Classification and Indication:
acetaminophen
- Analgesic - to treat mild to moderate pain
- Antipyretic - to decrease a fever
Classification and Indication:
acyclovir, tenofovir, valacyclovir
Antiviral - to treat viral infections.
ends in -vir
Classification and Indication:
adenosine
(Immediate complication)
Antiarrhythmic given IV push - to convert supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) to normal sinus rhythm.
Classification and Indication:
albuterol, levalbuterol
Short-acting bronchodilator (“rescue inhaler”) - to treat acute asthma attack or acute COPD exacerbation.
ends in -buterol
Classification and Indication:
alendronate, risedronate
Antiosteoporotic - to treat osteoporosis and prevent fractures by increasing bone mass.
ends in -dronate
Classification and Indication:
allopurinol
Antigout drug
- to prevent gout by decreasing uric acid levels
- to prevent high uric acid levels with chemotherapy
Classification and Indication:
alprazolam
Benzodiazepine Anxiolytic (“downer”) - to treat anxiety.
ends in -lam
Classification and Indication:
alteplase, streptokinase, tenecteplase
(Immediate complication)
Thrombolytic (“clot buster”) - to break up blood clots.
ends in -plase or -ase
Classification and Indication:
aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide
Antacid
- to treat acid indigestion
- to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Classification and Indication:
amiodarone
Antidysrhythmic given IV push - to treat or prevent life-threatening ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
Classification and Indication:
amitriptyline, nortriptyline
Tricyclic antidepressant (“downer”) - to treat depression.
ends in -tyline
Classification and Indication:
amlodipine, nifedipine
Calcium channel blocker (antihypertensive)
- to decrease BP and HR
- to treat angina
ends in -dipine
Classification and Indication:
amoxicillin, penicillin V
Penicillin antibiotic - to treat infections.
ends in -cillin
Classification and Indication:
apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban
Anticoagulant - to prevent blood clots.
ends in -aban or -an
Classification and Indication:
aripiprazole
2nd generation Antipsychotic (“downer”) - to treat bipolar and schizophrenia.
Classification and Indication:
aspart, human, lispro, glulisine
Rapid-acting insulin (antidiabetic) - to treat high blood sugar.
Classification and Indication:
aspirin
- Antiplatelet: to prevent blood clots for MI
- NSAID (analgesic): to treat pain from arthritis and inflammation
Also called acetylsalicylic acid.
Classification and Indication:
atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, nebivolol
Beta blocker (antihypertensive)
- to decrease BP and HR
- to prevent MI
ends in -lol
Classification and Indication:
atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin
Antilipidemic - to treat and prevent high cholesterol for clients at risk for CVA and MI.
ends in -statin
Classification and Indication:
atropine
(Immediate complication)
Antiarrhythmic given IV push
- increases the HR
- to treat heart blocks and symptomatic bradycardia
Classification and Indication:
bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B
A triple antibiotic ointment - to prevent skin infections for minor cuts and injuries.
Classification and Indication:
baclofen
Muscle relaxer - to treat muscle spasms.
Classification and Indication:
beclomethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone
Corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory) - to decrease inflammation in a variety of conditions.
ends in -sone or -lone
Classification and Indication:
benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril
ACE inhibitor (antihypertensive)
- to decrease BP and HR
- to prevent MI
ends in -pril
Classification and Indication:
benzonatate
Antitussive - to suppress a cough.
Classification and Indication:
benztropine
Antiparkinsonian - to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Classification and Indication:
bisacodyl
Laxative - to treat and prevent constipation.
Classification and Indication:
bismuth subsalicylate
Antidiarrheal - to treat diarrhea.
Classification and Indication:
calcium chloride
Electrolyte (vitamin) supplement - to prevent osteoporosis.
Classification and Indication:
carbamazepine
- Anticonvulsant - to prevent seizures
- Mood stabilizer (“downer”) - to treat bipolar
Classification and Indication:
carisoprodol
Muscle relaxer - to treat muscle spasms.
