Your PTCB exam will ask for common brand and generic names of medications. Knowing these will help immensely in preparing for your exam.
Beyond the exam, knowing both helps immensely when working in a pharmacy. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me to refill the “little white pill that starts with an A” or “it’s a long name I can’t pronounce but it’s for my blood pressure,” I’d be able to pay off my student loans today.
Keep in mind, you do not need to know every drug’s generic and name brand and you do not need to know every drug class and complicated term. I have compiled this list to give you an idea of common medications and their uses.
Some terms and medications may be confusing for some who are just entering the world of pharmacy. If this is you, try my top 20 medications post for an easier and more introductory read.
Helpful Terms to Know
Some terms you’ll want to know to understand each drug class are…
Acetylcholinesterase (ACh) Inhibitor: Bind to cholinesterase enzymes to prevent ACh breakdown and improve communication between neurons
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor: Blocks the enzyme needed to produce dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the male sex hormone
Analgesic: Pain relievers (both non-opioid and opioids)
- Opioid: Pain relievers derived from the opium in a poppy plant
Anorectic: Decreases appetite
Antianginal: Treats angina (temporary chest pain) by slowing heart rate, dilating arteries, and increasing oxygen supply
Antiarrhythmic: Suppresses abnormally fast heart rhythms
- Cardiac Glycoside: Increases heart contraction and therefore cardiac output
- Potassium Channel Blocker: Targets heart arrhythmias and nerve channel conduction
Antibiotics: Drugs prescribed to treat bacterial infections
Anticholinergic: Blocks acetylcholine to stop involuntary muscle spasms and bodily functions
Anticoagulant: Prevents and inhibits blood coagulation to prevent blood clots
Antidepressant: Improve mood by increasing neurotransmitter activity (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine)
- Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI): Treats symptoms of depression by targeting neurotransmitters
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI): Inhibits serotonin reuptake to increase serotonin available
- Serotonin Receptor Antagonists and Reuptake Inhibitors (SARI): Prevent the reuptake of serotonin and prevent serotonin particles from binding at undesired receptors
- Tricyclic: prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine to increase their levels in the brain
Antidiabetic: Used to treat diabetes
Antiemetic: Prevent nausea
- Serotonin Receptor Antagonist (5-HT3): Blocks serotonin to prevent nausea and vomiting
Antifungal: Prevents and treats fungal infections
Antigout: Prevents uric acid buildup and inflammation
Antihistamine: Prevents the effects of histamines, stopping severe immune response symptoms
Antihypertensive: Reduce high blood pressure
- Alpha-blocker: Blocks norepinephrine to prevent high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB): Blocks angiotensin, preventing the tightening of blood vessels
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor: Blocks enzymes that help produce angiotensin II
- Beta-blocker: Block the site for epinephrine, norepinephrine, and catecholamine
- Calcium Channel Blocker: Blocks calcium to relax muscles and ultimately reduce blood pressure
- Diuretic: Increases urine output via the kidneys to reduce fluid retention
- Vasodilator: Open blood vessels by preventing the muscles in the vessel walls from tightening and narrowing
