Top 300 Flashcards
Metronidazole
Flagyl, Flagyl ER
Antibacterial, Antiprotozoal
Finish course as prescribed. Avoid alcohol during therapy and for 2 days after. May discolor urine reddish-brown.
Fluconazole
Diflucan
Antifungal
Finish course as prescribed. May cause headache and GI upset. CYP interactions: strongly inhibits 2C9, 2C19 (ex. Clopidogrel, warfarin and phenytoin); moderately inhibits 3A4. May prolong QT interval.
Ketoconazole
Nizoral
Antifungal
Available topically and orally. Tablets should be taken with food. Drug is absorbed best in acidic conditions; avoid antacids, PPI’s and H2 blockers for 2 hours before and after administration. Major CYP 3A4 drug interactions. Topical formulations are flammable. Potential for hepatotoxicity.
Nystatin
Mycostatin, Nystop
Antifungal
Available in many different dosage forms (topical, oral, suspension, powder) and some combination products. Suspension can be dosed as “swish and spit” for oral candidiasis or “swish and swallow” for esophageal candidiasis.
Terbinafine
Lamisil
Antifungal
Finish course as prescribed. Topical formulation available OTC and is most common use.
Acyclovir
Zovirax
Antiviral against HSV
Available topically and orally. Avoid intercourse during herpes outbreaks. Dose and duration depends on indication. CNS side-effects especially in elderly and renal impairment. Interacts with herpes zoster vaccine. Stay well hydrated.
Valacyclovir
Valtrex
Antiviral against HSV
Avoid intercourse during herpes outbreaks. Dose and duration depends on indication. CNS side-effects especially in elderly and renal impairment. Interacts with herpes zoster vaccine. Stay well hydrated.
Cephalexin
Keflex
Cephalosporin antibiotic, 1st generation
Finish course as prescribed. May cause GI upset. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur if allergic to penicillin and/or other cephalosporins. May decrease absorption of oral contraceptives.
Cefuroxime axetil
Ceftin
Cephalosporin antibiotic, 2nd generation
Finish course as prescribed. May cause GI upset. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur if allergic to penicillin and/or other cephalosporins. May decrease absorption of oral contraceptives.
Cefdinir
Omnicef
Cephalosporin antibiotic, 3rd generation
Finish course as prescribed. May cause GI upset. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur if allergic to penicillin and/or other cephalosporins. May decrease absorption of oral contraceptives.
Ciprofloxacin
Cipro (XR)
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Finish course as prescribed. Monitor glucose. Do not take within 2 hours of consuming foods or other products containing di- or trivalent cations (ex. milk, calcium antacids, multivitamins and supplements). May cause sun sensitivity and CNS side-effects. FDA requires assessment of risk of QTc prolongation. Black box warning for tendonitis/tendon rupture. Available orally and in ophthalmic and otic suspensions.
Levofloxacin
Levaquin
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Finish course as prescribed. Monitor glucose. Do not take within 2 hours of consuming foods or other products containing di- or trivalent cations (ex. milk, calcium antacids, multivitamins and supplements). May cause sun sensitivity and CNS side-effects. FDA requires assessment of risk of QTc prolongation. Black box warning for tendonitis/tendon rupture. Available orally and in ophthalmic suspension.
Moxifloxacin
Avelox
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Finish course as prescribed. Monitor glucose. Do not take within 2 hours of consuming foods or other products containing di- or trivalent cations (ex. milk, calcium antacids, multivitamins and supplements). May cause sun sensitivity and CNS side-effects. FDA requires assessment of risk of QTc prolongation. Black box warning for tendonitis/tendon rupture. Available orally and in ophthalmic solution (Vigamox, Moxeza).
Azithromycin
Zithromax, Zmax, Azasite
Macrolide antibiotic
Finish course as prescribed. No CYP 3A4 inhibition. QT prolongation possible. Opthalmic solution, Azasite, is refrigerated.
Clarithromycin
Biaxin (XL)
Macrolide antibiotic
Finish course as prescribed. May impart metallic taste. Inhibits CYP 3A4. QT prolongation possible.