Classification and Indication:
ceftriaxone, cephalexin
Cephalosporin antibiotic - to treat infections.
starts with cef- or ceph-
Classification and Indication:
celecoxib
NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
- Analgesic - to treat mild to moderate pain
- Antipyretic - to decrease a fever
Classification and Indication:
cetirizine, levocetirizine
Antiallergy - to treat allergy symptoms, hives and itching.
ends in -zine
Classification and Indication:
chlordiazepoxide
Benzodiazepine antianxiety (“downer”) - to treat anxiety.
has -diaze- in name
Classification and Indication:
cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol
Vitamin D supplement
- to treat low vitamin D levels
- to increase absorption of calcium
ends in -calciferol
Classification and Indication:
ciprofloxacin, vofloxacin
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic - to treat infections.
ends in -floxacin
Classification and Indication:
citalopram, escitalopram
SSRI antidepressant (“downer”) - to treat depression.
ends in -pram
Classification and Indication:
clindamycin, azithromycin, vancomycin
Aminoglycoside antibiotic - to treat very severe infections.
ends in -mycin
Classification and Indication:
clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam
Benzodiazepine antianxiety (“downer”) - to treat anxiety
ends in -pam
Classification and Indication:
clonidine
Antihypertensive - to treat high BP.
Classification and Indication:
clopidrogrel, prasugrel
Antiplatelet - to prevent blood clots.
ends in -grel
Classification and Indication:
clotrimazole, fluconazole
Antifungal - to treat fungal infections: candidiasis, yeast infections.
ends in -azole
Classification and Indication:
codeine
Opioid analgesic - to treat mild to moderately severe pain.
Classification and Indication:
colchicine
Antigout drug - to treat and prevent gout by decreasing uric acid levels.
Classification and Indication:
cyanocobalamin
Vitamin B12 - to treat pernicious anemia.
Classification and Indication:
cyclobenzaprine
Muscle relaxer - to treat muscle spasms.
Classification and Indication:
desmopressin, vasopressin
(Immediate complication)
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) - to treat shock and diabetes insipidus.
ends in -pressin
Classification and Indication:
desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine
SSNRI antidepressant (“downer”) - to treat depression.
ends in -faxine
Classification and Indication:
detemir, glargine
Long-acting insulin - to treat diabetes and prevent high blood sugar.
Classification and Indication:
dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole
Proton pump inhibitor - decreases acid secretion to treat:
- GERD
- heartburn
- ulcers
ends in -prazole
Classification and Indication:
dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine
CNS stimulate (“upper”) - to treat ADHD in adults and children (>6 years old).
Ends in -amphetamine.
Brand name is “Adderall XR: the study drug”.
Classification and Indication:
digoxin
Cardiac glycoside - to decrease heart rate with CHF or atrial fibrillation.
Classification and Indication:
diltiazem
Calcium channel blocker (antihypertensive)
- to decrease BP and HR
- to treat angina
Classification and Indication:
diphenhydramine
Antiallergy - to treat itching and allergic reactions.
Classification and Indication:
diphenoxylate/atropine
Antidiarrheal - a combination med to treat diarrhea.
Classification and Indication:
disulfiram
To prevent clients from drinking alcohol by causing severe nausea and vomiting when the client drinks alcohol.
Classification and Indication:
divalproex sodium, valproic acid
Anticonvulsant - to prevent seizures.
has -val- in name
Classification and Indication:
docusate
Laxative and stool softener - to treat and prevent constipation.
Classification and Indication:
donepezil
Antialzheimer - to treat all stages of Alzheimer’s.
Classification and Indication:
dopamine
(Immediate complication)
Vasopressor - to treat shock.
