Top 100 Drugs Flashcards
Atorvastatin
Lipitor
Developed by Pfizer
Mechanism of Action: Atorvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, also known as a statin, which blocks an enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. By reducing cholesterol production, it lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and helps prevent cardiovascular events.
Levothyroxine
Synthroid, Levoxyl, Euthyrox, and others
Developed by Various pharmaceutical companies produce levothyroxine.
Mechanism of Action: Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). It is used to treat hypothyroidism, replacing the deficient hormone to regulate metabolism, energy, and various physiological functions in the body.
Metformin
Glucophage, Fortamet, and others
Developed by Various pharmaceutical companies produce metformin.
Mechanism of Action: Metformin is an oral antidiabetic medication that reduces glucose production in the liver, improves insulin sensitivity, and enhances peripheral glucose uptake. It is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Lisinopril
Prinivil, Zestril
Developed by AstraZeneca
Mechanism of Action: Lisinopril is an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor that blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. By inhibiting this enzyme, lisinopril relaxes blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and improves cardiac function.
Amlodipine
Norvasc
Developed by Pfizer
Mechanism of Action: Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that inhibits calcium influx into smooth muscle cells, resulting in arterial vasodilation and reduced peripheral resistance. It is used to treat hypertension and angina (chest pain).
Metoprolol
Lopressor, Toprol XL
Developed by AstraZeneca
Mechanism of Action: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that selectively blocks beta-1 receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate and contractility. It is used to manage hypertension, angina, and certain heart conditions.
Albuterol
Proventil, Ventolin
Developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Mechanism of Action: Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the smooth muscles in the airways, providing rapid relief of bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Omeprazole
Prilosec, Losec
Developed by AstraZeneca
Mechanism of Action: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that suppresses the secretion of gastric acid by inhibiting the proton pump in the stomach lining. It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and other acid-related conditions.
Losartan
Cozaar
Developed by Merck & Co.
Mechanism of Action: Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that selectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to its receptors, causing vasodilation and reducing blood pressure. It is used to treat hypertension and may also protect the kidneys in patients with diabetes.
Gabapentin
Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant, and others
Developed by Pfizer
Mechanism of Action: Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that modulates calcium channels in the brain, reducing the release of neurotransmitters involved in seizures and neuropathic pain. It is used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain conditions.
Hydrochlorothiazide
Microzide
Developed by Various pharmaceutical companies produce hydrochlorothiazide.
Mechanism of Action: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that inhibits sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased urine output and decreased blood volume. It is used to treat hypertension and edema.
Sertraline
Zoloft
Developed by Pfizer
Mechanism of Action: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels in the brain, enhancing mood and relieving symptoms of depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Simvastatin
Zocor
Developed by Merck & Co.
Mechanism of Action: Simvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) that inhibits the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. It lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increases HDL (good cholesterol) levels, helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Montelukast
Singulair
Developed by Merck & Co.
Mechanism of Action: Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that blocks the action of leukotrienes, which cause inflammation and bronchoconstriction in conditions like asthma and allergies. It is used to manage asthma symptoms and prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
Escitalopram
Lexapro, Cipralex
Developed by Lundbeck and Forest Laboratories (now part of Allergan/AbbVie)
Mechanism of Action: Escitalopram is an SSRI that increases serotonin levels in the brain, alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.
Acetaminophen; Hydrocodone:
Vicodin, Norco, Lortab, and others
Developed by Various pharmaceutical companies produce acetaminophen and hydrocodone combinations.
Mechanism of Action: Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic that blocks pain signals in the brain and reduces fever. Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic that binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, providing pain relief. The combination is used to manage moderate to severe pain.
Rosuvastatin
Crestor
Developed by AstraZeneca
Mechanism of Action: Rosuvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) that reduces cholesterol production in the liver. It is used to lower LDL cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular events.
Bupropion
Wellbutrin, Zyban
Developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Mechanism of Action: Bupropion acts on dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression, and in the case of Zyban, it is also used to aid smoking cessation.