Clindamycin
Cleocin, Cleocin T, Evoclin, Clindagel
Available in many dosage forms (oral, topical, vaginal suppository, powder for suspension) and combination products. Oral therapy may cause C. diff-associated severe diarrhea. Suspension has horrible taste, little flavoring options available.
Nitrofurantoin
Macrobid, Macrodantin, Furadantin
Take with food to enhance absorption. May cause peripheral neuropathy or pulmonary fibrosis. Shake suspension thoroughly.
Amoxicillin
Amoxil
Penicillin antibiotic
Finish course as prescribed. May cause GI upset; take with food. Hypersensitivity reactions possible. May decrease efficacy of oral contraceptives. Secondary vaginal yeast infection may develop. Shake susp well and keep refrigerated, note exp date after reconstitution
Amoxicillin + Clavulanate
Augmentin, Augmentin XR
Penicillin antibiotic
Finish course as prescribed. May cause GI upset; take with food. More likely to have diarrhea b/c of clavulanate- maintain hydration. Clavulanic acid doses vary among formulations; double-check if using alternate formulation to achieve prescribed dose (ex. 400mg-57mg/5ml suspension cannot be substituted for 600mg-42.9mg/5ml suspension). Shake susp well and keep refrigerated, note exp date after reconstitution
Penicillin V Potassium
Veetids, Pen-Vee K
Penicillin antibiotic
Finish course as prescribed. May cause GI upset; take with food. C. diff-associated diarrhea may develop. Hypersensitivity reactions possible.
Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim
Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS
Sulfonamide antibacterial
Finish course as prescribed. Take with plenty of water. Increases sensitivity to sunlight. Increased risk of hypoglycemia if taken with other sulfonylureas. Severe life-threatening skin reactions possible.
Doxycycline
Vibramycin, Doryx, Adoxa, Monodox, Oracea, Periostat
Tetracycline antibiotic
May increase sensitivity to sunlight. Do not take within 2 hours of consuming foods or other products containing di- or trivalent cations (ex. milk, calcium antacids, multivitamins and supplements). Hyclate and monohydrate salts not interchangeable.
Metronidazole
Metrogel, Metrogel-Vaginal, Metrocream, Metrolotion
Topical antibiotic
Use condoms during vaginal therapy. Some drug is absorbed systemically; avoid alcohol consumption during therapy and for 2 days after. Also used topically on the face for rosacea.
Mupirocin
Bactroban
Topical antibiotic
Used most in hospital to reduce the risk of MRSA infection from carriers
Nystatin + Triamcinolone
Mycolog II
Topical antifungal + steroid combination
Use a sparing amount, avoid application around eyes.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Peridex, PerioGard
Tx for gingivitis/Periodontitis
Swish/spit 15 mls BID
Olsetamivir
Tamiflu
antiviral against influenza
BID dosing for Tx, QD dosing for prophylaxis, tx within 24-48 hours of sx, rarely causes behavioral disturbances inc delirium, risk of anaphylaxis and allergic skin rxns
Emtricitabine + Tenofovir
Truvada
Reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Adherence important to prevent resistance. May be taken without regard to food. May cause decrease in bone mineral density, fat redistribution, lactic acidosis, hepatomegaly, and renal toxicity. Recently approved for pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis for those whose partner has HIV; must have regular testing every 3 months.
Zidovudine + Lamivudine
Combivir
Reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Adherence important to prevent resistance. May be taken without regard to food. May cause fat redistribution, lactic acidosis, hepatomegaly, myopathy, and hematologic toxicity.
Enalapril
Vasotec
ACE Inhibitor, antihypertensive
Pregnancy category D. May cause a dry cough, first-dose hypotension (especially in CHF and hypervolemia) and hyperkalemia (avoid salt substitutes). Angioedema is a serious reaction; discontinue immediately and medical intervention may be necessary. Drug has renoprotective properties, but may also cause acute renal failure; monitor serum creatinine and discontinue if >30% increase.
Ramipril
Altace
ACE Inhibitor, antihypertensive
Pregnancy category D. May cause a dry cough, first-dose hypotension (especially in CHF and hypovolemia) and hyperkalemia (avoid salt substitutes). Angioedema is a serious reaction; discontinue immediately and medical intervention may be necessary. Drug has renoprotective properties, but may also cause acute renal failure; monitor serum creatinine and discontinue if >30% increase. May have greater benefit if dosed at bedtime.
