Top Drug Quick-Reference
The most commonly tested drugs, grouped by class. Learn the pattern: the class tells you the suffix, the job, and the big cautions. Want the “why” behind each class? The Medications lessons walk through them.
212 drugs
| Generic | Brand | Class | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | |||
| acetaminophen | Tylenol | Analgesic / antipyretic | Pain, fever |
| acetylcysteine | Acetadote (Mucomyst discontinued) | Antidote / mucolytic | Acetaminophen overdose, mucus thinning |
| acyclovir | Zovirax (oral forms discontinued; Zovirax cream/ointment still marketed) | Antiviral | Herpes, shingles |
| albuterol | Ventolin HFA, ProAir RespiClick (ProAir HFA discontinued) | Short-acting beta agonist (SABA) | Asthma/COPD quick relief |
| alendronate | Fosamax | Bisphosphonate | Osteoporosis |
| allopurinol | Zyloprim | Xanthine oxidase inhibitor | Gout prevention |
| alprazolam | Xanax | Benzodiazepine (C-IV) | Anxiety |
| amiodarone | Pacerone, Nexterone | Antiarrhythmic (class III) | Serious irregular heart rhythms |
| amlodipine | Norvasc | Calcium channel blocker | High blood pressure, angina |
| amoxicillin | Amoxil | Penicillin antibiotic | Bacterial infections |
| amoxicillin/clavulanate | Augmentin | Penicillin antibiotic | Bacterial infections |
| amphetamine/dextroamphetamine | Adderall | CNS stimulant (C-II) | ADHD |
| anastrozole | Arimidex | Aromatase inhibitor | Hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer |
| apixaban | Eliquis | Anticoagulant (DOAC) | Prevent blood clots and stroke |
| aripiprazole | Abilify | Atypical antipsychotic | Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder |
| aspirin | Bayer, Ecotrin | Salicylate / antiplatelet | Pain, fever, prevention of heart attack and stroke |
| atenolol | Tenormin | Beta blocker | High blood pressure |
| atorvastatin | Lipitor | Statin | High cholesterol |
| azithromycin | Zithromax (Z-Pak) | Macrolide antibiotic | Bacterial infections |
| B | |||
| bismuth subsalicylate | Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate | Salicylate antidiarrheal | Upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea |
| budesonide | Pulmicort, Rhinocort, Entocort | Corticosteroid | Asthma, allergic rhinitis, Crohn disease |
| budesonide/formoterol | Symbicort | Inhaled steroid + LABA | Asthma, COPD |
| buprenorphine | Suboxone, Zubsolv, Sublocade, Brixadi (Subutex discontinued) | Partial opioid agonist (C-III) | Opioid use disorder, pain |
| bupropion | Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL | Atypical antidepressant | Depression, smoking cessation |
| buspirone | (BuSpar discontinued; generic only) | Anxiolytic (azapirone) | Generalized anxiety |
| C | |||
| calcium carbonate | Tums, Os-Cal | Antacid / calcium supplement | Heartburn, calcium supplementation |
| carbamazepine | Tegretol, Equetro | Anticonvulsant | Seizures, trigeminal neuralgia, bipolar disorder |
| carbidopa/levodopa | Sinemet, Rytary | Dopamine precursor combination | Parkinson's disease |
| carisoprodol | Soma | Skeletal muscle relaxant (C-IV) | Short-term muscle spasm |
| carvedilol | Coreg | Beta blocker | Heart failure, high blood pressure |
| cefdinir | Omnicef (discontinued; generic only) | Cephalosporin antibiotic (3rd generation) | Respiratory, ear, and skin infections |
| celecoxib | Celebrex | NSAID (COX-2 selective) | Arthritis pain |
| cephalexin | Keflex | Cephalosporin antibiotic | Bacterial infections |
| cetirizine | Zyrtec | Antihistamine (2nd-gen) | Allergies |
| chlorthalidone | Thalitone | Thiazide-type diuretic | High blood pressure |
| ciprofloxacin | Cipro | Fluoroquinolone antibiotic | Bacterial infections |
| citalopram | Celexa | SSRI antidepressant | Depression |
| clarithromycin | Biaxin (discontinued) | Macrolide antibiotic | Bacterial infections |
