Top 200 drugs

Metformin

Glucophage

Anti-diabetic

Typically: Type II patients or Type I combined w/insulin

Contraindications: Pts w/ Kidney Disease, metabolic acidosis, or diabetic ketoacidosis, children less than 10, breastfeeding not-advised

Warning: Can increase chance for pregnancy as it may stimulate ovulation

Lisinopril

Prinivil; Zestril

ACE Inhibitor; Hypertension/heart failure

suffix: -pril (cough that won't go away)

Levothyroxine

Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid

Thyroid Hormone

Odd Ball: Doctor may request that patient choose brand or generic, but whichever they select don't change. Could see DAW 1 on this medication more often then others.

Atorvastatin

Lipitor

Cholesterol lowering;

Suffix: statin; (muscle pain, liver toxicity, constipation. take with food)

Simvastatin

Zocor

Cholesterol lowering;

Suffix: statin; (muscle pain, liver toxicity, constipation. take with food)

Omeprazole

Prilosec

Treats GERD:Heartburn

(PPI;proton pump inhibitor)

use to be prescription, now OTC

Amlodipine Besylate

Norvasc

Antihypertensive

Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB)

Contraindications: History of CHF or Liver Disease

Warnings: Peripheral Edema

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of Norvasc.

Metoprolol Succinate

Toprol XL

Antihypertensive & Angina

Beta Blocker (BB)

Prefix/Suffix: -olol

Contraindications: History of- CHF or Liver Disease

Note: XL- don't chew or crush

Metoprolol Tartrate

Lopressor

Antihypertensive & Angina

Beta Blocker (BB)

Prefix/Suffix: -olol

Contraindications: History of- CHF or Liver Disease

hydrocodone/acetaminophen

Vicodin, Lortab, Norco

Opioid Analgesic

Controlled ; schedule II

Major Side Effect: Constipation (they like to test you on this one), dizziness, drowsiness, impaired operation of a vehicle or heavy machinery, highly addictive.

Albuterol

Proventil, Ventolin, Proair

MDI (metered dose inhaler; Dispensed w/ package insert w/every prescription)

bronchodilator ; inhaler and tablet used for breathing

Hydrochlorothiazide

Microzide; Esidrix

Diuretic- Treats: Edema & Antihypertensive

Take in the AM

Monitor patients electrolyte levels (primarily potassium)

Losartan

Cozaar

ARB;angiotensin receptor blocker;

Trests: hypertension

Prefix/Suffix: -sartan

Warning: muscle pain

Gabapentin

Neurontin

Anticonvulsant/Antineuralgic

Treats: Pain, Nerve Pain

Like many medications in the nervous system category, note that some people have increased thoughts about suicide while taking this medicine.

Children taking gabapentin may have behavior changes. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Do not stop using gabapentin suddenly, even if you feel fine

Sertraline HCl

Zoloft

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs);

Treats: Antidepressant

Like many medications in the nervous system category, note that some people have increased thoughts about suicide while taking this medicine.

Contraindication: Don't take if on MAOI's

Check w/ pharmacist and/or physician as medication can interact negatively with many prescription and otc medications

Furosemide

Lasix

Loop Diuretic

Monitor patients electrolytes (primarily potassium levels)

Take in the AM

Acetaminophen

Tylenol

(analgesic) over the counter

Pravastatin sod

Pravachol

LOWERS Cholesterol

HMG CoA inhibitor, statin

Suffix: statin; (muscle pain, liver toxicity, constipation. take with food)

Amoxicillin

Amoxil; Trimox

Antibiotic, Penicillin ; Treats: bacterial infections

Warnings: Common patient allergy.

Take w/food. Avoid antacids at the same time

Mix well if liquid.

Major Side Effect: Diarrhea

Counsel: May cause a decrease in the effectiveness of birth control

Fluoxetine HCl

Prozac; Sarafem

SSRI; Treats: Antidepressant

AKA: "The happy pill"

Like many medications in the nervous system category, note that some people have increased thoughts about suicide while taking this medicine.

Contraindication: Don't take if on MAOI's

Trazodone HCl

Desyrel

antidepressant: Tetracyclic

Like many medications in the nervous system category, note that some people have increased thoughts about suicide while taking this medicine.

Contraindication: Don't take if on MAOI's

Citalopram

Celexa

SSRI

Antidepressant

Like many medications in the nervous system category, note that some people have increased thoughts about suicide while taking this medicine.

Contraindication: Don't take if on MAOI's

Alprazolam

Xanax

Benzodiazepine; schedule IV;

Suffix: -lam;-pam