Quinapril
Accupril, Accuretic
ACE Inhibitor, antihypertensive; Accuretic-combo with HCTZ
Pregnancy category D. May cause a dry cough, first-dose hypotension (especially in CHF and hypovolemia) and hyperkalemia (avoid salt substitutes). Angioedema is a serious reaction; discontinue immediately and medical intervention may be necessary. Drug has renoprotective properties, but may also cause acute renal failure; monitor serum creatinine and discontinue if >30% increase.
Benazepril, Ben/HCTZ
Lotensin, Lotensin HCT
ACE Inhibitor, antihypertensive; HCT-combo with HCTZ
Pregnancy category X. May cause a dry cough, first-dose hypotension (especially in CHF and hypovolemia) and hyperkalemia (avoid salt substitutes). Angioedema is a serious reaction; discontinue immediately and medical intervention may be necessary. Drug has renoprotective properties, but may also cause acute renal failure; monitor serum creatinine and discontinue if >30% increase.
Lisinopril, Lis/HCTZ
Zestril or Prinivil, Zestoretic
ACE Inhibitor, antihypertensive; Zestoretic-combo with HCTZ
Pregnancy category D. May cause a dry cough, first-dose hypotension (especially in CHF and hypovolemia) and hyperkalemia (avoid salt substitutes). Angioedema is a serious reaction; discontinue immediately and medical intervention may be necessary. Drug has renoprotective properties, but may also cause acute renal failure; monitor serum creatinine and discontinue if >30% increase.
Doxazosin Mesylate
Cardura, Cardura XL
Alpha 1 Blocker antihypertensive, also used in BPH
May cause postural hypotension/orthostasis after first dose or an increase in dose. Dizziness and headache common.
Terazosin
Hytrin
Alpha 1 Blocker antihypertensive, also used in BPH
May cause postural hypotension/orthostasis after first dose or an increase in dose. Dizziness and headache common.
Clonidine
Catapres, Catapres TTS, Nexiclon XR, Kapvay ER
Alpha II agonist, antihypertensive
May cause drowsiness, dry mouth, or skin reactions. Rotate patch application sites and discard patches carefully. Do not discontinue abruptly.
Amiodarone
Cordarone
Antiarrhythmic
Many drug interactions, complicated by extremely long half life of 40-50 days. Hepatic and pulmonary damage possible; notify MD if jaundice, dark urine or trouble breathing occur. May cause thyroid problems, hypotension, bradycardia, ocular disease and exacerbate arrhythmia. Have regular ophthalmic visits. May cause skin to turn bluish-grey in color
Warfarin Sodium
Coumadin
Anticoagulant
Risk of bleeding, especially GI. Very narrow therapeutic index; INR must be monitored regularly and vitamin K intake should be uniform. Many drug interactions; always check with MD or RPh when taking a new medication.
Fenofibrate
TRICOR, Trilipix
Antihyperlipidemic
Risk of myopathy; taking with statins increase risk. Discontinue immediately and report any signs (muscle pain, brown urine) to MD and/or RPh. Increases action of sulfonylureas; monitor for hypoglycemia. No good outcome data; FIELD and ACCORD Lipid were not positive. Safer to combine with a statin than gemfibrozil, but not evidence based. Many different “Brand” formulations.
Gemfibrozil
Lopid
Antihyperlipidemic
Increases effects of statins and therefore myopathy risk; discontinue immediately and report any signs (muscle pain, brown urine) to MD and/or RPh. Should be taken 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. Increased risk of gall stones.
Niacin
Niaspan ER
Antihyperlipidemic
Causes flushing in most individuals (>80%); take at bedtime with a low-fat snack and 325mg aspirin to reduce effects. Doses higher than 2g/day may cause hepatotoxicity.
Atorvastatin
Lipitor
Antihyperlipidemic - HMG CoA reductase inhibitor
Pregnancy category X. Myopathy is a serious reaction; discontinue immediately and report any signs (muscle pain, brown urine) to MD and/or RPh. May be taken at any time of day. Avoid excessive alcohol and grapefruit juice. Some CYP 3A4 interactions.
