Drug Glossary
Most Frequently Prescribed Classes of Drugs
This glossary provides brief descriptions of the classes, or types, of drugs that are most often prescribed in the United States. The terms in italics indicate other drug categories that are also defined in this section of the glossary; the drugs that are underlined can be found in the Most Frequently Prescribed Drugs part of the glossary, which starts on page 1140. If you want to learn more about a particular drug you are taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
A
abortifacients Cause muscular contractions of the uterus strong enough to expel its contents. Used to induce abortion.
ACE inhibitors See angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
alkylating agents Anticancer drugs. Interfere with cell division, which helps prevent cancer cells from multiplying. Used to treat cancer.
aminoglycosides Antibiotics. Kill bacteria. Used to treat serious bacterial infections.
amphetamines Stimulants. Increase activity in the central nervous system. Used to treat the sleep disorder narcolepsy and attention deficit disorders. In the past, often used to treat obesity because they suppress the appetite. Strictly regulated because they are highly addictive.
anabolic steroids Hormone drugs. Imitate the actions of the male sex hormone testosterone. Used to grow tissue, promote muscle growth, and repair and strengthen bone. Derived from male sex hormones (androgens). Abusing anabolic steroids carries significant health risks.
analgesics Relieve pain. Nonnarcotic analgesics treat mild to moderate pain, and most reduce fever; many are also anti-inflammatories. Narcotic analgesics treat severe pain. Can be addictive.
androgens Hormone drugs. Stimulate development of male sexual characteristics. Used to treat hypogonadism. Derived from male sex hormones (androgens).
anesthetics Interfere with sensory nerves and brain function. Used to relieve or prevent pain. Topical (applied directly to the skin) anesthetics relieve minor skin irritations. Injected local anesthetics eliminate pain sensation in a specific area before or during surgery, dental procedures, or labor and delivery. General anesthetics produce loss of consciousness before and during surgery.
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) Antihypertensives. Relax narrowed blood vessels, reduce expanded blood volume, and decrease elevated blood pressure. Used to treat high blood pressure, to prevent or treat heart failure, and to treat kidney damage in people with diabetes.
angiotensin II receptor antagonists Antihypertensives. Prevent a protein called angiotensin II from narrowing the blood vessels and increasing blood pressure. Used to treat high blood pressure.
antiadrenergics Interfere with the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system by affecting the release or action of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine and the hormone epinephrine (also called adrenaline). Used to treat high blood pressure, angina, arrhythmias, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
antiangina drugs Increase blood flow to the heart and reduce its workload. Used to relieve the chest pain called angina that occurs when part of the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen.
antianxiety drugs Psychotropics; sedatives; tranquilizers. Used to relieve anxiety, induce sleep, or relax a person before surgery. Can be addictive.
antiarrhythmics Alter the electrical impulses that control the heartbeat or the way the heart responds to the impulses. Used to prevent, control, or correct an abnormal heartbeat. Include beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.
antibacterials Antibiotics. Used to treat bacterial infections.
antibiotics Used to prevent or treat bacterial infections. Some are used to treat specific infections; broad-spectrum antibiotics are used to treat a wide variety of infections. Have no effect on viruses. The entire course of antibiotic treatment must be completed to help prevent bacteria from developing resistance to the drug. Include aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, macrolides, penicillins, quinolones, sulfa drugs, and tetracyclines.
anticancer drugs Kill or prevent the growth of abnormal cells. Used to treat cancer. Include alkylating agents and antimetabolites (which interfere with cell division), cytotoxics (which kill or damage cells), and interferons and interleukins (which stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells).
anticholinergics Block the effects of the chemical neurotransmitter acetylcholine on the nervous system. Used to dilate (widen) pupils and control muscle spasms and to treat asthma, incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease.
anticoagulants Interfere with blood clotting. Used to prevent and treat transient ischemic attacks, heart attack, and stroke. Include antiplatelets such as aspirin and clopidogrel.
anticonvulsants Control or eliminate abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Used to prevent or reduce the frequency or severity of seizures in epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
antidepressants Psychotropics. Used to prevent or treat depression. Include monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, heterocyclic antidepressants, and tricyclic antidepressants.
antidiabetic drugs Stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, which helps cells take in glucose to use for energy or to store, lowering the level of glucose in the blood. Used to treat type 2 diabetes.
antidiarrheals Absorb fluids and slow intestinal contractions. Used to relieve diarrhea. Include substances such as kaolin, chalk, or charcoal mixtures as well as drugs. Long-term use can lead to chronic constipation.
antiemetics Used to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Usually taken orally as a tablet or liquid but may be given as a suppository or by injection, especially if a person is likely to vomit oral medication before it can take effect. Not recommended when the cause of vomiting is not known.
antifungals Used to treat fungal infections.
antihistamines Counteract the effects of histamine (one of the substances involved in allergic reactions and stomach acid production). Used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and peptic ulcers.
Include H1 (histamine) blockers and H2 (histamine) blockers.
antihypertensives Used to lower blood pressure. Include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
anti-inflammatories Reduce redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Used to treat osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Include analgesics, antirheumatics, corticosteroids, COX-2 inhibitors, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
antimetabolites Anticancer drugs. Interfere with cell division, which helps prevent cancer cells from multiplying.
antiparasitics Kill parasites such as lice or pinworms and their eggs. Used to treat infestations.
antiplatelets Anticoagulants. Help prevent blood clots by binding to platelets (cell fragments that enable blood to clot) and keeping them from clumping on blood vessel walls. Used to prevent or treat heart attack or stroke. Can cause excessive bleeding in some people. Include aspirin and clopidogrel.
antipsychotics Psychotropics; tranquilizers. Block the actions of dopamine (a chemical messenger in the brain). Used to treat mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder or agitation or aggressive behavior in people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
antipyretics Reduce fever. Include the analgesics acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.
antiretrovirals Inhibit the ability of retroviruses (such as HIV) to multiply.
antirheumatics Anti-inflammatories; immunosuppressants. Used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders. Usually prescribed if treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been ineffective.
antispasmodics Prevent or relieve spasms in the smooth muscles of the bladder or the intestines. Used to treat irritable bladder disorders and irritable bowel syndrome.
antithyroid drugs Reduce production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland and destroy excessive thyroid gland tissue. Used to treat an overactive thyroid gland.
antitussives Suppress the area of the brain that controls coughing. Used in over-the-counter cough remedies to prevent coughing or to stop coughs caused by irritation that don’t produce phlegm (called dry coughs).
antivirals Interfere with a virus’s chemical processes or prevent a virus from entering cells. Used to treat infections caused by viruses or to provide temporary immunity from viral infections such as influenza.
