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Tuesdays Wiki

Drug info that doesn't read like a textbook.

Plain-English summaries of the most-prescribed US medications. Sources: FDA DailyMed labels and NIH MedlinePlus — both public-domain. Educational only, never medical advice.

284 medications · 29 with full clinical detail

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Statins ACE inhibitors ARBs SSRIs PPIs Biguanides NSAIDs Thyroid hormone replacements Calcium channel blockers

Featured medications

Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor)

Sold as Lipitor

Atorvastatin lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides and modestly raises HDL ("good") cholesterol. It's the most-prescribed drug in the United States. Generic atorvastatin is typically 90%+ cheaper than brand Lipitor.

Sold as Prinivil, Zestril

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack.

Sold as Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza

Metformin is the first-line oral medication for type 2 diabetes. It lowers the amount of glucose your liver makes and helps your body respond better to insulin.

Calcium channel blocker

Sold as Norvasc

Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels so your heart doesn't have to work as hard. Used for high blood pressure and angina.

Thyroid hormone

Sold as Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid

Levothyroxine replaces or supplements thyroid hormone for people with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It is one of the most-prescribed medications in the US.

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)

Sold as Prilosec

Omeprazole reduces stomach acid. Used for heartburn, GERD, and ulcers. Available OTC and Rx.

SSRI antidepressant

Sertraline is an SSRI used for depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and PMDD.

SSRI antidepressant

Sold as Lexapro

Escitalopram is an SSRI for depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Often well-tolerated with once-daily dosing.

Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)

Losartan lowers blood pressure and protects the kidneys in people with type 2 diabetes.

Sold as Advil, Motrin

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain, fever, and inflammation. Available OTC and Rx.

Analgesic / antipyretic

Sold as Tylenol

Acetaminophen relieves pain and reduces fever. Active ingredient in Tylenol and many cold/flu products.

Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor)

Sold as Crestor

Rosuvastatin is a high-potency statin for lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk.

Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor)

Simvastatin lowers LDL cholesterol. Take in the evening for best effect.

Metoprolol Succinate

Sold as Toprol XL

Metoprolol succinate is a once-daily extended-release beta blocker used for high blood pressure, heart failure, and after a heart attack.

Thiazide diuretic

Hydrochlorothiazide

Sold as Microzide

A thiazide diuretic ('water pill') for high blood pressure and fluid retention.

SSRI antidepressant

Fluoxetine is an SSRI with a long half-life — useful when discontinuation symptoms are a concern.

SSRI antidepressant

Citalopram is an SSRI used primarily for depression.

Anticonvulsant / neuropathic pain agent

Sold as Neurontin

Gabapentin is used for nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy) and as an add-on for partial seizures.

Short-acting beta-2 agonist (rescue inhaler)

Sold as ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA

Albuterol is a fast-acting rescue inhaler that opens the airways during an asthma attack or COPD flare.

Penicillin antibiotic

Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic used for ear, sinus, throat, urinary tract, skin, and dental infections.

Macrolide antibiotic

Sold as Zithromax, Z-Pak

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, often dispensed as a 5-day Z-Pak for respiratory and skin infections.

Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine

Sold as Adderall, Adderall XR

Mixed amphetamine salts used for ADHD and narcolepsy. Schedule II controlled substance — strict prescribing rules apply.

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Sold as Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and chronic weight management (Wegovy). No generic is available — costs are high.

GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist

Sold as Mounjaro, Zepbound

Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and chronic weight management (Zepbound).

Direct oral anticoagulant (factor Xa inhibitor)

Sold as Eliquis

Apixaban is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) used to prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation and to treat or prevent venous thromboembolism.

NDRI antidepressant

Sold as Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban

Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor used for depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. Generally weight-neutral and without sexual side effects.

Sold as Cialis, Adcirca

Tadalafil is a long-acting PDE5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction, BPH, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)

Sold as Protonix

Pantoprazole is a PPI used for GERD and erosive esophagitis.

Leukotriene receptor antagonist

Sold as Singulair

Montelukast prevents asthma attacks and treats allergic rhinitis. Carries an FDA boxed warning for serious neuropsychiatric events.

All medications

Naproxen Sodium

Diphenhydramine

Fluticasone Nasal

Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin

Acetaminophen/Dextromethorphan/Doxylamine

Polyethylene Glycol

Cholecalciferol

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Phenylephrine/Hydrocortisone

Metoprolol Tartrate

Insulin Glargine

Insulin Detemir

Methylphenidate

Lisdexamfetamine

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen

Thyroid hormone replacements

Amoxicillin/Clavulanate

Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim

Cyclobenzaprine

Fluticasone/Salmeterol

Budesonide/Formoterol

Cyclosporine Ophthalmic

Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol

Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol

Thyroid hormone replacements

Conjugated Estrogens

Thyroid hormone replacements

Mometasone Nasal

Potassium Chloride

Ferrous Sulfate

Calcium channel blockers

Dexmethylphenidate

Hydroxychloroquine

Methylprednisolone

Thyroid hormone replacements

Nirmatrelvir; Ritonavir

Magnesium Salts

Calcium channel blockers

Sacubitril; Valsartan

Calcium channel blockers

Emtricitabine; Tenofovir

Desogestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol

Betamethasone; Clotrimazole

Senna; Docusate

Icosapent Ethyl

Polymyxin B; Trimethoprim

Medroxyprogesterone

Pancrelipase Amylase; Pancrelipase Lipase; Pancrelipase Protease

Codeine; Guaifenesin

Phenazopyridine

Brompheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine

Atropine; Diphenoxylate

Pseudoephedrine

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Educational only. Not medical advice. Always confirm with your prescriber or pharmacist.