Lovastatin
Mevacor, Altoprev ER
Antihyperlipidemic - HMG CoA reductase inhibitor
Pregnancy category X. Myopathy is a serious reaction; discontinue immediately and report any signs (muscle pain, brown urine) to MD and/or RPh. Take in the evening. Avoid excessive alcohol and grapefruit juice. Several CYP 3A4 interactions.
Pravastatin
Pravachol
Antihyperlipidemic - HMG CoA reductase inhibitor
Pregnancy category X. Myopathy is a serious reaction; discontinue immediately and report any signs (muscle pain, brown urine) to MD and/or RPh. Avoid excessive alcohol. Significantly fewer drug interactions compared to other statins (cleared by kidney rather than liver).
Rosuvastatin
Crestor
Antihyperlipidemic - HMG CoA reductase inhibitor
Pregnancy category X. Myopathy is a serious reaction; discontinue immediately and report any signs (muscle pain, brown urine) to MD and/or RPh. May be taken at any time of day. Avoid excessive alcohol and grapefruit juice.
Simvastatin/ezetimibe
Vytorin
Antihyperlipidemic - HMG CoA reductase inhibitor and cholesterol absorption inhibitor
Pregnancy category X. Myopathy is a serious reaction; discontinue immediately and report any signs (muscle pain, brown urine) to MD and/or RPh. Take in the evening. Avoid excessive alcohol and grapefruit juice. Several CYP 3A4 interactions. Lacks data that combination is superior to simvastatin alone.
Simvastatin
Zocor
Antihyperlipidemic - HMG reductase inhibitor
Pregnancy category X. Myopathy is a serious reaction; discontinue immediately and report any signs (muscle pain, brown urine) to MD and/or RPh. Take in the evening. Avoid excessive alcohol and grapefruit juice. Several CYP 3A4 interactions.
Aspirin
Ecotrin
Antiplatelet
Used for cardiovascular or cerebrovascular accident treatment/prophylaxis. 75-325 mg pod daily. Risk/benefit important for prophylaxis decisions. Increased risk of bleeding. Be aware of hypersensitivity reactions especially in patients with allergic triad of as a allergy, nasal polyps, and asthma, avoid in children due to risk of Reye syndrome.
Amlodipine + Valsartan
Exforge, Exforge HCT
ARB + calcium channel blocker combo; HCT also contains diuretic
Valsartan, Val/HCTZ
Diovan, Diovan HCT
ARB Antihypertensive, HCT also contains diuretic
Black box warning in pregnancy. May cause dizziness, hypotension, hyperkalemia (avoid salt substitutes, potassium sparing diuretics), and renal dysfunction (discontinue if serum creatinine increases >30%). NSAIDs reduce antihypertensive effect and increase risk of renal dysfunction. Taking with ACE inhibitor or renin inhibitor increases side effects with little benefit.
Irbesartan, Irbesartan/HCTZ
Avapro, Avalide
ARB Antihypertensive; Avalide-combo with diuretic
Black box warning in pregnancy. May cause dizziness, hypotension, hyperkalemia (avoid salt substitutes, potassium sparing diuretics), and renal dysfunction (discontinue if serum creatinine increases >30%). NSAIDs reduce antihypertensive effect and increase risk of renal dysfunction. Taking with ACE inhibitor or renin inhibitor increases side effects with little benefit.
Candesartan, Can/HCTZ
Atacand, Atacand HCT
ARB Antihypertensive; HCT-combo with diuretic
Black box warning in pregnancy. May cause dizziness, hypotension, hyperkalemia (avoid salt substitutes, potassium sparing diuretics), and renal dysfunction (discontinue if serum creatinine increases >30%). NSAIDs reduce antihypertensive effect and increase risk of renal dysfunction. Taking with ACE inhibitor or renin inhibitor increases side effects with little benefit.
