Top 50 Most Prescribed Medications to Know for Pharmacology for Nurses

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.