Furosemide
Lasix
Developed by Sanofi
Mechanism of Action: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and water reabsorption in the loop of Henle, promoting increased urine output. It is used to treat edema and manage hypertension.
Pantoprazole
Protonix
Developed by Pfizer
Mechanism of Action: Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that inhibits gastric acid secretion by blocking the proton pump in the stomach lining. It is used to treat GERD, peptic ulcers, and other acid-related conditions.
Trazodone
Desyrel, Oleptro
Developed by Various pharmaceutical companies produce trazodone.
Mechanism of Action: Trazodone is an antidepressant that affects serotonin levels in the brain, helping to relieve symptoms of depression and improve sleep.
Dextroamphetamine; Dextroamphetamine Saccharate; Amphetamine; Amphetamine Aspartate:
Adderall
Developed by Shire Pharmaceuticals (now part of Takeda)
Mechanism of Action: Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
Fluticasone
Flonase, Flovent, and others
Developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Mechanism of Action: Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune response in the respiratory system. It is used to manage allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms.
Tamsulosin
Flomax
Developed by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals
Mechanism of Action: Tamsulosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist that relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow and reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Fluoxetine
Prozac, Sarafem
Developed by Eli Lilly and Company
Mechanism of Action: Fluoxetine is an SSRI that increases serotonin levels in the brain, used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and certain eating disorders.
Carvedilol
Coreg
Developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Mechanism of Action: Carvedilol is a non-selective beta-blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity. It reduces heart rate, dilates blood vessels, and lowers blood pressure. It is used to treat hypertension and heart failure.
Duloxetine
Cymbalta
Developed by Eli Lilly and Company
Mechanism of Action: Duloxetine is an SNRI that increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, used to treat depression, anxiety, and certain chronic pain conditions.
Meloxicam
Mobic
Developed by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals
Mechanism of Action: Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain, inflammation, and fever by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins.
Clopidogrel
Plavix
Developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi (now part of Sanofi)
Mechanism of Action: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent that inhibits platelet activation and aggregation, preventing blood clots. It is used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes.
Prednisone
Deltasone, Rayos, and others
Developed by Various pharmaceutical companies produce prednisone.
Mechanism of Action: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the immune response and reduces inflammation. It is used to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Citalopram
Celexa
Developed by Lundbeck
Mechanism of Action: Citalopram is an SSRI that increases serotonin levels in the brain, used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.
Insulin Glargine
Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo
Developed by Sanofi
Mechanism of Action: Insulin Glargine is a long-acting insulin analog that provides a steady release of insulin over an extended period. It is used to manage diabetes by regulating blood glucose levels.
Potassium Chloride
Klor-Con, Micro-K, and others
Developed by Various pharmaceutical companies produce potassium chloride.
Mechanism of Action: Potassium chloride is a mineral supplement used to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia).
Pravastatin
Pravachol
Developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb
Mechanism of Action: Pravastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) that reduces cholesterol production in the liver. It is used to lower LDL cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular events.
Tramadol
Ultram, Conzip, and others
Developed by Various pharmaceutical companies produce tramadol.
Mechanism of Action: Tramadol is an opioid analgesic that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. It is used to manage moderate to severe pain.
Aspirin
Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin, and others
Developed by Bayer
Mechanism of Action: Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits the production of prostaglandins, reducing pain, inflammation, and fever. It also has antiplatelet properties and is used to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Alprazolam
Xanax
Developed by Pfizer
Mechanism of Action: Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, producing anxiolytic and sedative effects. It is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
Ibuprofen
Advil, Motrin, and others
Developed by Various pharmaceutical companies produce ibuprofen.
Mechanism of Action: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits the production of prostaglandins, reducing pain, inflammation, and fever.
Cyclobenzaprine
Flexeril, Amrix, and others
Developed by Various pharmaceutical companies produce cyclobenzaprine.
Mechanism of Action: Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that acts on the central nervous system to alleviate muscle spasms associated with musculoskeletal conditions.
Amoxicillin
Amoxil, Moxatag, and others
Developed by Various pharmaceutical companies produce amoxicillin.
Mechanism of Action: Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, used to treat various bacterial infections.