B
barbiturates Sedatives. Depress brain activity. Used to relieve anxiety or induce sleep. Strictly regulated because they are highly addictive.
benzodiazepines Sedatives; muscle relaxants. Depress some brain activities, reducing feelings of restlessness, slowing mental activity, and relaxing muscles. Used to relieve anxiety or to induce sleep.
beta2 agonists Bronchodilators. Relax the smooth muscles of the airways, making breathing easier. Used to treat asthma.
beta blockers Antiangina drugs; antiarrhythmics; antihypertensives. Lower the oxygen needs of the heart by reducing the heart rate; also help maintain a regular heartbeat. Used to prevent migraine headaches and to treat palpitations, angina that results from exertion, high blood pressure, and tremors in people with anxiety.
beta-lactamase inhibitors Antibiotics. Inhibit the bacterial enzymes called beta lactamases that can destroy penicillins before they can kill bacteria. Used in combination with penicillin to treat bacterial infections.
birth-control pills See oral contraceptives.
bone-resorption inhibitors Decrease rate of bone loss and increase bone growth. Used to prevent and treat osteoporosis and bone loss from some types of bone cancer. Include alendronate, calcitonin, and risedronate.
bronchodilators Widen narrowed airways, increase air flow, and improve breathing. Used to treat chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. Most often administered as aerosol sprays but in an emergency (such as a severe asthma attack) may be given by injection. Include beta2 agonists.
C
calcium channel blockers Antiangina drugs; antiarrhythmics; antihypertensives. Widen narrowed blood vessels, decrease blood pressure, and reduce the heart’s workload by decreasing the movement of calcium through cell membranes. Used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms.
cardiac glycosides Antiarrhythmics. Used to improve the efficiency of the heart in congestive heart failure and to treat heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias).
cephalosporins Antibiotics. Kill bacteria or prevent their growth. Used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections or to prevent bacterial infections before, during, or after surgery.
combination drugs Contain two or more medications in a single dose.
contraceptives, oral See oral contraceptives.
corticosteroids Anti-inflammatories; hormone drugs. Imitate the actions of the natural corticosteroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands and suppress the immune system. Used to supplement or replace natural hormones in hormone therapy; to relieve inflammation associated with disorders such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and hay fever; and to prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs or tissues.
COX-2 inhibitors Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Block the action of an enzyme (COX-2) that produces inflammation; cause less stomach irritation than other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and to relieve pain.
cytotoxics Anticancer drugs. Damage or kill abnormal cells.
D
decongestants Reduce swelling in the mucous membranes that line the nasal cavity. Used to relieve nasal congestion. Although most effective when taken as a nasal spray or nose drops, also can be taken orally as an ingredient in over-the-counter cold remedies. Large doses taken orally may increase heart rate and cause insomnia.
diuretics Antihypertensives. Remove excess fluid and sodium from the body and reduce tissue swelling by increasing the amount of urine produced by the kidneys. Used to treat high blood pressure and disorders of the heart, kidneys, and liver. Include thiazide diuretics (which cause a moderate increase in urine production and are appropriate for long-term use), loop diuretics (which are fast-acting and often used in emergency treatment of congestive heart failure), and potassium-sparing diuretics (which are used to help prevent potassium loss in urine).
dopamine-boosting drugs Help raise abnormally low levels of the chemical messenger dopamine in the brain by converting to dopamine in the brain. Used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
dopamine-releasing drugs Increase the availability of the chemical messenger dopamine in the brain without increasing dopamine levels. Used to treat Parkinson’s disease
E
emetics Induce vomiting by acting directly on the stomach lining or by stimulating the part of the brain that controls vomiting. Used to treat poisoning or drug overdose.
enteric-coated drugs Pills or tablets covered with a substance that prevents them from dissolving and releasing their contents until they reach the small intestine, where the contents are absorbed. Used to protect the stomach lining or prevent stomach acid from neutralizing the medication’s intended effects.
estrogens Hormone drugs. Used to treat menstrual disorders and to relieve symptoms of menopause. In oral contraceptives, used to prevent pregnancy.
expectorants Help bring up mucus and other secretions. Used in over-the-counter cough remedies to treat coughs that produce phlegm (called productive coughs).
F
fertility drugs Hormone drugs. Used to treat female infertility.
fibrinolytics Increase blood levels of plasmin, a substance that dissolves fibrin (the insoluble protein that gives blood clots their form). Used to help dissolve blood clots.
fungicidals See antifungals.
G
generic drugs Drugs marketed under their official chemical names rather than under a patented brand name. For example, sildenafil is the generic name for Viagra.
H
H1 (histamine) blockers Antihistamines. Prevent the release of histamine (a substance released during an allergic reaction). Used to treat allergic reactions.
H2 (histamine) blockers Antihistamines. Prevent histamine (a substance that stimulates stomach acid production) from triggering production of stomach acid. Used to treat peptic ulcers.
hemostatics Enable blood to clot normally, reducing the risk of excessive bleeding. Used to stop bleeding in disorders such as hemophilia.
heterocyclic antidepressants Antidepressants. Balance neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain), particularly serotonin and norepinephrine. Used to treat depression. Cause more side effects than antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
hormone antagonists Block the actions of specific hormones. For example, the hormone antagonist tamoxifen, which is used to treat breast cancer, blocks the actions of estrogen on breast tissue.
hormone drugs Synthetic or natural hormones that replace the hormones that are produced naturally by the endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream. Used to treat disorders or conditions (such as diabetes or menopause) in which the body does not produce enough of a specific hormone.
hypnotics See sleep medications.
hypoglycemics See antidiabetic drugs.