Classification and Indication:
doxazosin, terazosin
Alpha blocker
- to decrease blood pressure
- to prevent benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)
ends in -zosin
Classification and Indication:
doxycycline
Tetracycline antibiotic - to treat infections.
ends in -cycline
Classification and Indication:
duloxetine
SSNRI Antidepressant (“downer”)
- to treat depression and anxiety
- to treat fibromyalgia, chronic muscle pain or nerve pain
Classification and Indication:
dutasteride, finasteride
BPH drug - to prevent benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).
ends in -teride
Classification and Indication:
enoxaparin
Anticoagulant (low molecular weight heparin) - to prevent blood clots, especially post-op clients.
Classification and Indication:
epinephrine
(Immediate complication)
Vasopressor
- to treat anaphylaxis, shock, severe asthma attack
- to treat life-threatening arrhythmias: asystole, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation
Classification and Indication:
epoetin (erythropoietin)
Hematopoietic agent
- to increase red blood cells
- to treat anemia with chronic renal failure, HIV and chemotherapy
Classification and Indication:
ethinyl estradiol
Female contraceptive
- includes oral pill, vaginal ring, IM shot
- to prevent pregnancy
Several have the words ethinyl estradiol in them.
Classification and Indication:
famotidine, ranitidine
H-2 receptor blocker (antiulcer) - to heal and prevent ulcers by limiting gastric acid secretion.
ends in -tidine
Classification and Indication:
fentanyl
Opioid analgesic - to treat moderate to severe pain.
Classification and Indication:
ferrous sulfate (iron)
Vitamin supplement - to treat dietary anemia.
Classification and Indication:
fluoxetine, paroxetine
SSRI antidepressant (“downer”) - to treat depression.
ends in -xetine
Classification and Indication:
fluticasone
Steroid - maintenance inhaler for chronic asthma.
ends in -sone
Classification and Indication:
folic acid
Vitamin supplement - given to pregnant mothers to prevent neural tube defects in fetus.
Classification and Indication:
furosemide, bumetanide, torsemide
Potassium-wasting loop diuretic - to treat edema and hypertension by excreting urine.
ends in -ide
Classification and Indication:
gabapentin
Anticonvulsant
- to prevent seizures
- to treat diabetic nerve pain and neuralgia
Classification and Indication:
GLImepiride, GLIpizide, GLYburide, canaGLIflozin, linaGLIptin, liraGLUtide, pioGLItazone, sitaGLIptin
Oral antidiabetic drug - to treat diabetes and prevent high blood sugar.
have gly-, glu- or -gli- in name
Classification and Indication:
glucagon (D50)
50% dextrose (sugar) - to treat hypoglycemia in an unconscious client.
Classification and Indication:
guaifenesin
Expectorant - to treat a productive cough by coughing up mucus.
Classification and Indication:
haloperidol
1st generation Antipsychotic (“downer”) - to treat acute aggression.
Classification and Indication:
heparin
Anticoagulant
- heparin IV
- to treat an active blood clot
- bridge therapy to PO anticoagulants
- heparin subcutaneous
- to prevent blood clots
Classification and Indication:
hydralazine
Antihypertensive - to treat high BP.
Classification and Indication:
hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone
Potassium-wasting thiazide diuretic - to treat edema and hypertension by excreting urine.
has -thia- or -thal- in name
Classification and Indication:
hydroxyzine
Antihistamine - given for a variety of reasons:
- to treat anxiety
- for preop sedation
- to treat itching
- to treat nausea and vomiting
Classification and Indication:
ibuprofen
NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
- Analgesic - to treat mild to moderate pain
- Antipyretic - to decrease a fever
Classification and Indication:
indomethacin
NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
- Analgesic - to treat mild to moderate pain
- Antipyretic - to decrease a fever
Classification and Indication:
ipratropium, tiotropium
Long-acting bronchodilator - to treat chronic asthma or COPD.
ends in -tropium
Classification and Indication:
irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, valsartan
Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) (antihypertensive)
- to decrease BP and HR
- to reduce risk of stroke and MI
ends in -sartan
Classification and Indication:
isoniazid
Antituberculosis - to treat tuberculosis.