Antimuscarinic: Blocks receptors at the neuromuscular junction of the bladder to decrease activity
Antineoplastic: Medications used to treat cancer
Antiplatelet: Prevents blood clots
Antipsychotic: Treat mental health conditions by altering brain chemistry to reduce psychotic symptoms
Antipyretic: Fever reducer
Antitussive: Cough suppressant
Antiviral: Slows or stops the spread of viral invaders
Anxiolytic: Decrease anxiety symptoms
Bronchodilator: Opens the lung’s bronchial tubes to help with breathing
Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulant: Activates adrenergic receptors to increase alertness, energy, and attention
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressant: Slows brain activity and results in muscular relaxation
- Anticonvulsant: Reduces abnormal electrical brain activity
- Barbiturate: Acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relax the body
- Benzodiazepine: A CNS depressant that creates a sedating, anti-anxiety effect
- Muscle Relaxant: Reduce muscle spasms and tension
Corticosteriod: Reduce inflammation
Dopamine Agonist: Mimic dopamine actions in the body to relieve symptoms resulting from low dopamine
Fibrate: Lower cholesterol by decreasing triglycerides (fat) in the blood and/or increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
Histamine 2 Receptor Agonist (H2 Blocker): Decreases gastric acid secretion in the stomach
Hormone Therapy: Medications used to block, add, or remove hormones in the body
- Anabolic Steroid: Synthetic variations of testosterone
- Androgens: The male sex hormone, taken in cases of low male hormones
- Estrogen: Synthetic variations of estrogen hormones
- Progestin: Synthetic variations of progesterone, the female sex hormone
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitor (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor): Lowers the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood
Immunosuppressant: Suppresses the immune system to prevent cell damage and inflammation
- Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD): Suppresses overactive immune systems, reducing inflammation and pain as well as tissue damage
Laxative: Softens stool, stimulates bowel movements, and encourages bodily excretion
Leukotriene Receptor Agonist (LTRA): Blocks the substances that cause asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms
N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Agonist: Inhibits the NMDA receptor to cause a state of anesthesia
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID): Relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and reduce fever
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI): Decrease stomach acid production
Serotonin Receptor Agonist: Narrows blood vessels around the brain to prevent pain signals to the brain
Sulfonylurea: Lowers blood sugar by encouraging the body’s natural insulin release
Thrombolytics: Break up and dissolve blood clots; especially useful in strokes and heart attacks
Here are over 100 common medications (A to Z) you should know, as well as their use…
Medications: Brand and generic
| Generic Name | Brand Names | Route | Use |
| Abiraterone | Zytiga | Oral | Antineoplastic |
| Acetaminophen (OTC) | Tylenol | Oral | Analgesic Antipyretic |
| Acetaminophen | Ofirmev | Injection | Bronchodilator |
| Acetaminohen/ Butalbital/ Caffeine | Fioricet | Oral | Barbiturate |
| Acyclovir | Zovirax | Oral | Antiviral |
| Adalimumab | Humira | Injection | Immunosuppressant |
| Amlodipine | Norvasc | Carbamazepine | Antihypertensive Calcium Channel Blocker |
| Amlodipine/ Benazepril | Lotrel | Oral | Antihypertensive > Diuretic |