Olmesartan
Benicar, Benicar HCT
ARB Antihypertensive; HCT-combo with diuretic
Black box warning in pregnancy. May cause dizziness, hypotension, hyperkalemia (avoid salt substitutes, potassium sparing diuretics), and renal dysfunction (discontinue if serum creatinine increases >30%). NSAIDs reduce antihypertensive effect and increase risk of renal dysfunction. Taking with ACE inhibitor or renin inhibitor increases side effects with little benefit. Sprue -like enteropathy (unexplained wt loss and diarrhea)
Losartan, Los/HCTZ
Cozaar, Hyzaar
ARB Antihypertensive; Hyzaar-combo with diuretic
Black box warning in pregnancy. May cause dizziness, hypotension, hyperkalemia (avoid salt substitutes, potassium sparing diuretics), and renal dysfunction (discontinue if serum creatinine increases >30%). NSAIDs reduce antihypertensive effect and increase risk of renal dysfunction. Taking with ACE inhibitor or renin inhibitor increases side effects with little benefit.
Atenolol
Tenormin
Beta Blocker, Beta-1 Selective
May cause drowsiness. Masks symptoms of hypoglycemia. Do not discontinue abruptly. Limited evidence/data.
Metoprolol Succinate
Toprol XL
Beta Blocker, Beta-1 Selective
May cause drowsiness. Masks symptoms of hypoglycemia. Do not discontinue abruptly. Succinate and tartrate salts are not interchangeable!
Metoprolol Tartrate
Lopressor
Beta Blocker, Beta-1 selective
May cause drowsiness. Masks symptoms of hypoglycemia. Do not discontinue abruptly. Succinate and tartrate salts are not interchangeable!
Bisoprolol, Bisoprolol + HCTZ
Zebeta, Ziac
Beta Blocker, Beta-1 selective; Ziac is combo with diuretic
May cause drowsiness. Masks symptoms of hypoglycemia. Do not discontinue abruptly due to risk of tachycardia and hypertension. Bisoprolol has outcome data in heart failure; target dose of 10mg/day
Atenolol/chlorthalidone
Tenoretic
Beta Blocker, Beta-1 Selective/ thiazide diuretic
Propranolol
Inderal, Inderal LA, Innopran, Innopran XL
Beta Blocker, nonselective
May cause drowsiness. Masks symptoms of hypoglycemia. Do not discontinue abruptly. LA and immediate release formulations are not mg-mg equivalent; dose may need to be increased by up to 30% when converting from immediate release to LA.
Carvedilol
Coreg (CR)
Beta Blocker, nonselective; Alpha-1 blocker
May cause drowsiness. Masks symptoms of hypoglycemia. Do not discontinue abruptly. CR and immediate release formulations are not mg-mg equivalent; CR 10mg equivalent to 3.125mg BID of immediate release.
Labetalol
Normodyne or Trandate
Beta Blocker, nonselective; Alpha-1 blocker
May cause drowsiness. Masks symptoms of hypoglycemia. Do not discontinue abruptly.
Digoxin
Lanoxin or Lanoxicap
Cardiac glycoside: + Inotropic, - chronotropic
Narrow therapeutic index, many drug interactions. Digoxin toxicity possible (anorexia, nausea, fatigue, vision disturbances, bradycardia, arrhythmias).
Amlodipine + Olmestartan
Azor, Tribenzor
Combination of ARB + calcium channel blocker; Tribenzor also contains diuretic
Amlodipine
Norvasc
Dihydro calcium channel blocker
May cause drowsiness, risk of hypotension and orthostasis. Risk of peripheral edema that is not responsive to diuretics but may be relieved by ACEi or ARB.
Nifedipine
Procardia, Procardia XL, Adalat CC
Dihydro calcium channel blocker
May cause drowsiness. Risk of peripheral edema that is not responsive to diuretics; ACEi or ARB used to reverse. Adalat and Procardia not equivalent, double-check when dispensing generics.