I
immunostimulants Increase the efficiency of the immune system. Used to treat viral infections, some types of cancer, and immune system disorders such as AIDS.
immunosuppressants Reduce the activity of the immune system. Used to treat autoimmune diseases (in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues) and to help prevent rejection of a transplanted organ or tissues. Most are anticancer drugs or corticosteroids. Include antirheumatics.
interferons Anticancer drugs. Boost the body’s immune response. Used to treat viral infections and some types of cancer. Prepared from blood proteins.
interleukins Anticancer drugs. Boost the body’s immune response. Used to treat some types of cancer. Prepared from blood proteins.
K
keratolytics Soften and peel away the skin’s tough outer layer (keratin). Used to treat skin conditions such as acne, calluses, dandruff, warts, and psoriasis.
L
laxatives Stimulate intestinal contractions (stimulant laxatives), increase the bulk of the contents of the colon (bulk laxatives), or lubricate the contents of the colon (stool softeners). Used to increase the frequency and ease of bowel movements. May be taken orally or as suppositories or enemas; bulk laxatives must be taken with lots of water. May be addictive. Overuse can lead to chronic constipation.
leukotriene inhibitors Block a group of chemicals (leukotrienes) that produce inflammation. Used to reduce inflammation of the airways in asthma.
lipid-lowering drugs Reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Used to treat atherosclerosis (a condition in which fatty deposits called plaque clog the arteries and interfere with blood flow).
M
macrolides Antibiotics. Include azithromycin, clarithromycin, clindamycin, and erythromycin. Used to prevent or treat bacterial infections.
MAOIs See monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
mast cell stabilizers Prevent the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances in the body by mast cells, which are part of the immune system and play a role in allergic reactions. Used to prevent acute asthma.
mineral supplements Preparations containing chemical elements that must be present in the diet to maintain health. Doctors recommend a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement for most people. Supplements of a specific mineral may be used to treat a mineral deficiency caused by factors such as a poor diet, some disorders, and some medications. Include potassium.
miotics Constrict (narrow) the pupil of the eye. Used to treat glaucoma.
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) Antidepressants. Block the actions of a protein that breaks down specific neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) needed for feelings of well-being. Can interact adversely with many prescription and over-the-counter drugs and with red wine and some foods (such as aged cheese), causing life-threatening symptoms including dangerously high blood pressure.
mucolytics Make mucus in the lungs thinner, less sticky, and easier to cough up. Used to treat lung conditions in which abnormal amounts of mucus make breathing difficult.
muscle relaxants Relax skeletal muscles and relieve muscle spasms. Used to relieve low back pain and for anesthesia and artificial ventilation during surgery. Some antianxiety drugs and sedatives also are muscle relaxants.
mydriatics Dilate (widen) the pupil of the eye. Used before eye examinations and before and after eye surgery to enable the doctor to see into the back of the eye and to treat certain eye conditions.
N
narcotics See analgesics.
nitrates Vasodilators. Relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow and pressure, reducing the heart’s workload. Used to prevent or treat angina, heart attack, and congestive heart failure.
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Anti-inflammatories; analgesics; antipyretics. Block the production of prostaglandins (chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and help transmit pain signals to the brain). Used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation and stiffness in the joints and soft tissues, and to reduce fever in disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Include aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen, naproxen, and rofecoxib.
NSAIDs See nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
O
opiates Any drug derived from or chemically similar to opium, which is an analgesic. Include codeine and morphine. Used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
oral contraceptives Hormone drugs. Block ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). Used to prevent pregnancy. Contain estrogens and progestins , either alone or in combination.
P
penicillins Broad-spectrum antibiotics. Used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, endocarditis, and many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors Prevent the action of a chemical in the body called phosphodiesterase type 5. Used to treat erection problems. Include sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil.
progestins Hormone drugs. Progesterone (a female sex hormone) or progesteronelike medications that have the same effects as natural progesterone. Used to treat bleeding of the uterus, endometriosis, and abnormalities in the menstrual cycle, and to prevent miscarriage. Protect the lining of the uterus from the effect of estrogens in hormone therapy.
prostaglandins Act like naturally occurring hormonelike prostaglandins (substances that have many functions in the body, including controlling blood pressure, stimulating muscle contractions, and triggering inflammation). Stimulate strong contractions of the uterus and relax the smooth muscle of blood vessels. Used to induce labor at full term and as abortifacients. Also used to treat glaucoma.
protease inhibitors Prevent T cells (a type of infection-fighting white blood cell) that have been infected with HIV from producing new copies of the virus. Used in combination with other drugs to block the replication of HIV in an infected person’s blood.
proton pump inhibitors Inhibit the production of stomach acid. Used to treat conditions such as heartburn, peptic ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which the stomach produces too much acid.
psoralens Slow the growth and multiplication of skin cells and stimulate the production of skin pigment. Used to treat the skin conditions psoriasis and vitiligo.
psychotropics Affect the mind. Include antianxiety drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sleep medications. Used to induce sleep and to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders.
Q
quinolones Broad-spectrum antibiotics. Used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. Include ciprofloxacin.
S
salicylates Relieve pain and reduce fever. Used to relieve swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Include aspirin.
sedatives Produce a calming, relaxing effect. Include antianxiety drugs, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, sleep medications, and tranquilizers. Some sedatives (such as analgesics, antihistamines, and muscle relaxants) cause sedation as a secondary effect.
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Antidepressants. Increase the availability of serotonin (a chemical messenger in the brain). Used to treat depression. Have fewer side effects than other antidepressants.
sleep medications Psychotropics; sedatives. Used to induce sleep. Include antianxiety drugs and barbiturates. Should be taken only for short periods and discontinued gradually under doctor’s supervision. Restlessness and vivid dreams may persist for weeks after discontinuation.