| Albuterol | Proair HFA Proventil HFA Ventolin HFA | Inhalation | Corticosteroid |
| Allopurinol | Aloprim Zyloprim | Oral | Antigout |
| Alprazolam | Xanax | Oral | Benzodiazepine |
| Alteplase | Activase | Injection | Thrombolytic |
| Amiodarone | Cordarone Pacerone | Oral | Antiarrhythmic |
| Amitriptyline | Elavil | Oral | Antidepressant |
| Amphetamine/ Dextroamphetamine | Adderall | Oral | CNS Stimulant |
| Amoxicillin | Amoxil | Oral | Antibiotic |
| Amoxicillin/ Clavulanate | Augmentin | Oral | Antibiotic |
| Apixaban | Eliquis | Oral | Anticoagulant |
| Ampicillin | Principen | Oral | Antibiotic |
| Anastrozole | Arimidex | Oral | Hormone therapy |
| Ampicillin/ Sulbactam | Unasyn | Oral | Antibiotic |
| Atenolol | Tenormin | Oral | Antihypertensive > Beta Blocker |
| Atenolol/ Chlorthalidone | Tenoretic | Oral | Antihypertensive > Beta Blocker > Diuretic |
| Aprepitant | Emend | Oral | Antiemetic |
| Aripiprazole | Abilify | Oral | Antipsychotic |
| Atazanavir | Reyataz | Oral | Antiviral |
| Atorvastatin | Lipitor | Oral | HMG-CoA Reductase |
| Atomoxetine | Strattera | Oral | SNRI |
| Azelastine | Astelin Astepro Optivar | Nasal Spray | Antihistamine |
| Azithromycin | Zithromax | Oral | Antibiotic |
| Baclofen | Lioresal | Oral | Muscle Relaxant |
| Benazepril | Lotensin | Oral | Antihypertensive > ACE Inhibitor |
| Benzonatate | Tessalon | Oral | Antitussive |
| Benztropine | Cogentin | Oral | Anticholinergic |
| Budesonide | Entocourt | Oral | Corticosteroid |
| Budesonide | Pulmicort | Inhalation | Corticosteroid Bronchodilator |
| Budesonide/ Formoterol | Symbicort | Inhalation | Antihypertensive > Diuretic |
| Buprenorphine/ Naloxone | Subutex | Oral | Opioid |
| Carbamazepine | Suboxone | Oral | Opioid |
| Bupropion | Wellbutrin | Oral | Antidepressant |
| Buspirone | Buspar | Oral | Anxiolytic |
| Sildenafil | Carbatrol Equetro Tegretol | Oral | Anticonvulsant |
| Carbidopa/ Levodopa | Sinemet | Oral | Dopamine Agonist |
| Carvedilol | Coreg | Oral | Antihypertensive > Beta Blocker |
| Cefdinir | Omnicef | Oral | Antibiotic |
| Ceftriaxone | Rocephin | Injection | Antibiotic |
| Celecoxib | Celebrex | Oral | NSAID |
| Cephalexin | Keflex | Oral | Antibiotic |
| Chlorhexidine | Peridex | Mouth Wash | Antibacterial |
| Chlorthalidone | Antibiotic Corticosteroid | Oral | Acetaminophen/ Butalbital/ Caffeine |
| Ciprofloxacin | Cipro | Oral | Antibiotic |
| Ciprofloxacin/ Dexamethasone | Ciprodex | Ear | Corticosteroid |
| Citalopram | Celexa | Oral | SSRI |
| Clarithromycin | Biaxin | Oral | Antibiotic |
| Clindamycin | Cleocin | Oral | Antibiotic |
| Clobetasol | Clobex Olux Temovate | Topical | Cyclobenzaprine |
| Clonazepam | Klonopin | Oral | Benzodiazepine |
| Clonidine | Catapres Kapvay | Oral | Antihypertensive |
| Clopidogrel | Plavix | Oral | Antiplatelet |
| Clotrimazole | Lotrimin | Topical | Antifungal |
| Clotrimazole/ Betamethasone | Lotrisone | Topical | Antifungal |
| Colchicine | Colcrys | Oral | Antigout |
| Conjugated Estrogen | Premarin | Oral Vaginal Cream | Hormone Therapy |
| Cyanocobalamin (B12) | Nascobal | Oral | Vitamin |
| Desvenlafaxine | Flexeril | Oral | Muscle Relaxant |
| Cyclosporine | Restasis | Ophthalmic | Immunosuppressant |
| Cyclosporine | Gengraf Neoral Sandimmune | Oral | Immunosuppressant |
| Dalfampridine | Ampyra | Oral | Potassium Channel Blocker |
| Daptomycin | Cubicin | Oral | Antibiotic |
| Desiccated Thyroid | Armour Thyroid | Oral | Hormone |
| Corticosteroid | Pristiq | Oral | Antidepressant |
| Dexamethasone | Decadron | Oral | Corticosteroid |
| Dexlansoprazole | Dexilant | Oral | PPI |
| Dexmethylphenidate | Focalin | Oral | CNS Stimulant |
