Top 100 Drugs 2021 Flashcards
To get familiar with the top 200 drugs and their normal dosage ranges and other information.
ATORVASTATIN
Brand Name: Lipitor
Drug Class: HMG-CoA Inhibitor
MOA: Atorvastatin competitively inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. By preventing the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, statin medications decrease cholesterol production in the liver.
Primary Indication: Hyperlipidemia
Normal Dosage Range: 10-80mg/day
LEVOTHYROXINE
Brand Name: Synthroid
Drug Class: Hormones
MOA: Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4). Thyroxine is released from its precursor protein thyroglobulin through proteolysis and secreted into the blood where is it then peripherally deiodinated to form triiodothyronine (T3) which exerts a broad spectrum of stimulatory effects on cell metabolism.
Primary Indication: Hypothyroidism
Normal Dosage Range: 1.7 mcg/kg or 100-125 mcg PO qDay; not to exceed 300 mcg/day
LISINOPRIL
Brand Name: Zestril
Drug Class: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
MOA: Inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme as well as the renin angiotensin aldosterone system. ACE is a peptidyl dipeptidase that catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor substance, angiotensin II. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex.
Primary Indication: Hypertension
Normal Dosage Range: 10 mg PO qDay initially; usual range is 20-40 mg/day as single daily dose.
METFORMIN HCl
Brand Name: Glucophage
Drug Class: Anti-diabetic (Biguanide)
MOA: Metformin inhibits mitochondrial complex I, preventing the production of mitochondrial ATP leading to increased cytoplasmic ADP:ATP and AMP:ATP ratios. These changes activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that plays an important role in the regulation of glucose metabolism. Activated AMPK phosphorylates two isoforms of acetyl-CoA carboxylase enzyme, thereby inhibiting fat synthesis and leading to fat oxidation, reducing hepatic lipid stores and increasing liver sensitivity to insulin.
Primary Indication: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Normal Dosage Range: Initial: 500 mg PO q12hr or 850 mg PO qDay with meals; increase dose in increments of 500 mg/week or 850 mg q2Weeks on the basis of glycemic control and tolerability
Maintenance: 1500-2550 mg/day PO divided q8-12hr with meal
Not to exceed 2550 mg/day
AMLODIPINE
Brand Name: Norvasc
Drug Class: Calcium Channel Blocker
MOA: Amlodipine is an angioselective calcium channel blocker and inhibits the movement of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiac muscle cells which inhibits the contraction of cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle cells.
Primary Indication: Hypertension
Normal Dosage Range: 5 mg/day PO initially; may be increased by 2.5 mg/day every 7-14 days; not to exceed 10 mg/day maintenance: 5-10 mg/day
METOPROLOL
Brand Name: Lopressor
Drug Class: Beta Blocker
MOA: Metoprolol is a beta-1-adrenergic receptor inhibitor specific to cardiac cells with negligible effect on beta-2 receptors. This inhibition decreases cardiac output by producing negative chronotropic and inotropic effects without presenting activity towards membrane stabilization nor intrinsic sympathomimetics.
Primary Indication: Hypertension
Normal Dosage Ranges: 100 mg/day PO initially in single dose or divided q12hr; may be increased at intervals of 1 week or longer; not to exceed 450 mg/day.
ALBUTEROL
Brand Name: Ventolin
Drug Class: Beta-2 Agonist
MOA: It is a short-acting β2 adrenergic receptor agonist which works by causing relaxation of airway smooth muscle.
Primary Indication: Asthma
Normal Dosage Range: 180 mcg (2 puffs) inhaled PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 12 inhalations/24 hr
OMEPRAZOLE
Brand Name: Prilosec
Drug Class: Proton pump inhibitor
MOA: It inhibits the parietal cell H+ / K+ ATP pump, the final step of acid production. In turn, omeprazole suppresses gastric basal and stimulated acid secretion.
Primary Indication: Peptic Ulcer
Normal Dosage Range: 20 mg PO qDay for 4-8 weeks
LOSARTAN POTASSIUM
Brand Name: Cozaar
Drug Class: Angiotensin Receptor Blocker
MOA: Losartan and its principal active metabolite block the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor found in many tissues, (e.g., vascular smooth muscle, adrenal gland).
Primary Indication: Hypertension
Normal Dosage Range: 50 mg PO qDay initially; may increase to up to 100 mg/day
SIMVASTATIN
Brand Name: Zocor
Drug Class: HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor
MOA: Competitively inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. By preventing the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, statin medications decrease cholesterol production in the liver.
Primary Indication: Hyperlipidemia
Normal Dosage Range: 5-40 mg PO qDay
GABAPENTIN
Brand Name: Neurontin
Drug Class: Anticonvulsant
MOA: Gabapentin was designed to mimic the neurotransmitter GABA. It does not, however, bind to GABA receptors. Its mechanism of action as an antiepileptic agent likely involves its inhibition of the alpha 2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels.
Primary Indication: Partial Seizures
Normal Dosage: Initial: 300 mg PO q8hr
May increase up to 600 mg PO q8hr; up to 2400 mg/day administered and tolerated in clinical studies; up to 3600 mg administered for short duration and tolerated.
ACETAMINOPHEN/HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE
Brand Name: Vicodin
Drug Class: Analgesics
MOA: Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain-reliever and a cough suppressant, similar to codeine. Hydrocodone blocks the receptors on nerve cells in the brain that give rise to the sensation of pain. Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer).
Primary Indication: Moderate to severe pain
Normal Dosage: 1-2 tablets (2.5-10 mg hydrocodone; 300-325 mg acetaminophen) PO q4-6hr PRN
Acetaminophen: Not to exceed 1 g/dose or 4 g/24 hr
Hydrocodone: Maximum daily dose should not exceed 60 mg/24 hr
HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE
Brand Name: Microzide
Drug Class: Thiazide Diuretic
MOA: Hydrochlorothiazide inhibits sodium chloride transport in the distal convoluted tubule. More sodium is then excreted in the kidney with accompanying fluid.
Primary Indication: Hypertension
Normal Dosage: 12.5-50 mg PO once daily
SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Brand Name: Zoloft
Drug Class: Antidepressant (SSRI)
MOA: Inhibition of CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin (5HT).
Primary Indication: Major Depressive Disorder
Normal Dosage: Initial: 50 mg PO qDay
May increase by 25 mg at 1-week intervals; not to exceed 200 mg qDay
MONTELUKAST
Brand Name: Singulair
Drug Class: Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs)
MOA: It works by blocking the action of leukotriene D4 in the lungs resulting in decreased inflammation and relaxation of smooth muscle.
Primary Indication: Asthma
Normal Dosage: 10 mg (single 10-mg tablet) PO qPM