SSRIs See selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
statins Lipid-lowering drugs. Inhibit an enzyme that controls the rate of cholesterol production, and stimulate the liver to remove bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from the blood. Used to lower cholesterol in the blood.
stimulants Increase central nervous system activity to promote wakefulness and enhance thought processes. Used to overcome attention deficit disorders and the sleep disorder narcolepsy. Include amphetamines and xanthines.
sulfa drugs Antibiotics. Used to prevent or treat bacterial infections.
sulfonylureas Antidiabetic drugs. Stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin into the bloodstream, effectively lowering blood glucose. Used to treat type 2 diabetes.
T
tetracyclines Broad-spectrum antibiotics. Used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including acne, bronchitis, and many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
thrombolytics Used to help dissolve blood clots in the lungs. Often given intravenously (through a vein) during a heart attack to dissolve a clot that is blocking a coronary artery. May cause bleeding in some people. Include streptokinase and tissue plasminogen activator.
tranquilizers Produce a calming effect. Antianxiety drugs are sometimes called minor tranquilizers; antipsychotics are sometimes called major tranquilizers.
tricyclic antidepressants Antidepressants. Balance neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Used to treat moderate to severe depression. Cause more side effects than antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and heterocyclic antidepressants.
V
vasodilators Antihypertensives. Widen the blood vessels to reduce blood pressure. Used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
vitamin supplements Preparations containing the natural food constituents that are needed for normal body function. Doctors recommend a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement for most people. May be used to treat vitamin deficiencies (caused by factors such as poor diet, reduced nutrient absorption by the intestines, and some disorders) or to prevent deficiencies (such as during pregnancy and breastfeeding). Include folic acid.
X
xanthine oxidase inhibitors Reduce the level of uric acid in the blood.
xanthines Bronchodilators; stimulants. Relax the smooth muscles of the airways. Used to help relieve symptoms of asthma. Include caffeine and theophylline .
Most Frequently Prescribed Drugs
Here are brief descriptions of some of the drugs that are prescribed most often in the United States. Most of the entries include the generic name of the drug, its class (in italics), and a brief explanation of the drug’s actions and its main uses. For a definition of the drug class, look in the front part of this glossary on pages 1133 to 1139. If you do not know the generic name of a drug you are taking, or if you need more information about a particular drug, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Drugs that are underlined can be found in this part of the glossary.
A
acetaminophen Nonnarcotic analgesic; antipyretic. Used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever. Using acetaminophen regularly with alcohol can cause liver problems.
acetaminophen and codeine Combination drug. Nonnarcotic analgesic and antipyretic (acetaminophen), and narcotic analgesic and antitussive (codeine). Used to relieve mild to moderate pain. Can be addictive.
acetaminophen and oxycodone Combination drug. Nonnarcotic analgesic and antipyretic (acetaminophen), and narcotic analgesic (oxycodone). Used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. Highly addictive.
acyclovir Antiviral. Used to treat herpesvirus and cytomegalovirus infections.
albuterol Bronchodilator; beta2 agonist. Relaxes the muscles in the bronchioles (the airways in the lungs) to ease breathing. Used to treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
alendronate Bone-resorption inhibitor. Builds healthy bone and helps restore lost bone. Used to prevent or treat osteoporosis.
allopurinol Xanthine oxidase inhibitor. Reduces the level of uric acid in the blood. Used to prevent attacks of gout and kidney stones.
alprazolam Antianxiety drug. Used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and phobias.
amitriptyline Tricyclic antidepressant. Used primarily to treat depression that is accompanied by anxiety or sleep disturbances.
amlodipine Antiangina drug; antihypertensive; calcium channel blocker. Relaxes the blood vessels, decreases blood pressure, increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart, and reduces the heart’s workload. Used to treat angina and high blood pressure.
amlodipine and benazepril Combination drug. Antiangina drug, antihypertensive, and calcium channel blocker (amlodipine), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (benazepril). Relaxes the blood vessels, decreases blood pressure, increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart, and reduces the heart’s workload. Used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
amoxicillin Penicillinlike antibiotic. Used to treat bacterial infections of the ear, skin, respiratory tract, and urinary tract.
amoxicillin and clavulanate Combination drug. Penicillinlike antibiotic (amoxicillin), and beta-lactamase inhibitor (clavulanate). Clavulanate protects the antibiotic amoxicillin from the enzyme beta lactamase, which could destroy the antibiotic before it can kill the bacteria. Used to treat bacterial infections of the ear, skin, respiratory tract, and urinary tract.
aspirin Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; analgesic; antipyretic; anticoagulant; antiplatelet; salicylate. Used to relieve inflammation, reduce fever, relieve mild to moderate pain, and help prevent heart attack and stroke. Should not be used by children or adolescents because it is associated with a life-threatening disorder called Reye’s syndrome.
atenolol Beta blocker. Used to treat angina, high blood pressure, and some types of arrhythmias and often is used after a heart attack.
atorvastatin Lipid-lowering drug; statin. Blocks the production of cholesterol in the liver, lowering the level of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood. Used to prevent angina, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
azithromycin Macrolide; antibiotic. Used to treat bacterial infections throughout the body but primarily in the respiratory tract and on the skin.
B
benazepril Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Relaxes the blood vessels, decreases blood volume, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the heart’s workload. Used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
benzonatate Antitussive. Used to treat a dry cough.
bisoprolol Beta blocker. Relaxes the blood vessels, reducing the heart’s workload. Used to treat high blood pressure.
bupropion Antidepressant. Used to treat depression and to help people stop smoking.
butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine Combination drug. Sleep medication (butalbital), nonnarcotic analgesic and antipyretic (acetaminophen), and stimulant and xanthine (caffeine). Used to relieve tension headaches. Can be addictive.