| clindamycin | Cleocin | Lincosamide antibiotic | Anaerobic and gram-positive infections |
| clonazepam | Klonopin | Benzodiazepine (C-IV) | Seizures, panic disorder |
| clonidine | Catapres-TTS (patch); Catapres tablets and Kapvay discontinued (generic) | Alpha-2 agonist | High blood pressure, ADHD |
| clopidogrel | Plavix | Antiplatelet | Prevent blood clots |
| clozapine | Clozaril, Versacloz | Atypical antipsychotic | Treatment-resistant schizophrenia |
| codeine | (no brand; generic only) | Opioid analgesic / antitussive (C-II; C-III and C-V in combinations) | Mild to moderate pain, cough |
| colchicine | Colcrys | Anti-gout agent | Acute gout flares |
| cyclobenzaprine | Flexeril (discontinued; Amrix ER still marketed) | Muscle relaxant | Muscle spasm |
| D | |||
| dabigatran | Pradaxa | Direct thrombin inhibitor (DOAC) | Prevent and treat blood clots |
| dapagliflozin | Farxiga | SGLT2 inhibitor | Type 2 diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease |
| deferoxamine | Desferal | Iron chelator | Acute iron overdose |
| dexamethasone | Decadron (discontinued), Hemady | Corticosteroid | Inflammation, cerebral edema, chemo nausea |
| dextromethorphan | Delsym, the DM in cough syrups | Antitussive | Dry cough |
| diazepam | Valium | Benzodiazepine (C-IV) | Anxiety, muscle spasm, seizures |
| digoxin | Lanoxin | Cardiac glycoside | Heart failure, atrial fibrillation |
| diltiazem | Cardizem | Calcium channel blocker | High blood pressure, rate control |
| diphenhydramine | Benadryl | Antihistamine (1st-gen) | Allergies, sleep aid |
| docusate | Colace | Stool softener | Constipation |
| donepezil | Aricept | Cholinesterase inhibitor | Alzheimer's disease |
| doxycycline | Vibramycin | Tetracycline antibiotic | Bacterial infections, acne |
| dulaglutide | Trulicity | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Type 2 diabetes |
| duloxetine | Cymbalta | SNRI antidepressant | Depression, nerve pain |
| dutasteride | Avodart | 5-alpha reductase inhibitor | Enlarged prostate (BPH) |
| E | |||
| empagliflozin | Jardiance | SGLT2 inhibitor | Type 2 diabetes |
| enalapril | Vasotec | ACE inhibitor | High blood pressure |
| enoxaparin | Lovenox | Low-molecular-weight heparin | Prevent and treat blood clots |
| epinephrine | EpiPen, Auvi-Q, Adrenalin | Alpha/beta adrenergic agonist | Anaphylaxis |
| erythromycin | Ery-Tab, E.E.S. | Macrolide antibiotic | Respiratory and skin infections |
| escitalopram | Lexapro | SSRI antidepressant | Depression, anxiety |
| esomeprazole | Nexium | Proton pump inhibitor | GERD |
| estradiol | Estrace (tablets discontinued; Estrace cream still marketed) | Estrogen | Hormone replacement |
| ezetimibe | Zetia | Cholesterol absorption inhibitor | High cholesterol |
| F | |||
| famotidine | Pepcid | H2 blocker | Heartburn, ulcers |
| fenofibrate | Tricor (also Lipofen, Fenoglide); Trilipix is fenofibric acid and has been discontinued | Fibrate | High triglycerides |
| fentanyl | Duragesic | Opioid analgesic (C-II) | Severe chronic pain |
| ferrous sulfate | Feosol | Iron supplement | Iron-deficiency anemia |
| fexofenadine | Allegra | Antihistamine (2nd-gen) | Allergies |
| finasteride | Proscar, Propecia | 5-alpha reductase inhibitor | Enlarged prostate, hair loss |
| fluconazole | Diflucan | Antifungal | Yeast/fungal infections |
| flumazenil | (no brand; generic only) | Benzodiazepine antagonist | Reversal of benzodiazepine sedation |
| fluoxetine | Prozac | SSRI antidepressant | Depression |
| fluticasone (inhaled) | Flovent (discontinued Jan 2024; authorized generics only) | Inhaled corticosteroid | Asthma controller |
| fluticasone (nasal) | Flonase | Intranasal corticosteroid | Allergic rhinitis |
| fluticasone/salmeterol | Advair | Inhaled steroid + LABA | Asthma, COPD |
| folic acid | (no brand; generic only) | B vitamin | Neural tube defect prevention, folate deficiency |