Amlodipine + Benazepril
Lotrel
Dihydro calcium channel blocker + ACE inhibitor combo
Amlodipine + Atorvastatin
Caduet
Dihydro calcium channel blocker + HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor combo
trate amlodipine to response over 1-2 weeks and atorvastatin in 6-8 weeks
Dabigatran
Pradaxa
Direct thrombin inhibitor
Monitor for bleeding. May cause some GI upset. Store capsules in original container or blister pack; discard unused medication after 4 months. Do not crush, chew or open capsules. If a dose is missed, do not take a double dose if more than 6 hours have passed. Drug interactions with p-glycoprotein substrates (dronedarone, ketoconazole, rifampin). Dose should be adjusted for kidney function. Discontinuation for surgery determined by creatinine clearance
Potassium Chloride
Klor-Con
Electrolyte supplement
May cause GI upset, take with food. Monitor salt intake.
Rivaroxaban
Xarelto
Factor Xa inhibitor
Monitor for bleeding. Doses of 15 mg or more must be taken with food. Compliance extremely important, but do not take a double dose if a dose is missed. Discontinue at least 24 hours before surgeries. Drug interactions with CYP 3A4 substrates, but benefit outweighs cost in some cases.
Apixaban
Eliquis
Factor Xa inhibitor
Monitor for bleeding. 5 mg orally twice daily. A dose of 2.5 mg twice daily is recommended for patients at least 80 years old, who weigh no more than 60 kg, or who have serum creatinine of at least 1.5 mg/dL, as well as those receiving strong dual inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 and P-glycoprotein. Boxed warning - inc risk of stroke if DC’d. Not indicated in patients with prosthetic heart valves.
Furosemide
Lasix
Loop diuretic
May cause hypokalemia; monitor potassium levels and kidney function. Also watch salt intake. May be used as needed in congestive heart failure. Hypersensitivity reaction may occur in individuals with sulfa allergy. Lasix short for “last six hours”.
Enoxaparin
Lovenox
Low molecular weight heparin
Increased risk of bleeding. Counsel on injection technique. Often used when beginning warfarin to achieve goal INR more quickly. In community pharmacy, double-check to make sure proper package size and quantity are being dispensed/billed.
Isosorbide Mononitrate
Imdur, ISMO
Nitroglycerin antianginal/vasodilator
Frequently causes dizziness and/or headache. Dosed twice daily, but must be taken “asymmetrically” to prevent tolerance; take second dose 8 hours after first dose rather than every 12 hours.
Nitroglycerin SL
Nitrostat
Nitroglycerin antianginal/vasodilator
Frequently causes dizziness and/or headache. If chest pain persist after first dose, take second dose in 5 minutes. Call 911 if symptoms persist after second dose. Store in original container.
Topical Nitroglycerin
Nitro-Dur
Nitroglycerin antianginal/vasodilator
Finish course as prescribed. Apply patch for 12 hours and remove for 12 hours for nitrate-free period.
Diltiazem
Cardizem, Cardizem SR, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Tiazac
Non-dihydro Calcium Channel Blocker
May cause drowsiness/dizziness or headache. Do not discontinue therapy without discussing with MD. Many formulations that may not be equivalent; double-check when dispensing generics.
Verapamil
Calan, Calan SR, Isoptin SR
Non-dihydro Calcium Channel Blocker
May cause drowsiness/dizziness, headache, or constipation. Do not discontinue therapy without discussing with MD.
Clopidogrel
Plavix
Platelet Inhibitor
Monitor for bleeding. Compliance extremely important. CYP 2C19 inhibitors such as omeprazole and esomeprazole greatly decrease efficacy. Check with MD or RPh before starting new medications or taking OTC medications.
Triamterene + HCTZ
Dyazide capsules or Maxzide tablets
Potassium-sparing + thiazide diuretic combo
Take in the early morning. Monitor renal function, potassium levels, and salt intake; not to be used if renal function impaired. Risk of kidney stones; drink plenty of fluids to reduce risk. Double-check patient profile when dispensing generics; patients should remain on tablets or capsules unless MD changes.
Spironolactone, Spir/HCTZ
Aldactone, Aldactazide
Potassium-sparing diuretic; Aldactazide also contains diuretic
Take in the early morning. Monitor renal function, potassium levels, and salt intake. May cause gynecomastia in males, menstrual irregularities in females (antiandrogenic properties). Evidence-based data for heart failure, post MI, and resistant hypertension. Aldactazide may cause hypersensitivity reactions in individuals with sulfa allergy.