C
calcitonin Hormone drug; bone-resorption inhibitor. Reduces the rate of calcium loss from bones. Used to treat Paget’s disease of the bone and hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) and to help prevent bone loss in people with osteoporosis.
captopril Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease that results from diabetes.
carisoprodol Muscle relaxant. Relaxes muscles and relieves pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.
cefprozil Antibiotic. Used to treat bacterial infections of the ear, skin, and respiratory tract.
cefuroxime Antibiotic. Used to treat bacterial infections of the ear, skin, respiratory tract, and urinary tract.
celecoxib Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; COX-2 inhibitor. Used to relieve pain, tenderness, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis.
cephalexin Antibiotic. Used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, bones, respiratory tract, urinary tract, digestive system, and middle ear.
cerivastatin Lipid-lowering drug; statin. Blocks the production of cholesterol in the liver, lowering the level of bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood. Used to prevent angina, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
cetirizine Antihistamine. Used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and other seasonal allergies and to treat the itching and hives that result from skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.
cimetidine Antihistamine; H2 (histamine) blocker. Decreases the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Used to treat heartburn, indigestion, and peptic ulcers.
ciprofloxacin Antibiotic. Used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, bones, joints, respiratory tract, abdomen, and urinary tract.
citalopram Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Increases the level and activity of serotonin (a chemical messenger in the brain that is involved in regulating mood). Used to treat depression.
clarithromycin Macrolide; antibiotic. Used to treat bacterial infections throughout the body; often used to treat peptic ulcers caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
clindamycin Antibiotic. Used to treat serious bacterial infections that have not responded to treatment with other antibiotics or that are resistant to treatment with more commonly used antibiotics such as penicillins.
clomiphene Fertility drug. Stimulates ovulation in women with ovulation problems. May produce multiple fetuses.
clonazepam Benzodiazepine; tranquilizer. Used to treat epilepsy and panic disorders.
clonidine Antihypertensive. Controls nerve impulses from the brain to the heart and blood vessels. Relaxes the blood vessels, decreases heart rate, and lowers blood pressure. Used to treat high blood pressure and withdrawal from narcotics.
clopidogrel Antiplatelet. Prevents blood clot formation. Used to relieve circulation problems and reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack.
clotrimazole and betamethasone Combination drug. Antifungal (clotrimazole), and corticosteroid (betamethasone). Kills and prevents the growth of fungi (clotrimazole) and relieves symptoms of inflammation such as redness, swelling, and itching (betamethasone). Used to treat fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone Combination drug. Hormone drug. Conjugated estrogens are combined natural hormones and have properties similar to those of estradiol. Medroxyprogesterone contains the female hormone progesterone, which balances the effects of estrogen on the lining of the uterus. Conjugated estrogens are used to relieve the symptoms of menopause, while medroxyprogesterone reduces the risk of estrogen-related endometrial cancer.
cyclobenzaprine Muscle relaxant. Used to treat muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain that result from muscle injuries such as strains and sprains.
D
desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol Combination drug. Oral contraceptive. Prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary), preventing pregnancy.
diazepam Benzodiazepine; tranquilizer. Used to treat short-term symptoms of anxiety and anxiety disorders and seizure disorders such as epilepsy, and to relieve muscle spasms. Can be addictive.
diclofenac Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; analgesic; antipyretic. Used to relieve the swelling, stiffness, and joint pain caused by inflammatory disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
digoxin Cardiac glycoside. Increases the strength and efficiency of the heart and improves circulation. Used to treat congestive heart failure and irregular heart rhythms; usually prescribed with a diuretic to relieve swelling and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor to further improve circulation.
diltiazem Calcium channel blocker. Widens blood vessels to improve blood flow, decreases blood pressure, slows the heart rate, and reduces the heart’s workload. Used to treat angina and high blood pressure.
divalproex Anticonvulsant. Used to treat seizure disorders such as epilepsy and the manic phase of bipolar disorder, and to help prevent migraine headaches.
doxazosin Antiadrenergic; antihypertensive. Relaxes the blood vessels (improving blood flow throughout the body and reducing blood pressure) and relaxes the muscles of the bladder and the prostate gland. Used to treat high blood pressure and to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The first dose can cause fainting in some people.
doxepin Tricyclic antidepressant. Elevates mood, relieves tension, and increases energy. Used to treat depression and anxiety.
doxycycline Antibiotic. Used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, some tickborne and fleaborne infections, and severe acne.
E
enalapril Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
erythromycin Macrolide; antibiotic. Used to treat a wide variety of infections—including acne, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea and syphilis—and to prevent heart infections in people who are allergic to penicillins and who have congenital heart disease or rheumatic heart disease.
esomeprazole Proton pump inhibitor. Reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Used to treat duodenal ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to treat ulcers resulting from infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
estradiol Hormone drug. A natural estrogen used to relieve symptoms of menopause—including hot flashes, abnormal bleeding, and vaginal dryness and irritation—and to treat some types of breast cancer and prostate cancer.
ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone Combination drug. Oral contraceptive. Estrogen (ethinyl estradiol), and progestin (norethindrone). Prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary), preventing pregnancy.
F
famotidine Antihistamine; H2 (histamine) blocker. Reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers and to relieve heartburn and indigestion.
felodipine Calcium channel blocker; vasodilator . Relaxes the blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. Used to treat high blood pressure.
fenofibrate Lipid-lowering drug. Lowers blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Used to help prevent angina, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
fexofenadine Antihistamine; H1 (histamine) blocker. Used to relieve symptoms of hay fever such as sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. Causes less drowsiness than other antihistamines.
fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine Combination drug. Antihistamine and H1 (histamine) blocker (fexofenadine), and decongestant (pseudoephedrine). Used to relieve symptoms of hay fever (such as sneezing and itchy, watery eyes) and nasal congestion.
fluconazole Antifungal. Used to treat yeast infections in the throat, the vagina, and other parts of the body.
fluoxetine Antidepressant; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Adjusts the balance of serotonin (a chemical messenger) in the brain. Used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders such as obesity and bulimia nervosa.
fluticasone Corticosteroid. Relieves inflammation of the nasal passages and eases breathing. Used to prevent or treat the symptoms of hay fever or other nasal allergies such as itchy, watery eyes and nasal congestion.
fluticasone and salmeterol Combination drug. Corticosteroid (fluticasone), and long-acting beta2 agonist (salmeterol). Reduces swelling in the airways (fluticasone) and relaxes and widens the airways (salmeterol). Used to treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing caused by asthma and other chronic lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
fluvastatin Lipid-lowering drug; statin. Blocks cholesterol production in the liver, lowering the level of bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood. Used to prevent angina, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
folic acid (folate) B vitamin supplement. Repairs cells and helps with cell function, tissue growth, red blood cell production, and the synthesis of DNA. Found in fruits, dried beans and peas, liver, and dark green, leafy vegetables. Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily during the first 3 months of pregnancy prevents birth defects of the brain and spine.
fosinopril Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Relaxes the blood vessels, improving blood flow, reducing blood pressure, and enabling the heart to pump blood more efficiently. Used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
furosemide Loop diuretic. Acts directly on the kidneys to increase the quantity of urine and eliminate excess fluid from the body. Used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions (including congestive heart failure and kidney disease) that can cause fluid to accumulate in the body.