| formoterol | Perforomist (nebulizer); also in Symbicort and Dulera | Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) | Asthma and COPD maintenance |
| furosemide | Lasix | Loop diuretic | Edema, heart failure |
| G | |||
| gabapentin | Neurontin | Anticonvulsant | Nerve pain, seizures |
| gemfibrozil | Lopid | Fibrate | High triglycerides |
| ginkgo biloba | (no brand; generic only) | Herbal supplement | Memory and circulation (unproven) |
| ginseng | (no brand; generic only) | Herbal supplement | Energy and immune support (unproven) |
| glimepiride | Amaryl | Sulfonylurea | Type 2 diabetes |
| glipizide | Glucotrol (discontinued), Glucotrol XL | Sulfonylurea | Type 2 diabetes |
| glucagon | Gvoke, Baqsimi | Antihypoglycemic hormone | Severe low blood sugar |
| glyburide | DiaBeta, Glynase (both discontinued; generic only) | Sulfonylurea | Type 2 diabetes |
| guaifenesin | Mucinex, Robitussin | Expectorant | Chest congestion |
| H | |||
| haloperidol | Haldol | Typical antipsychotic | Schizophrenia, acute agitation |
| heparin | (no brand; generic only) | Anticoagulant (unfractionated) | Prevent and treat blood clots |
| hydrochlorothiazide | Microzide (discontinued; generic only) | Thiazide diuretic | High blood pressure, edema |
| hydrocodone | Norco (with acetaminophen; Vicodin discontinued), Hysingla ER (single-agent) | Opioid analgesic (C-II) | Moderate to severe pain |
| hydrocodone/acetaminophen | Norco, Vicodin (both discontinued; generic only) | Opioid analgesic (C-II) | Moderate to severe pain |
| hydromorphone | Dilaudid | Opioid analgesic (C-II) | Severe pain |
| hydroxychloroquine | Plaquenil | Antimalarial / DMARD | Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, malaria |
| hydroxyzine | Vistaril (Atarax discontinued) | Antihistamine | Anxiety, itching |
| I | |||
| ibuprofen | Advil, Motrin | NSAID | Pain, inflammation, fever |
| idarucizumab | Praxbind | Monoclonal antibody reversal agent | Reversal of dabigatran |
| insulin aspart | NovoLog | Rapid-acting insulin | Diabetes |
| insulin degludec | Tresiba | Ultra-long-acting basal insulin | Diabetes |
| insulin detemir | Levemir (discontinued in the US at the end of 2024) | Long-acting basal insulin | Diabetes |
| insulin glargine | Lantus, Basaglar | Long-acting insulin | Diabetes |
| insulin lispro | Humalog | Rapid-acting insulin | Diabetes |
| ipratropium | Atrovent | Anticholinergic bronchodilator | COPD |
| isosorbide mononitrate | (brands Imdur and Monoket discontinued; generic only) | Nitrate | Prevention of angina |
| isotretinoin | Absorica, Claravis | Retinoid | Severe nodular acne |
| K | |||
| ketorolac | Sprix (nasal); Toradol discontinued, tablets and injection generic only | NSAID | Short-term moderate to severe pain |
| L | |||
| lamotrigine | Lamictal | Anticonvulsant | Seizures, bipolar disorder |
| latanoprost | Xalatan | Prostaglandin analog eye drop | Glaucoma, ocular hypertension |
| letrozole | Femara | Aromatase inhibitor | Hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer |
| leucovorin | (no brand; generic only) | Folate analog rescue agent | Rescue after high-dose methotrexate |
| levetiracetam | Keppra | Anticonvulsant | Seizures |
| levofloxacin | Levaquin (discontinued 2017) | Fluoroquinolone antibiotic | Bacterial infections |
| levothyroxine | Synthroid, Levoxyl | Thyroid hormone | Hypothyroidism |
| linezolid | Zyvox | Oxazolidinone antibiotic | Resistant gram-positive infections, MRSA |
| liraglutide | Victoza, Saxenda | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Type 2 diabetes, weight management |
| lisdexamfetamine | Vyvanse | CNS stimulant (C-II) | ADHD |
| lisinopril | Zestril (Prinivil, discontinued) | ACE inhibitor | High blood pressure, heart failure |
| lithium | Lithobid | Mood stabilizer | Bipolar disorder |
| loperamide | Imodium | Antidiarrheal | Diarrhea |
