Overview
This lecture covers key information on the top 200 commonly prescribed drugs, including their generic and brand names, classes, main indications, and DEA scheduling where relevant.
Commonly Prescribed Drugs & Their Uses
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor): HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor for high cholesterol.
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl): Thyroid hormone replacement.
- Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril): ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure.
- Metformin (Glucophage): Oral biguanide for diabetes.
- Amlodipine (Norvasc): Calcium channel blocker for hypertension.
- Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL): Beta blocker for hypertension and arrhythmias.
- Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin): Beta-2 bronchodilator for asthma.
- Omeprazole (Prilosec): Proton pump inhibitor for heartburn/GERD.
- Losartan (Cozaar): Angiotensin receptor blocker for hypertension.
- Simvastatin (Zocor): HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor for high cholesterol.
- Gabapentin (Neurontin): For seizures and nerve pain.
- Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (Norco): Opioid analgesic for pain (DEA Schedule II).
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide): Thiazide diuretic for hypertension/edema.
- Sertraline (Zoloft): SSRI antidepressant.
- Montelukast (Singulair): Leukotriene receptor antagonist for asthma/allergies.
- Fluticasone (Flonase): Intranasal steroid for allergies.
- Amoxicillin (Amoxil): Penicillin antibiotic.
- Furosemide (Lasix): Loop diuretic for edema.
- Pantoprazole (Protonix): Proton pump inhibitor for GERD.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Analgesic and antipyretic.
- Prednisone (Deltasone): Oral steroid for inflammation/allergic reactions.
- Escitalopram (Lexapro): SSRI antidepressant.
- Fluoxetine (Prozac): SSRI antidepressant.
- Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine (Adderall): CNS stimulant for ADHD (DEA Schedule II).
- Tramadol (Ultram): Opioid analgesic for pain (DEA Schedule IV).
- Insulin glargine (Lantus, Basaglar): Long-acting insulin for diabetes.
Other Notable Drug Classes & Indications
- NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen): Pain and inflammation.
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam/Xanax, Diazepam/Valium): Anxiety, some are DEA Schedule IV.
- Antipsychotics (e.g., Quetiapine/Seroquel, Aripiprazole/Abilify): Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder.
- Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin/Coumadin, Apixaban/Eliquis): Blood thinners.
Key Terms & Definitions
- ACE Inhibitor — treats hypertension by relaxing blood vessels.
- HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (Statin) — lowers cholesterol.
- SSRI — selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, treats depression.
- Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) — reduces stomach acid.
- Beta Blocker — reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
- DEA Schedule II/IV — indicates potential for abuse/addiction.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review drug classes and their primary indications.
- Memorize top drugs’ generic and brand names.
- Study DEA scheduling for controlled substances.