| Dextroamphetamine | Dexedrine Zenzedi | Oral | CNS Stimulant |
| Diazepam | Valium | Oral | Benzodiazepine |
| Diclofenac | Voltaren | Topical | NSAID |
| Dicyclomine | Bentyl | Oral | Anticholinergic |
| Digoxin | Lanoxin | Oral | Antiarrhythmic > Cardiac Glycoside |
| Diltiazem | Cardizem Tiazac | Oral | Antihypertensive > Calcium Channel Blocker |
| Divalproex | Depakote | Oral | Anticonvulsant |
| Donepezil | Aricept | Oral | Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor |
| Doxazosin | Cardura | Oral | Antihypertensive > Alpha-blocker |
| Enalapril | Vasotec | Oral | Antihypertensive > ACE Inhibitor |
| Escitalopram | Lexapro | Oral | SSRI |
| Esomeprazole (OTC) | Nexium | Oral | Proton Pump Inhibitor |
| Estradiol | Estrace | Oral | Hormone Therapy > Estrogen |
| Famotidine (OTC) | Pepcid | Oral | H2 Blocker |
| Fenofibrate | Tricor | Oral | Fibrate |
| Finasteride | Proscar | Oral | 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor |
| Fluconazole | Diflucan | Oral | Antifungal |
| Fluoxetine | Prozac | Oral | SSRI |
| Fluticasone (OTC) | Flonase | Nasal Spray | Antimuscarinic |
| Furosemide | Lasix | Oral | Diuretic |
| Gabapentin | Neurontin | Oral | Anticonvulsant |
| Genfibrozil | Lopid | Oral | Fibrate |
| Glimiperide | Amaryl | Oral | Sulfonylurea |
| Glipizide | Glucotrol | Oral | Sulfonylurea |
| Glyburide | Micronase | Oral | Sulfonylurea |
| Guanfacine | Intuniv | Oral | Alpha-receptor Agonist |
| Hydralazine | Apresoline | Oral | Vasodialator |
| Hydrochlorothiazide | Microzide | Oral | Diuretic |
| Hydroxyzine Pamoate | Vistaril | Oral | Antihistamine |
| Ibuprofen (OTC) | Motrin | Oral | NSAID |
| Ipratropium/ Albuterol | DuoNeb | Inhaler | Anticholinergic Bronchodilator |
| Irbesartan | Avapro | Oral | Antihypertensive > ACE Inhibitor |
| Irbesartan/ Hydrochlorothiazide | Avalide | Oral | Antihypertensive > ACE Inhibitor > Diuretic |
| Isosorbide Mononitrate | Imdur Ismo Monoket | Oral | Vasodilator |
| Labetalol | Trandate | Oral | Antihypertensive > Beta Blocker |
| Lactulose | Enulose | Oral Solution | Laxative |
| Lamotrigine | Lamictal | Oral | Anticonvulsantk |
| Lansoprazole (OTC) | Prevacid | Oral | Proton Pump Inhibitor |
| Latanoprost | Xalatan | Eye Drops | Beta Blocker |
| Levalbuterol | Xopenex | Inhaler | Brochodilator |
| Levetiracetam | Keppra | Oral | Anticonvulsant |
| Levocetirizine (OTC) | Xyzal | Oral | Antihistamine |
| Levothyroxine | Synthroid Levoxyl | Oral | Hormone Therapy |
| Lidocaine 5% | Lidoderm | Topical Patch | Analgesic |
| Lisinopril | Prinivil Zestril | Oral | Antihypertensive > ACE Inhibitor |
| Lisinopril/ Hydrochlorothiazide | Prinzide Zestoretic | Oral | Antihypertensive > ACE Inhibitor > Diuretic |
| Loratadine (OTC) | Claritin | Oral | Antihistamine |
| Lorazepam | Ativan | Oral | Benzodiazepine |
| Losartan | Cozaar | Oral | Antihypertensive > ARB |
| Lovastatin | Mevacor | Oral | HMG-CoA Reductase |
| Meclizine HCL (OTC) | Antivert | Oral | Antihistamine |
| Medroxyprogesterone Acetate | Provera | Oral | Hormone Therapy > Progestin |
| Meloxicam | Mobic | Oral | NSAID |
| Mematine | Namenda | Oral | NMDA Inhibitor |
| Metformin | Glucophage Glucophage XR | Oral | Antidiabetic |
| Methocarbamol | Roxaban | Oral | Muscle Relaxant |
| Methylphenidate | Metadate CD Ritalin LA Ritalin | Oral | CNS Stimulant |
| Metoprolol Succinate | Dutoprol | Oral | Antihypertensive > Beta Blocker |
| Metoprolol Tartrate | Lopressor | Oral | Antihypertensive > Beta Blocker |
| Minocycline | Minocin Dynacin | Oral | Antibiotic |
| Mirtazapine | Remeron | Oral | Antidepressant |
| Mometasone | Elocon Cream Elocon Ointment | Topical | Corticosteriod |