| loratadine | Claritin | Antihistamine (2nd-gen) | Allergies |
| lorazepam | Ativan | Benzodiazepine (C-IV) | Anxiety, seizures |
| losartan | Cozaar | ARB | High blood pressure |
| M | |||
| meloxicam | Mobic (discontinued) | NSAID | Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis |
| metformin | Glucophage (discontinued; Glumetza, Fortamet brands) | Biguanide | Type 2 diabetes |
| methadone | Dolophine, Methadose | Opioid agonist (C-II) | Opioid use disorder, chronic pain |
| methimazole | Tapazole | Antithyroid agent | Overactive thyroid |
| methocarbamol | (Robaxin discontinued; generic only) | Skeletal muscle relaxant | Muscle spasm |
| methotrexate | Trexall | Antimetabolite | Cancer, rheumatoid arthritis |
| methylphenidate | Ritalin, Concerta | CNS stimulant (C-II) | ADHD |
| methylprednisolone | Medrol | Corticosteroid | Inflammation |
| metoclopramide | Reglan | Prokinetic / antiemetic | Nausea, gastroparesis, reflux |
| metoprolol | Lopressor, Toprol-XL | Beta blocker | High blood pressure, heart failure |
| metronidazole | Flagyl | Antibiotic / antiprotozoal | Anaerobic infections |
| mirtazapine | Remeron | Tetracyclic antidepressant | Depression |
| modafinil | Provigil | Wakefulness-promoting agent (C-IV) | Narcolepsy, shift-work sleepiness |
| montelukast | Singulair | Leukotriene modifier | Asthma, allergies |
| morphine | MS Contin | Opioid analgesic (C-II) | Severe pain |
| N | |||
| naloxone | Narcan, Zimhi | Opioid antagonist | Reversal of opioid overdose |
| naproxen | Aleve, Naprosyn | NSAID | Pain, inflammation |
| nifedipine | Procardia XL (Adalat CC discontinued) | Calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine) | High blood pressure, angina |
| nitrofurantoin | Macrobid | Antibiotic | Urinary tract infection |
| nitroglycerin | Nitrostat | Nitrate | Angina (chest pain) |
| nystatin | Mycostatin (discontinued), Bio-Statin; mostly generic | Polyene antifungal | Oral thrush, skin candidiasis |
| O | |||
| omeprazole | Prilosec | Proton pump inhibitor | GERD, ulcers |
| ondansetron | Zofran | Antiemetic (5-HT3 blocker) | Nausea and vomiting |
| oseltamivir | Tamiflu | Antiviral | Influenza |
| oxybutynin | Ditropan XL (tablet), Oxytrol (patch) | Anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) | Overactive bladder |
| oxycodone | OxyContin, Roxicodone | Opioid analgesic (C-II) | Moderate to severe pain |
| P | |||
| pantoprazole | Protonix | Proton pump inhibitor | GERD |
| paroxetine | Paxil, Paxil CR (Pexeva discontinued) | SSRI antidepressant | Depression, anxiety, panic disorder |
| penicillin | Penicillin VK (oral), Bicillin L-A (injection) | Penicillin antibiotic | Strep throat, syphilis, dental infections |
| phenazopyridine | Pyridium, Azo | Urinary analgesic dye | UTI pain and burning |
| phenelzine | Nardil | MAO inhibitor antidepressant | Treatment-resistant depression |
| phenytoin | Dilantin, Phenytek | Anticonvulsant | Seizures |
| pioglitazone | Actos | Thiazolidinedione | Type 2 diabetes |
| polyethylene glycol | MiraLAX | Osmotic laxative | Constipation |
| potassium chloride | Klor-Con | Electrolyte replacement | Low potassium |
| prednisone | Deltasone (discontinued; Rayos is the only marketed brand) | Corticosteroid | Inflammation, immune suppression |
| pregabalin | Lyrica | Anticonvulsant (C-V) | Nerve pain, fibromyalgia, seizures |
| promethazine | Phenergan | Antiemetic / antihistamine | Nausea and vomiting |
| propranolol | Inderal LA, InnoPran XL | Beta blocker (non-selective) | High blood pressure, tremor, migraine prevention |
| propylthiouracil | (no brand; generic only) | Antithyroid agent | Overactive thyroid |
| protamine | (no brand; generic only) | Heparin antagonist | Reversal of heparin |
| pseudoephedrine | Sudafed | Decongestant (scheduled listed chemical) | Nasal and sinus congestion |