Indapamide
Lozol
Thiazide diuretic
Take in the early morning. Monitor renal function, potassium levels, and salt intake; not to be used in severe renal impairment, but may be used in minimally impaired renal function. Hypersensitivity reaction may occur in individuals with sulfa allergy.
Chlorthalidone
Thalidone, Hygroton
Thiazide diuretic
Take in the early morning. Monitor renal function, potassium levels, and salt intake; not to be used if renal function impaired. Hypersensitivity reaction may occur in individuals with sulfa allergy. Chlorthalidone is twice as potent as HCTZ.
Hydrochlorothiazide (aka HCTZ)
Oretic, Microzide
Thiazide diuretic
Take in the early morning. Monitor renal function, potassium levels, and salt intake. Hypersensitivity reaction may occur in individuals with sulfa allergy.
Metolazone
Zaroxolyn
Thiazide diuretic
Take in the early morning. Monitor renal function, electrolytes (esp. potassium and magnesium) and salt intake. Hypersensitivity reaction may occur in individuals with sulfa allergy. Often used in diuretic-resistant patients in combination with loop diuretics.
Ondansetron
Zofran, Zofran ODT
5-HT3 antagonist Antiemetic
May cause headache, fatigue. Dissolve ODT under the tongue, store in original container until ready to use. QT prolongation possible.
Donepezil
Aricept
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Take in the evening. Significant nausea, vomiting and diarrhea possible, as well as anorexia. May also cause bradycardia and fainting. Set realistic expectations for Alzheimer’s patients. Keep in mind positive statistical significance vs. clinical significance.
Rivastigmine
Exelon, Exelon Patch
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor
Take capsules in the evening. Rotate patch application sites. Significant nausea, vomiting and diarrhea possible, as well as anorexia. May also cause bradycardia and fainting. Set realistic expectations for Alzheimer’s patients. Keep in mind positive statistical significance vs. clinical significance.
Butalbital + aspirin + caffeine, available with or without codeine
Fiorinal, Fiorinal with codeine
Analgesic Combo for Tension Headaches, C-III
May cause drowsiness or dizziness; avoid alcohol use during therapy. Caution against taking other products containing aspirin.
Butalbital + acetaminophen + caffeine (sometimes called B-A-C), available with or without codeine
Fioricet, Fioricet with codeine
Analgesic Combo for Tension Headaches, C-III if it has codeine
May cause drowsiness or dizziness; avoid alcohol use during therapy. Do not exceed 4g of APAP per day, 3g if frequent alcohol drinker, 2g if taking warfarin. New black box warning with acetaminophen due to hepatotoxicity.
Buspirone
Buspar
Antianxiety- serotonin 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist
May cause drowsiness or dizziness, slow onset, mildly effective, little potential for abuse.
Scopolamine
Transderm-Scop
Anticholinergic
May cause drowsiness or dizziness. wash your hands after application as touching your eyes after application may result in blurred vision (dilation)
Mirtazapine
Remeron
Antidepressant
May cause drowsiness or dizziness, dry mouth, constipation and weight gain. Do not discontinue abruptly. Open from blister and dissolve SolTab on the tongue.
Trazodone
Desyrel
Antidepressant/Sleep Aid
May cause dizziness/drowsiness/orthostasis, priapism risk.
Bupropion
Wellbutrin (SR) (XL) or Zyban
Antidepressant/smoking cessation aid
Take XL tabs in AM to avoid insomnia, do not crush or chew SR or XL tabs, do not take doses too close or exceeding maximum doses because of seizure risk. Potential side-effects inc nervousness, constipation, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, tremor.
Carbamazepine
Tegretol (XR)
Antiepileptic
Take with food, may cause drowsiness, avoid alcohol. Serious and sometimes fatal dermatologic reactions (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis) have been reported, especially in patients with the inherited allelic variant HLA-B*1502. Genetically at-risk patients (IE those form Asia including China) should be screened prior to receiving carbamazepine.