| Montelukast | Singulair | Oral | LTRA |
| Naproxen (OTC) | Aleve Anaprox DS Naprosyn | Oral | NSAID |
| Norethindrone | Ortho Micronor | Oral | Hormone Therapy > Progestin |
| Norethindrone/ Enthinyl Estradiol | Ovcon 35 | Oral | Hormone Therapy > Progestin |
| Nortriptyline HCL | Pamelor | Oral | Tricyclic Antidepressant |
| Olanzapine | Zyprexa | Oral | Antipsychotic |
| Omeprazole (OTC) | Prilosec | Oral | Proton Pump Inhibitor |
| Ondansetron | Zofran Zofran ODT | Oral | 5-HT3 |
| Oxybutynin | Ditropan | Oral | Antimuscarinic |
| Pantoprazole | Protonix | Oral | Proton Pump Inhibitor |
| Paroxetine | Paxil | Oral | Antidepressant > SSRI |
| Phentermine | Lonamin | Oral | Anorectic |
| Phenytoin | Dilantin | Oral | Anticonvulsant |
| Pioglitazone | Actos | Oral | Antidiabetic |
| Potassium Chloride | K-Dur Klor-Con | Oral | Electrolyte Supplement |
| Pravastatin | Pravachol | Oral | HMG-CoA Reductase |
| Primidone | Mysoline | Oral | Barbiturate Anticonvulsant |
| Propranolol | Inderal | Oral | Antihypertensive > Beta Blocker |
| Quetiapine | Seroquel | Oral | Antipsychotic |
| Quinapril | Accupril | Oral | Antihypertensive > ACE Inhibitor |
| Quinapril/ Hydrochlorothiazide | Accuretic | Oral | Antihypertensive > ACE Inhibitor > Diuretic |
| Rabeprazole | Aciphex | Oral | Proton Pump Inhibitor |
| Ramipril | Altace | Oral | Antihypertensive > ACE Inhibitor |
| Ranolazine | Ranexa | Oral | Antianginal |
| Risperidone | Risperdal | Oral | Antipsychotic |
| Rivastigmine Tartrate | Exelon | Oral | Cholinesterase Inhibitor |
| Ropinirole | Requip | Oral | Dopamine Agonist |
| Rosuvastatin | Crestor | Oral | HMG-CoA Reductase |
| Rufinamide | Banzel | Oral | Anticonvulsant |
| Sertraline | Zoloft | Oral | SSRI |
| Sildenefil | Viagra Revatio | Oral | Vasodilator |
| Simvastatin | Zocor | Oral | HMG-CoA Reductase |
| Spironolactone | Aldactone | Oral | Diuretic |
| Spironolactone/ Hydrochlorothiazide | Aldactazide | Oral | Diuretic |
| Sucralfate | Carafate | Oral | H2 Blocker |
| Sulfamethoxazole/ Trimethoprim | Bactrim DS Septra DS | Oral | Antibiotic |
| Sulfasalazine | Azulfidine | Oral | DMARD |
| Sumatriptan | Imitrex | Oral | Serotonin Receptor Agonist |
| Tacrolimus | Prograf | Oral | Immunosuppressant |
| Tamsulosin | Flomax | Oral | Alpha Blocker |
| Telmisartan | Micardis | Oral | Antihypertensive > ARB |
| Temazepam | Restoril | Oral | Benzodiazepine |
| Terazosin | Hytrin | Oral | Antihypertensive > Alpha Blockers |
| Testosterone Gel | AndroGel Vogelxo | Topical | Buprenorphine |
| Tizanidine | Zanaflex | Oral | Muscle Relaxant |
| Tolterodine | Detrol | Oral | Hormone Therapy > Anabolic Steroid > Androgen |
| Topiramate | Topamax Qudexy XR | Oral | Anticonvulsant |
| Tramadol | Ultram | Oral | Opioid Analgesic |
| Tramadol/ Acetaminophen | Ultracet | Oral | Opioid Analgesic |
| Trazodone | Desyrel | Oral | SARI |
| Triamterene | Dyrenium | Oral | Diuretic |
| Valacyclovir | Valtrex | Oral | Antiviral |
| Valproic Acid | Depakene | Oral | Anticonvulsant |
| Valsartan | Diovan | Oral | Antihypertensive > ARB |
| Venlafaxine | Effexor | Oral | SNRI |
| Verapamil | Calan Calan SR Isoptin SR | Oral | Calcium Channel Blocker |
| Warfarin | Jantoven | Oral | Anticoagulant |
| Zolpidem | Ambien | Oral | CNS Depressant |
Try familiarizing yourself with some of these, and as you look further into the pharmaceutical field you’ll get a better feel for the common medications.
Sources
Drug Classes and Drug Index: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Drug Information: www.merckmanuals.com
General Drug Categories: www.fda.gov/drugs
Generic Drug Name Listing: www.RxAssist.Org