Common drug classes
What each common drug class does, with familiar generic and brand examples.
ACE Inhibitors
Treats high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels
Common Examples
Lisinopril (Zestril), Enalapril (Vasotec)
Anticoagulants
Blood thinners that prevent blood clot formation
Common Examples
Warfarin (Coumadin), Apixaban (Eliquis)
Anticonvulsants
Used in the treatment of epileptic seizures
Common Examples
Gabapentin (Neurontin), Pregabalin (Lyrica)
Antidiabetics
Used to treat diabetes mellitus
Common Examples
Metformin (Glucophage), Sitagliptin (Januvia)
Antipsychotics
Used to manage psychosis, principally in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Common Examples
Quetiapine (Seroquel), Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Benzodiazepines
Used for anxiety, seizures, and insomnia
Common Examples
Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan)
Beta-Blockers
Used for hypertension and heart failure management
Common Examples
Metoprolol (Lopressor), Atenolol (Tenormin)
Diuretics
Promote diuresis, the increased production of urine
Common Examples
Furosemide (Lasix), Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
Loop Diuretics
Strong diuretics used to treat fluid overload
Common Examples
Furosemide (Lasix), Bumetanide (Bumex)
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and fever
Common Examples
Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxen (Aleve)
Opioids
Powerful painkillers with a high risk of addiction
Common Examples
Oxycodone (OxyContin), Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
PPIs
Proton Pump Inhibitors for acid reflux and GERD
Common Examples
Omeprazole (Prilosec), Pantoprazole (Protonix)
Quinolones
Broad-spectrum antibiotics
Common Examples
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
SSRIs
Antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain
Common Examples
Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Statins
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors for high cholesterol
Common Examples
Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Sulfonylureas
Increase insulin release from the pancreas
Common Examples
Glipizide (Glucotrol), Glyburide (Diabeta)
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