Lamotrigine
Lamictal
Antiepileptic
Report hypersensitivity/rash to MD, may cause drowsiness, do not operate heavy machine
Levetiracetam
Keppra
Antiepileptic
May cause dizziness/drowsiness, do not operate heavy machinery, do not abruptly discontinue therapy
Oxcarbazepine
Trileptal
Antiepileptic
May cause dizziness/drowsiness, do not operate heavy machinery, do not abruptly discontinue therapy
Phenytoin Sodium
Dilantin Kapseals
Antiepileptic
May cause dizziness/drowsiness, do not operate heavy machinery. Emphasize good oral hygiene to reduce risk of gingival hyperplasia
Divalproex
Depakote (ER)
Antiepileptic, mood stabilizer
Do not abruptly discontinue therapy, avoid alcohol use, may cause drowsiness
Phenobarbital
Phenobarbital
Antiepileptic/hypnotic; C-IV
May cause drowsiness or dizziness, avoid alcohol use during therapy
Topiramate
Topamax
Antiepileptic/Migraine prophylactic
May cause drowsiness or dizziness, avoid alcohol use during therapy. Confusion (“Dopamax”) and it is now FDA approved in a combination with phentermine in extended release - Qsymia (C-IV)
Gabapentin
Neurontin
Antiepileptic/neuropathic analgesic
May cause drowsiness or dizziness, avoid alcohol use during therapy. Edema, weight gain and confusion as common side effects, as well as generally need to titrate slowly to higher doses as this agent has dose related kinetics
Hydroxyzine hydrochloride
Atarax
Antihistamine
May cause anticholinergic side-effects.
Eletriptan
Relpax
Antimigraine, 5-HT1 agonist
Take at onset of migraine. If headache is relieved but returns after 1st dose, repeat in 2 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses or 80mg in a 24 hour period. If 1st dose does not relieve symptoms, reevaluate condition. Ischemic cardiovascular events possible. Drug interactions with CYP 3A4 substrates and ergot derivatives.
Rizatriptan
Maxalt, Maxalt MLT
Antimigraine, 5-HT1 agonist
Take at onset of migraine. If headache is relieved but returns after 1st dose, repeat in 2 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses or 30mg in a 24 hour period. If 1st dose does not relieve symptoms, reevaluate condition. Ischemic cardiovascular events possible. Drug interactions with ergot derivatives. Dissolvable tablets contain phenylalanine.
Sumatriptan
Imitrex
Antimigraine, 5-HT1 agonist
Take at onset of migraine. If headache is relieved but returns after 1st dose, repeat in 2 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses or 200mg in a 24 hour period. If 1st dose does not relieve symptoms, reevaluate condition. Ischemic cardiovascular events possible. Drug interactions with ergot derivatives. Available in oral tablet, injection kit, and nasal spray.
Benztropine
Cogentin
Antiparkinson Agent
May take with food to decrease GI symptoms. Potential anticholinergic side-effects
Levodopa/Carbidopa
Sinemet (CR)
Antiparkinson Agent
Avoid products containing B6 as they reduce the effectiveness of levodopa, may be taken with food/milk if GI upset occurs
Pramipexole
Mirapex
Antiparkinson Agent
Hallucinations may occur, report any changes in vision to MD, may cause drowsiness and even sleep attacks (falling asleep without warning)
Ropinirole
Requip
Antiparkinson/Restless Leg agent
May cause drowsiness or dizziness, avoid alcohol use during therapy, orthostasis may occur. May also cause sleep attacks.
Olanzapine
Zyprexa
Antipsychotic
Initially may cause dizziness, use caution when operating heavy machinery due to drowsiness, may cause wt gain, DM and dyslipidemia
Quetiapine
Seroquel (XR)
Antipsychotic
Initially may cause dizziness, use caution when operating heavy machinery due to drowsiness
Risperidone
Risperdal
Antipsychotic
First doses may cause fainting, may impair judgment, avoid alcohol use
Ziprasidone
Geodon
Antipsychotic
May cause arrhythmias, do not discontinue use abruptly, take with food
Aripiprazole
Abilify
Antipsychotic for bipolar, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder
Avoid alcohol, D/I 3A4, QT prolongation, do not discontinue abruptly
Meclizine
Antivert
Antivertigo Agent
Potential anticholinergic side-effects