G
gabapentin Anticonvulsant. Used to help control some types of seizures that occur in epilepsy and to help relieve persistent or recurring pain associated with a herpesvirus infection (a condition called postherpetic neuralgia).
gatifloxacin Antibiotic. Used to treat bacterial infections of the sinuses, respiratory tract, and urinary tract, and some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
gemfibrozil Lipid-lowering drug. Reduces the levels of triglycerides (fatty substances in the blood). Used to prevent pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and to treat heart disease.
glimepiride Antidiabetic drug. Stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, thereby reducing the blood glucose level. Used to treat type 2 diabetes.
glipizide Antidiabetic drug. Stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, thereby reducing the blood glucose level. Used to treat type 2 diabetes.
glyburide Antidiabetic drug. Stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, thereby reducing the blood glucose level. Used to treat type 2 diabetes.
glyburide and metformin Combination drug. Antidiabetic drug. Stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin (glyburide), and prevents the liver from producing glucose and helps the body use insulin more efficiently (metformin). Used to treat type 2 diabetes.
H
hydrochlorothiazide Thiazide diuretic. Stimulates the kidneys to increase urine production, eliminating excess fluid and sodium from the body and lowering blood pressure. Used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions that cause fluid to accumulate in the body, such as congestive heart failure and kidney disease.
hydrocodone and ibuprofen Combination drug. Narcotic analgesic (hydrocodone), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, analgesic, and antipyretic (ibuprofen). Acts in the central nervous system to relieve pain (hydrocodone) and swelling and inflammation (ibuprofen). Used to treat acute pain for short periods only (because hydrocodone is highly addictive).
hydroxyzine Antihistamine; H1 (histamine) blocker; sedative. Used to relieve itching caused by allergic skin reactions, to induce sleep, and to treat anxiety and nausea.
hyoscyamine Antispasmodic. Used to relieve painful cramps and muscle contractions caused by some disorders of the urinary tract or intestinal tract, to relieve the pain of kidney stones or gallstones, or to dry up excess secretions before anesthesia is administered.
I
ibuprofen Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; analgesic; antipyretic. Relieves inflammation and mild to moderate pain, and reduces fever. Used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
indomethacin Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; analgesic; antipyretic. Relieves inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain. Used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, tendinitis, gout, and patent ductus arteriosus.
insulin Hormone drug. Chemically identical to the natural insulin produced by the pancreas in the body. Used to regulate blood glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes.
ipratropium Aerosol bronchodilator; anticholinergic. Relaxes and opens the airways, improving breathing. Used to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
ipratropium and albuterol Combination drug. Aerosol bronchodilator and anticholinergic (ipratropium), and bronchodilator (albuterol). Relaxes and opens the airways, improving breathing. Used to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
irbesartan Angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Widens narrowed blood vessels, improves blood flow, reduces blood volume, decreases blood pressure, and reduces the heart’s workload. Used to treat high blood pressure.
isosorbide dinitrate Nitrate. Used to prevent or relieve angina and to treat congestive heart failure. Should not be taken with sildenafil (combining sildenafil with a nitrate drug can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, and, in some cases, death).
isosorbide mononitrate Nitrate. Used to prevent angina but cannot relieve an angina attack. Should not be taken with sildenafil (combining sildenafil with a nitrate drug can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, and, in some cases, death).
L
lansoprazole Proton pump inhibitor. Reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Used to treat duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ulcers resulting from infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
latanoprost Prostaglandin. Increases the outflow of fluid from the eye, which lowers pressure inside the eyeball. Used to treat eye disorders (including glaucoma and ocular hypertension) in which increased pressure can lead to a gradual loss of vision.
levofloxacin Antibiotic. Helps fight bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. Used to treat some types of sinus infections, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, bladder infections, acute kidney infections, bacterial eye infections, and some skin infections.
levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol Combination drug. Oral contraceptive. A combination of estrogens and progestins that blocks ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary), preventing pregnancy.
levothyroxine Thyroid hormone drug. Used to treat hypothyroidism, congenital hypothyroidism, and goiter.
lisinopril Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, and to improve a person’s chances of survival when taken within 24 hours of a heart attack.
lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide Combination drug. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (lisinopril), and diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). Improves blood flow, reduces blood volume, decreases blood pressure, and reduces the heart’s workload. Used to treat high blood pressure and edema (swelling) caused by a variety of conditions, including heart disease.
loratadine Antihistamine; H1 (histamine) blocker. Used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms including hives, sneezing, runny nose, and red, itchy, watery eyes. May cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.
loratadine and pseudoephedrine Combination drug. Antihistamine and H1 (histamine) blocker (loratadine), and decongestant (pseudoephedrine). Used to relieve symptoms of colds and hay fever such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.
lorazepam Antianxiety drug; benzodiazepine. Used for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms and to treat insomnia, seizures, and nausea. May be addictive.
losartan Angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Widens narrowed blood vessels, improves blood flow, reduces blood volume, decreases blood pressure, and reduces the heart’s workload. Used to treat high blood pressure.
losartan and hydrochlorothiazide Combination drug. Angiotensin II receptor antagonist (losartan), and diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). Widens narrowed blood vessels, improves blood flow, reduces blood volume, decreases blood pressure, reduces the heart’s workload, and helps eliminate excess water and sodium from the body. Used to treat high blood pressure.
