

HTN, Angina

60-120mg (ER) po bid, for angina 30mg (IR) po qid

Edema, bradycardia, constipation, dizziness

Report symptomatic hypotension and edema. Multiple brand names/properties of drug.

Nifedepine

(Procardia, Adalat)

Calcium Channel Blockers

HTN, Angina

30-60mg po daily (ER)

Flushing, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea

Take Adalat CC on an empty stomach, monitor hypotension and edema symptoms.

Verapamil

(Calan, Verelan)

Calcium Channel Blockers

Angina, arrhythmia, HTN

80-120 mg po tid (IR)

Gingival hyperplasia, bradyarrhythmia, constipation, dizziness

Do not crush or chew ER products, ER capsule products may be sprinkled on food and swallowed.

Atenolol

(Tenormin)

Beta Blockers

Angina, HTN, heart attack (AMI)

25-50mg po daily, may titrate up

Bradyarrhythmias, cold extremities, dizziness, fatigue, hypotension

Take on an empty stomach, avoid abrupt discontinuation

Metoprolol Succinate

(Toprol XL)

Beta Blockers

Angina, Heart Failure, HTN

100mg ER po or 25-100mg ER bid.

Dizziness, fatigue, hypotension, arthralgia

Avoid alcohol and abruptly stopping the medication.

Metoprolol tartrate

(Lopressor)

Beta Blockers

Angina, HTN, AMI

25-50mg po bid or q6h prn AMI

Dizziness, fatigue, hypotension, arthralgia

Take on empty stomach, avoid alcohol and stopping abruptly.

Labetalol

(Normodyne)

Beta Blockers

HTN

100mg po bid

Dizziness, nausea, hypotension, bradyarrhythmias

Report signs of hypotension, avoid alcohol.

Carvedilol

(Coreg)

Beta Blockers

Heart Failure, HTN

3.125-6.25mg po bid

Cold extremities, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, hypotension

Take with food/milk, report symptoms of heart failure.

Propranolol

(Inderal)

Beta Blocker

Angina, HTN, dysrhythmia

80-320mg po daily, HTN and dysrhythmia will usually split into 2 doses.

Hypotension, bradyarrhythmias, bronchospasm, constipation

Take on an empty stomach (IR). Avoid alcohol.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

(Hydrodiuril)

Thiazide Diuretic

Edema, HTN

12.5-25mg po daily, double for Edema

Hypotension, dizziness, headache, constipation

Take early in the morning to avoid nocturia.

Chlorthalidone

(Hygroton, Thalitone)

Thiazide Diuertic

HTN, Edema

12.5-25mg po daily

Dizziness, hypotension, hyperuricemia, anorexia

Take in the morning with food. Report signs of dyspnea, hypotension.

Furosemide

(Lasix)

Loop Diuretics

Edema due to heart/renal failure

20-80mg po daily

Hyperuricemia, constipation, headache, hyperglycemia

Avoid alcohol and NSAIDs, increased sun sensitivity.

Spironolactone

(Aldactone)

Potassium sparing diuretic

Heart Failure, Aldosteronism, HTN, liver cirrhosis

12.5-25mg po daily, titrated up for liver cirrhosis

Breast tenderness, diarrhea, menstruation disorders, gastritis

Avoid driving, may cause dizziness.

Lovastatin

(Mevacor)

HMG-CoA Reductase inhibitors (Statins)

Arteriosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia

10-80mg po daily

Increased creatinine phosphokinase, infection, abdominal pain, constipation

Take IR with evening meal, take ER at bedtime. Avoid alcohol/grapefruit juice.

Atorvastatin

(Lipitor)

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)

Atherosclerosis, cardiovascular event prevention, high cholesterol

10-80mg po daily

Myopathy, diarrhea, headache, nasopharyngitis, increased liver enzymes

Avoid alcohol/grapefruit juice.

Simvastatin

(Zocor)

HMG-CoA Reductase inhibitors (Statins)

Hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol

20-40mg po daily

Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, headache, increased liver enzymes

Avoid alcohol, consult HCP before starting new medications/supplements.

Pravastatin

(Pravachol)

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)

Stroke prevention, high cholesterol, hyperlipidemia

40-80mg po daily

Musculoskeletal pain, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, heartburn

Take in evening, avoid alcohol.

Rosuvastatin

(Crestor)

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (Statins)

Hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol

5-40mg po daily

Arthralgia, abdominal pain, fatigue, constipation

Avoid alcohol.

Gemfibrozil

(Lopid)

Fibrates

Arteriosclerosis, hyperlipoproteinemia

600mg po bid

Indigestion, abdominal pain, atrial fibrillation, constipation

Monitor symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, yellowing of skin.

Fenofibrate

(Tricor, Lofibra)

Fibrates

Hypertriglyceridemia, hyperlipidemia

35-200mg po daily

Hyperhomocysteinemia, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea

Tk 1 hr before or 4-6hrs after bile acid binding resin.

Ezetimibe

(Zetia)

Cholesterol absorption inhibitor

High cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, sitosterolemia

10mg po daily

Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, headache

Tk 2h before or 4h after bile acid binding resin.