Understanding the top prescribed medications is essential for nurses. These drugs play a crucial role in managing various health conditions, from hypertension to diabetes. Familiarity with their uses, mechanisms, and side effects enhances patient care and safety in clinical settings.
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Lisinopril
- An ACE inhibitor used primarily to treat hypertension and heart failure.
- Works by relaxing blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
- Common side effects include cough, elevated potassium levels, and dizziness.
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Levothyroxine
- A synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism.
- Helps restore normal metabolic activity by increasing levels of thyroid hormone in the body.
- Dosage must be carefully monitored to avoid symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
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Metformin
- An oral antidiabetic medication used to manage type 2 diabetes.
- Decreases glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity.
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and risk of lactic acidosis.
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Amlodipine
- A calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina.
- Works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce chest pain.
- Side effects may include swelling, flushing, and palpitations.
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Metoprolol
- A beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and angina.
- Reduces heart rate and workload on the heart, improving heart function.
- Common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, and bradycardia.
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Omeprazole
- A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers.
- Reduces stomach acid production, providing relief from heartburn and promoting healing.
- Long-term use may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and increased risk of fractures.
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Simvastatin
- A statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol production.
- Potential side effects include muscle pain, liver enzyme elevation, and digestive issues.
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Losartan
- An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat hypertension and protect kidney function in diabetes.
- Helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
- Side effects may include dizziness, fatigue, and elevated potassium levels.
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Gabapentin
- An anticonvulsant medication used to treat neuropathic pain and seizures.
- Modulates the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, providing pain relief.
- Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and peripheral edema.
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Sertraline
- A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, anxiety, and OCD.
- Increases serotonin levels in the brain, improving mood and emotional stability.
- Side effects may include nausea, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.
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Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen
- A combination opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain relief.
- Hydrocodone provides pain relief, while acetaminophen enhances its effects.
- Risk of dependence, constipation, and respiratory depression with prolonged use.
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Atorvastatin
- A statin used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Inhibits cholesterol synthesis in the liver, leading to decreased LDL levels.
- Common side effects include muscle pain, liver enzyme changes, and digestive issues.
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Albuterol
- A bronchodilator used to relieve bronchospasm in conditions like asthma and COPD.
- Works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making breathing easier.
- Side effects may include tremors, palpitations, and increased heart rate.
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Escitalopram
- An SSRI used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
- Increases serotonin levels in the brain, enhancing mood and reducing anxiety.
- Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction.
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Metformin (duplicate entry)
- An oral antidiabetic medication used to manage type 2 diabetes.
- Decreases glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity.
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and risk of lactic acidosis.
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Furosemide
- A loop diuretic used to treat edema and hypertension.
- Promotes the excretion of sodium and water, reducing fluid overload.
- Side effects may include electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and hypotension.
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Amoxicillin
- A penicillin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
- Works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death.
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions.
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Pantoprazole
- A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat GERD and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
- Reduces stomach acid production, providing relief from acid-related conditions.
- Long-term use may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and increased risk of fractures.
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Fluoxetine
- An SSRI used to treat depression, OCD, and panic disorder.
- Increases serotonin levels in the brain, improving mood and emotional regulation.
- Side effects may include insomnia, nausea, and sexual dysfunction.
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Hydrochlorothiazide
- A thiazide diuretic used to treat hypertension and edema.
- Promotes sodium and water excretion, lowering blood pressure.
- Common side effects include electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and dizziness.
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Aspirin
- An antiplatelet medication used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Inhibits platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots.
- Side effects may include gastrointestinal bleeding and allergic reactions.
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Trazodone
- An antidepressant used primarily for depression and insomnia.
- Works by inhibiting serotonin reuptake and blocking certain receptors.
- Common side effects include sedation, dizziness, and dry mouth.
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Montelukast
- A leukotriene receptor antagonist used to manage asthma and allergic rhinitis.
- Reduces inflammation and bronchoconstriction in the airways.
- Side effects may include headache, abdominal pain, and mood changes.
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Ibuprofen
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, decreasing prostaglandin production.
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, increased risk of bleeding, and renal impairment.
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Insulin glargine
- A long-acting insulin used to manage blood glucose levels in diabetes.
- Provides a steady release of insulin, helping to control blood sugar throughout the day.
- Risk of hypoglycemia and injection site reactions.