M
meclizine Antihistamine; antiemetic; H1 (histamine) blocker. Used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by vertigo or motion sickness.
medroxyprogesterone Hormone drug. Used to treat menstrual disorders, some types of kidney cancer, and endometrial cancer.
medroxyprogesterone and ethinyl estradiol Oral contraceptive. Prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary), preventing pregnancy.
metaxalone Muscle relaxant. Used to relieve the pain and discomfort of strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.
metformin Antidiabetic drug. Slows the absorption of glucose in the small intestine, prevents the liver from converting stored glucose into blood glucose, and helps the body use insulin more efficiently. Used to treat type 2 diabetes.
methocarbamol Muscle relaxant. Used to relax muscles and relieve discomfort and pain caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries and, in an injection, to treat tetanus.
methylphenidate Amphetamine; central nervous system stimulant. Alters the levels of specific chemicals in the brain. Used to treat attention deficit disorders and the sleep disorder narcolepsy.
methylprednisolone Corticosteroid; hormone drug; anti-inflammatory; immunosuppressant. Similar to a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Used to relieve inflammation and to treat asthma, some types of arthritis, severe allergies, skin disorders, kidney disorders, thyroid gland disorders, and some types of cancer. Used as hormone therapy when the body does not produce enough of the natural hormone.
metoclopramide Antiemetic. Stimulates emptying of the stomach into the small intestine. Used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with the use of anticancer drugs.
metoprolol Beta blocker. Used primarily to treat angina and high blood pressure and to prevent migraine headaches.
metronidazole Antibacterial; antibiotic. Used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including some types of urinary tract infections in both men and women, and infections of the skin, bones, joints, abdomen, lungs, and brain.
minocycline Tetracycline; antibiotic. Used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including acne, pneumonia, some infections of the urinary system, and some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
mirtazapine Heterocyclic antidepressant. Adjusts the balance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain, particularly serotonin and norepinephrine. Used to treat depression.
mometasone Corticosteroid. Used to relieve itching and inflammation caused by allergic skin reactions and a variety of skin conditions.
montelukast Leukotriene inhibitor. Blocks the actions of substances that cause inflammation, fluid retention, mucus secretion, and constriction (narrowing) of the lungs. Used for long-term treatment of asthma to prevent symptoms and reduce the number of acute asthma attacks; cannot be used to relieve an asthma attack.
mupirocin Antibiotic. Used to treat impetigo and staphylococcal infections inside the nose that have become resistant to treatment with the antibiotic methicillin.
N
nabumetone Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; analgesic; antipyretic. Relieves inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
naproxen Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; analgesic; antipyretic. Relieves inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain. Used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, tendinitis, gout, and menstrual cramps.
nefazodone Heterocyclic antidepressant. Increases the amounts of specific chemicals in the brain. Used to treat severe depression.
nifedipine Calcium channel blocker. Widens narrowed blood vessels, decreases blood pressure, increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle, and reduces the heart’s workload. Used to prevent angina and to treat high blood pressure.
nitrofurantoin Antibacterial. Used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections.
nitroglycerin Nitrate. Relaxes the veins, reducing blood return to the heart and the heart’s workload. Used to prevent and treat angina. Should not be taken with ergot alkaloids (which interfere with its effectiveness) or sildenafil (which can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, and, in some cases, death).
norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol Combination drug. Oral contraceptive. Prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary), preventing pregnancy.
norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol Combination drug. Oral contraceptive. Prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary), preventing pregnancy.
nortriptyline Tricyclic antidepressant. Used to relieve the symptoms of depression and to treat attention deficit disorders and bed-wetting.
nystatin Antifungal. Used to treat yeast infections of the skin, mouth, vagina, and intestinal tract.
O
olanzapine Antipsychotic. Decreases unusually high levels of some brain activities, relieving symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and hostility. Used to treat severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia or mania.
omeprazole Proton pump inhibitor. Reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Used to treat duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and peptic ulcers resulting from infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
oxycodone Narcotic analgesic. Used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Can be addictive.
P
pantoprazole Proton pump inhibitor. Reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Used to treat duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ulcers resulting from infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
paroxetine Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Increases the level and activity of serotonin (a chemical messenger in the brain involved in regulating mood). Used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
penicillin V potassium Antibiotic. Used to treat pneumonia, scarlet fever, and bacterial infections of the ear, skin, and throat, and to prevent recurrent rheumatic fever and muscle spasms.
phenazopyridine Analgesic. Used for short-term relief of pain, burning, and irritation in the urinary tract caused by infection, injury, catheter placement, or surgery. Also used to relieve an urgent or frequent need to urinate.
phenobarbital Barbiturate; sleep medication. Used to treat anxiety and some types of epilepsy and to induce sleep.
phenytoin Anticonvulsant. Used to control grand mal seizures caused by epilepsy and to prevent or control seizures that occur during or after surgery on the brain or spinal cord.
pioglitazone Antidiabetic drug. Increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Used to treat type 2 diabetes.
potassium Mineral supplement. Used to maintain fluid electrolyte balance and normal heart rhythms in people who have a low potassium level because of disease or treatment with some medications (including loop and thiazide diuretics).
pravastatin Lipid-lowering drug; statin. Blocks the production of cholesterol in the liver, lowering the level of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood. Used to prevent angina, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
prazepam Antianxiety drug; benzodiazepine. Used to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and to treat irritable bowel syndrome.
prednisone Anti-inflammatory; corticosteroid; hormone drug; immunosuppressant. Used to treat inflammatory disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, and flare-ups of asthma or emphysema.
promethazine Antihistamine; H1 (histamine) blocker. Used to relieve symptoms of hay fever or other allergies (such as sneezing, itchy skin, and itchy, watery eyes), to relieve anxiety before and after surgery, and to prevent and treat motion sickness and nausea and vomiting.
promethazine and codeine Combination drug. Antihistamine (promethazine), and narcotic analgesic and antitussive (codeine). Used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies. Can be addictive.
propoxyphene Mild narcotic analgesic. Used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to treat withdrawal from narcotics. Can be addictive.
propoxyphene and acetaminophen Combination drug. Mild narcotic analgesic (propoxyphene), and nonnarcotic analgesic and antipyretic (acetaminophen). Used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever. Can be addictive.
propranolol Beta blocker. Decreases the heart’s workload, decreases blood pressure, and helps regulate heartbeat. Used to treat angina, heart attack, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, tremors, and some phobias. Also used to prevent migraine headaches.