| Q | |||
| quetiapine | Seroquel | Atypical antipsychotic | Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder |
| R | |||
| ramipril | Altace | ACE inhibitor | High blood pressure, heart failure |
| ranitidine | Zantac (withdrawn) | H2 receptor antagonist | Reflux, ulcers |
| rifampin | Rifadin | Rifamycin antibiotic | Tuberculosis, meningococcal prophylaxis |
| rivaroxaban | Xarelto | Anticoagulant (DOAC) | Prevent blood clots |
| rocuronium | (Zemuron discontinued; generic only) | Neuromuscular blocker | Muscle relaxation for intubation and surgery |
| rosuvastatin | Crestor | Statin | High cholesterol |
| S | |||
| salmeterol | Serevent | Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) | Asthma and COPD maintenance |
| semaglutide | Ozempic, Wegovy | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Type 2 diabetes, weight loss |
| sertraline | Zoloft | SSRI antidepressant | Depression, anxiety |
| sildenafil | Viagra | PDE5 inhibitor | Erectile dysfunction |
| simvastatin | Zocor | Statin | High cholesterol |
| sitagliptin | Januvia | DPP-4 inhibitor | Type 2 diabetes |
| spironolactone | Aldactone | Potassium-sparing diuretic | Heart failure, edema |
| St. John's wort | (no brand; generic only) | Herbal supplement | Mild depression / mood (unproven) |
| sucralfate | Carafate | Mucosal protectant | Duodenal ulcer |
| sugammadex | Bridion | Selective relaxant binding agent | Reversal of rocuronium and vecuronium |
| sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim | Bactrim (Septra discontinued) | Sulfonamide antibiotic | UTI, MRSA infections |
| sumatriptan | Imitrex | Triptan | Acute migraine |
| T | |||
| tadalafil | Cialis | PDE5 inhibitor | Erectile dysfunction, BPH |
| tamoxifen | Soltamox | Selective estrogen receptor modulator | Hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer |
| tamsulosin | Flomax | Alpha blocker | Enlarged prostate (BPH) |
| temazepam | Restoril | Benzodiazepine (C-IV) | Short-term treatment of insomnia |
| ticagrelor | Brilinta | Antiplatelet (P2Y12 inhibitor) | Prevent clots after heart attack or stent |
| timolol | Betimol, Timoptic (discontinued) | Beta blocker eye drop | Open-angle glaucoma |
| tiotropium | Spiriva | Long-acting anticholinergic | COPD |
| tirzepatide | Mounjaro, Zepbound | Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist | Type 2 diabetes, weight management |
| tizanidine | Zanaflex | Alpha-2 agonist muscle relaxant | Muscle spasticity |
| topiramate | Topamax | Anticonvulsant | Seizures, migraine prevention |
| tramadol | Ultram (discontinued; generic only) | Opioid analgesic (C-IV) | Moderate pain |
| trazodone | Desyrel (discontinued; generic only) | Antidepressant | Depression, insomnia |
| V | |||
| valacyclovir | Valtrex | Antiviral | Herpes, shingles, cold sores |
| valproate | Depakote, Depakote ER (Depakene discontinued) | Anticonvulsant / mood stabilizer | Seizures, bipolar disorder, migraine prevention |
| valsartan | Diovan | ARB | High blood pressure, heart failure |
| vancomycin | Vancocin | Glycopeptide antibiotic | Serious gram-positive infections; oral form for C. difficile |
| venlafaxine | Effexor XR | SNRI antidepressant | Depression, anxiety |
| verapamil | Verelan (Calan discontinued) | Calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine) | High blood pressure, angina, rate control |
| vincristine | (formerly Oncovin) | Vinca alkaloid antineoplastic | Leukemias and lymphomas |
| vitamin K | (Mephyton and AquaMephyton discontinued; generic only) | Fat-soluble vitamin / antidote | Reversal of warfarin |
| W | |||
| warfarin | Jantoven (Coumadin, discontinued) | Anticoagulant | Prevent blood clots |
| Z | |||
| zolpidem | Ambien | Sedative-hypnotic (C-IV) | Insomnia |
Brand names are common US examples and may not be exhaustive. A study aid, not a dispensing reference.