Classification and Indication:
isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate
Antianginal (nitrate, vasodilator) - to treat and prevent chest pain and heart failure by reducing oxygen demand.
Classification and Indication:
ketorolac
NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
- Analgesic - to treat mild to moderate pain.
- Antipyretic - to decrease a fever.
Classification and Indication:
lactobacillus acidophilus
Probiotic - to encourage good gastrointestinal bacteria growth for clients on antibiotics.
It’s basically eating yogurt, but in pill form.
Classification and Indication:
lactulose
Osmotic laxative
- to treat and prevent constipation
- to decrease ammonia levels with liver failure
Classification and Indication:
latanoprost
Antiglaucoma drugs - eye drops to treat glaucoma.
ends in -prost
Classification and Indication:
levetiracetam
Anticonvulsant - to prevent seizures.
Classification and Indication:
levodopa/carbidopa
Antiparkinsonian drug - a combination med to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Classification and Indication:
levothyroxine
Thyroid hormone replacement - to treat hypothyroidism or replacement after thyroidectomy.
Classification and Indication:
lidocaine
(Immediate complication)
- Topical/local analgesic - to numb an area of the skin for procedures.
- Antiarrhythmic - given IV to treat heart arrhythmias.
Classification and Indication:
lithium
Antimanic
- to treat acute mania in bipolar disorder
- for long-term control of bipolar disorder
Classification and Indication:
loperamide
Antidiarrheal - to treat diarrhea.
Classification and Indication:
loratadine
Antiallergy drug - to treat hives and allergies.
Classification and Indication:
lung surfactant
To prevent respiratory distress in premature newborns.
Classification and Indication:
lurasidone, risperidone
2nd generation Antipsychotic (“downer”) - to treat bipolar and schizophrenia.
ends in -idone
Classification and Indication:
magnesium hydroxide
(milk of magnesia)
Laxative - to treat and prevent constipation.
Classification and Indication:
magnesium sulfate
Electrolyte replacement
- to treat low magnesium level
- to prevent contractions and seizures during pregnancy
Classification and Indication:
mannitol
Osmotic diuretic - to decrease intracranial pressure.
Classification and Indication:
memantine
Antialzheimer drug - to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.
Classification and Indication:
metformin
Oral antidiabetic drug - to treat diabetes mellitus and prevent high blood sugar.
Classification and Indication:
methadone
Opioid analgesic
- to treat moderate to severe pain
- to treat narcotic drug addiction
Classification and Indication:
methotrexate
Antineoplastic
- given for a variety of reasons
- to treat cancer, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis
Classification and Indication:
methylphenidate
CNS stimulate (“upper”) - to treat ADHD in children and adults.
Classification and Indication:
metoclopramide
Antiemetic - to treat nausea and vomiting.
Classification and Indication:
metronidazole
Antiprotozoal - to treat infections especially for vaginal infections.
Classification and Indication:
mirtazapine
Tricyclic antidepressant (“downer”) - to treat depression.
Classification and Indication:
morphine
Opioid analgesic
- to treat moderate to severe pain
- to treat pain with acute myocardial infarction
Classification and Indication:
naloxone
(Immediate complication)
Opioid antagonist
- antidote to opioids
- to treat opioid overdose
Classification and Indication:
naproxen
NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
- Analgesic - to treat mild to moderate pain
- Antipyretic - to decrease a fever
Classification and Indication:
neostigmine, pyridostigmine
Muscle stimulant (cholinesterase inhibitor) - to treat myasthenia gravis.
ends in -mine
Classification and Indication:
nicotine
Smoking cessation aid - to stop smoking by relieving withdrawal symptoms.
Classification and Indication:
nitrofurantoin
Antibiotic - to treat urinary tract infections.
Classification and Indication:
nitroglycerin
Antianginal (nitrate, vasodilator) - to treat chest pain and decrease BP.
most have nitro- or -nitrate in name
Classification and Indication:
NPH, isophane
Intermediate-acting insulin - to treat diabetes and prevent high blood sugar.