Q
quinapril Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
R
rabeprazole Proton pump inhibitor. Reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Used to treat duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ulcers resulting from infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
raloxifene Hormone drug. Works like the female sex hormone estrogen. Stops bone loss and bone fractures and may increase bone density. Used to help prevent and treat osteoporosis (thinning of bone) in women who are past menopause.
ramipril Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
ranitidine Antihistamine; H2 (histamine) blocker. Reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers and to relieve heartburn and indigestion.
risedronate Bone-resorption inhibitor. Builds healthy bone and helps restore lost bone. Used to prevent or treat osteoporosis.
risperidone Antipsychotic. Decreases unusually high levels of some brain activities, relieving symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and hostility. Used to treat severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia.
rofecoxib Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; COX-2 inhibitor. Relieves symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and to relieve headaches, menstrual pain, and pain after surgery.
rosiglitazone Antidiabetic drug. Increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Used to treat type 2 diabetes.
S
sertraline Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Increases the levels and activity of serotonin (a chemical messenger in the brain involved in regulating mood). Used to treat depression, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, premenstrual syndrome, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
sildenafil Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. Widens the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis. Helps maintain an erection produced by sexual stimulation. Should not be used with nitrates (combining sildenafil with a nitrate drug can cause low blood pressure and dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, and, in some cases, death).
simvastatin Lipid-lowering drug; statin. Blocks the production of cholesterol in the liver, lowering the level of bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood. Used to prevent angina, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
spironolactone Potassium-sparing diuretic. Used to treat high blood pressure and overproduction of the hormone aldosterone and to relieve fluid retention resulting from congestive heart failure, heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and nephrotic syndrome.
sumatriptan Hormonelike drug that acts like the chemical messenger serotonin in the brain. Relieves pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Used to treat symptoms of migraine headaches and cluster headaches.
T
tamoxifen Hormone antagonist. Blocks the action of estrogen on breast tissue. Used to treat breast cancer and to prevent breast cancer in women who are at high risk of breast cancer.
tamsulosin Antiadrenergic. Relaxes the muscles of the prostate and the opening of the bladder, easing the flow of urine from the bladder and through the urethra. Used to treat an enlarged prostate gland.
temazepam Benzodiazepine; antianxiety drug. Reduces feelings of restlessness, slows mental activity, and relaxes the muscles. Used to relieve insomnia.
terazosin Antiadrenergic; antihypertensive. Relaxes the blood vessels (reducing blood pressure) and relaxes the muscles of the prostate and the opening of the bladder (easing the flow of urine from the bladder and through the urethra). Used to treat high blood pressure and an enlarged prostate gland.
tetracycline Broad-spectrum antibiotic. Used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including severe acne, conjunctivitis, tickborne diseases (such as Lyme disease), respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea, and ulcers resulting from infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
theophylline Bronchodilator; xanthine. Widens the airways in the lungs, increasing air flow and making breathing easier. Used to prevent or relieve the symptoms of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, and to treat neonatal apnea.
tobramycin Antibacterial. Used to treat bacterial infections of the eye and bacterial infections in people with cystic fibrosis.
tolterodine Antispasmodic. Prevents contractions of the bladder. Used to treat symptoms of bladder disorders such as the frequent need to urinate or the inability to control urination.
tramadol Nonnarcotic analgesic. Relieves moderate to moderately severe pain. Used to treat pain after surgery, chronic joint pain, or pain caused by cancer. May be addictive.
trazodone Heterocyclic antidepressant. Used to treat anxiety and depression.
triamcinolone Anti-inflammatory; corticosteroid; hormone drug; immunosuppressant. Used for long-term treatment of asthma to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, to relieve the symptoms of hay fever, and to treat nasal polyps.
triamterene Potassium-sparing diuretic. Causes the kidneys to eliminate excess water and sodium from the body, reducing blood pressure and easing the heart’s workload. Used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease.
triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide Combination drug. Diuretic. Stimulates the kidneys to increase urine production, eliminating excess water and sodium from the body and easing the heart’s workload. Used to relieve fluid retention caused by high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or heart disease.
trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole Combination drug. Antibacterial. Used to prevent or treat severe middle ear infections, some chronic urinary tract infections, chronic or recurring bronchitis, intestinal infections (such as traveler’s diarrhea), and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (a severe form of pneumonia that mainly affects people who have AIDS).
V
valacyclovir Antiviral drug. Relieves pain and itching caused by viral infections, helps viral sores heal, and prevents new viral sores from forming. Used to treat herpes zoster (shingles) and genital herpes infections, but does not cure herpes infections.
valsartan Angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Widens narrowed blood vessels, improves blood flow, reduces blood volume, decreases blood pressure, and reduces the heart’s workload. Used to treat high blood pressure.
valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide Combination drug. Angiotensin II receptor antagonist (valsartan), and diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). Widens narrowed blood vessels, improves blood flow, reduces blood volume, decreases blood pressure, reduces the heart’s workload, and helps eliminate excess water and sodium from the body. Used to treat high blood pressure.
venlafaxine Heterocyclic antidepressant. Used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
verapamil Calcium channel blocker. Used to treat angina, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure and to prevent migraine headaches.
W
warfarin Anticoagulant. Prevents blood clots. Used after heart valve replacement surgery or after a heart attack to reduce the risk of clot formation and the risk of having a stroke or another heart attack.
Z
zolpidem Sleep medication. Helps people fall asleep faster and sleep through the night. Used for short-term treatment of insomnia. May be addictive.