Classification and Indication:
olanzapine, quetiapine
2nd generation Antipsychotic (“downer”) - to treat bipolar, schizophrenia, depression.
ends in -pine
Classification and Indication:
ondansetron
Antiemetic - to treat nausea and vomiting.
Classification and Indication:
oxycodone
Opioid analgesic - to treat moderate to severe pain.
Classification and Indication:
oxymorphone
Opioid analgesic - to treat moderate to severe pain.
Classification and Indication:
oxytocin
Oxytocin hormone
- to stimulate contractions for labor
- to prevent postpartum hemorrhage
Classification and Indication:
pancrelipase, pancreatin
Digestive enzyme replacement - to treat cystic fibrosis.
starts with pancre-
Classification and Indication:
phenobarbital, phenytoin
Anticonvulsant - to prevent seizures.
has phen- in the beginning of the name
Classification and Indication:
phytonadione (vitamin K)
Vitamin K
- to prevent bleeding in newborns
- antidote to warfarin
Classification and Indication:
polycarbophil, psyllium
Bulk-forming laxative - to treat and prevent constipation.
Classification and Indication:
potassium
Electrolyte replacement - to replace potassium (especially when taking diuretics).
Classification and Indication:
pregabalin
Anticonvulsant - to treat nerve pain and fibromyalgia.
Classification and Indication:
promethazine
Antiemetic
- to treat nausea and vomiting and motion sickness
- for pre-op sedation
ends in -zine
Classification and Indication:
propranolol
Beta blocker (antihypertensive)
- to decrease BP and HR
- to prevent MI and treat chest pain
- to treat SVT, ventricular, and atrial arrhythmias
ends in -lol
Classification and Indication:
regular insulin
Short-acting insulin (antidiabetic)
- IV regular insulin - to treat very high blood sugar / diabetic ketoacidosis
- subcutaneous regular insulin - to treat diabetes and high blood sugar
Classification and Indication:
Rho D immune globulin
(RhoGAM)
Immune globulin
- given to Rh-negative clients to prevent blood incompatibility between client and baby’s blood
- given after miscarriage or abortion to prevent Rh antibody formation
Classification and Indication:
rifampin
Antituberculosis - to treat tuberculosis.
Classification and Indication:
ropinirole
Antiparkinsonian - to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Classification and Indication:
senna glycoside
Laxative - to treat and prevent constipation.
Classification and Indication:
sertraline
SSRI antidepressant (“downer”) - to treat depression and anxiety.
Classification and Indication:
sildenafil, tadalafil
Erectile dysfunction drug (vasodilator) - to treat erectile dysfunction.
ends in -fil
Classification and Indication:
silver sulfadiazine
Antiseptic cream - to prevent wound infections.
Classification and Indication:
sodium bicarbonate
Antacid - to quickly treat metabolic acidosis while trying to figure out main cause.
Classification and Indication:
spironolactone
Potassium-sparing diuretic - to treat edema and hypertension by excreting urine.
Classification and Indication:
temazepam
Hypnotic Benzodiazepine (“downer”) - to treat short term insomnia.
ends in -pam
Classification and Indication:
theophylline
2nd choice bronchodilator - to treat asthma and COPD.
Classification and Indication:
timolol
Beta blocker - eye drops to treat glaucoma.
Classification and Indication:
tramadol
Opioid analgesic - to treat moderate to severe pain.
Classification and Indication:
trazodone
Antidepressant (“downer”)
- to treat depression
- to treat insomnia
Classification and Indication:
verapamil
Calcium channel blocker (antihypertensive)
- to decrease BP and HR
- to treat angina
Classification and Indication:
vilazodone
SSRI antidepressant (“downer”) - to treat depression.
Classification and Indication:
warfarin
Anticoagulant - to prevent blood clots.
Classification and Indication:
zolpidem
Hypnotic (“downer”) - to treat short term insomnia.