doxycycline

Vibamycin

• Tx infections of: 
• respiratory tract
• urinary tract
• sexually transmitted diseases
• acne

• sun-sensitivity
• take with food but:
• separate dairy products (Ca), antacids (Mg, Al), minerals (Fe) 2 hrs before or 4 hrs after dose
• increase fluid intake
• may decrease effectiveness of oral contraceptives (OC); use additional form of birth control during and 1 week following last dose

amoxicillin

Amoxil

• Tx infections of:
• Respiratory tract
• UTI
• STD
• Ears, nose throat
• Skin

• May decrease effectiveness of OC; use additional form of birth control during and 1 week following last dose
• contraindicated if penicllin allergy

cephalexin

Keflex

• Tx infections of: 
• Respiratory tract
• UTI
• Ears nose, throat
• Skin and bone

• Caution if penicillin allergy

azithromycin

Zithromax

• Tx infections of:
• Respiratory tract
• UTI
• STD
• Ears, nose, throat
• skin and eyes

• do not take doses with Al or Mg containing antacids
• take with food to prevent stomach upset

ciprofloxacin

Cipro

• Tx infections of:
• Respiratory tract
• UTI
• STD
• Skin and bones

• dizziness (caution driving)
• enhances effects of caffeine
• seperate dairy, antacids, minerals by 2 hrs before or 6 hrs after dose
• sun-sensitivity

sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP)

Bactrim DS

• Tx infections of:
• Respiratory tract
• UTI
• HIV

• sun-sensitivity
• drink lots of water
• contraindicated if sulfa allergy

nitrofurantoin

Macrobid

• Tx UTI

• brown-colored urine
•  avoid Mg containing antacids during therapy
• take with food/milk

metronidazole

Flagyl

• Tx infections of:
• Abscess
• vaginosis
• gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• STD

• brown-colored urine
• alcohol contraindicated for 3 days following last dose
• metallic taste
• headache

fluconazole

Diflucan

• Tx fungal infections of:
• mouth (thrush)
• skin
• vagina
• HIV

• report skin rash to prescriber

valacyclovir

Valtrex

• Tx herpes viral infections:
• Genitals
• Cold sores
• Shingles

• Headache
• does not prevent disease transmission
• encourage fluids

ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel

Desogen

Apri

• oral contraception 

• claim to fame: monophasics have less side effects from hormone flucutations

ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel

Mircette

Kariva

• oral contraceptive

• claim to fame: lessens headaches caused by drop in estrogen

ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel

Seasonale

Jolessa

• oral contraception

• claim to fame: reduces # of periods

ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone

Loestrin Fe 1/20

• oral contraception

• claim to fame: replaces iron lost during menses

ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate

Ortho-Tri-Cyclen

Tri-Sprintec

• Oral contraception
• Acne

• Claim to fame: triphasics mimic natural menstrual cycle

ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone

Yaz

Gianvi

• oral contraception
• acne
• premenstrual dysphoric disorder

• claim to fame: shorter menstrual periods

ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin

Ortho Evra

• contraception

• same side effects as OC but enhanced
• Skin rash/rotate sites
• do not cut patch
• apply to butt, upper torso, stomach, upper arm

ethinyl estradiol/etonogestrel

NuvaRing

• contraception

• same side effects as OCs
• if falls out; rinse with cool water and reinsert within 3 hours
• don't remove before intercourse
• not a barrier device
• refrigerate until dispensed

medroxyprogesterone acetate

Depo Provera

• Contraception

• Claim to fame: no pills to remember and no estrogen component
• NOT used for acne
• same side effects as OCs
• administer in physician's office
• do not use >2 years due to bone loss

levonorgestrel

Plan B

Plan B One-Step

• Emergency post-coital contraception

• fatigue
• dizziness
• no evidence of clinical interaction with antibiotics

fexofenadine

(OTC)

Allegra

• prevention, relief, and management of allergy symptoms (runny nose, watery eyes, coughing from drainage)

• headache
• separate antacids by ≥30 min
• take with water, avoid fruit juices

diphenhydramine (OTC)

Benadryl

• relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, watery eyes, cough from drainage)
• sleep aid
• relieve itching
• prevention and treatment of motion sickness

• drowsiness!
• dry mouth
• paradoxical hyperactivity in children

montelukast

Singulair

• management of chronic nasal allergy symptoms
• asthma exacerbation prevention

• do not use in an acute asthma attack

fluticasone

Flonase

• prevention and management of nasal allergy symptoms

• prime before first use
• gently shake before each use
• may take several days for full effect
• headache
• sore throat

albuterol sulfate

ProAir HFA

Proventril HFA

• prevention and treatment of acute asthma symptoms

• use for prevention or treatment of acute attacks
• shake well
• may increase heart rate

fluticasone/salmeterol

Advair Diskus

• management of asthma

• rinse mouth and spit after use
• discard after 30 days once opened
• store in dry area
• do not shake DPI

guaifenesin

Mucinex

• treatment of chest congestion (expectorant)

• drink lots of water
• do not crush or chew

benzonatate

Tessalon Perles

• treatment of dry cough (cough suppressant)

• drowsiness
• do not chew

dextromethorphan

Delsym

• treatment of dry cough (cough suppressant)

• shake well
• time release formulation - no more than every 12 hours
• potential for abuse

pseudoephedrine (BTC)

Sudafed

• treatment of nasal congestion

• need identification (purchase at pharmacy counter)
• increased heart rate
• jitters
• insomnia

velafaxine

Effexor XR

• depression
• anxiety disorder
• panic disorder
• social phobia

• insomnia
• headache
• take with food
• caution with NSAIDS-may increase risk of bleeding

sertraline

Zoloft

• depression
• anxiety
• panic disoder
• OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)
• PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)
• PDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)

• insomnia
• headache
• take with food
• sexual dysfunction

duloxetine

Cymbalta

• depression
• anxiety disorder
• diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain
• fibromyalgia/chronic musculoskeletal pain 

• ---

• insomnia
• take with food
• caution with NSAIDS-may increase bleeding

buproprion

Wellbutrin SR

• depression
• seasonal affective disorder
• smoking cessation

• insomnia
• caution if history of seizures or anorexia
• "ghost" tablet in stool
• begin 1 week before patient stops smoking

amitriptyline

Elavil

• depression
• Non-FDA approved uses:
• chronic pain
• migraine prevention
• insomnia

• drowsiness
• weight gain
• constipation

trazadone

Desyrel

• depression
• Non-FDA approved uses: Insomnia

• drowsiness
• take IR tablets with food

alprazolam

Xanax

• anxiety
• panic disorder

• sedation/confusion
• taper dose
• avoid alcohol

amphetamine/dextroamphetamine

Adderall

• ADHD
• Narcolepsy

• insomnia
• decreased appetite/weight loss
• increases heart rate

methylphenidate

CII

Concerta (ER)

• ADHD
• Narcolepsy

• Insomnia
• decreased appetite/weight loss
• increases heart rate

hypericum perforatum (OTC)

St. John's Wort

• Depression

• Photosensitivity
• Do not take with other anti-depressants
• many drug interactions

acetaminophen

Tylenol

• mild to moderate pain
• fever

• watch for max dose; APAP in many combo products
• do not treat hangovers with APAP

acetylsalicylic acid

Bayer aspirin

• mild to moderate pain
• fever
• inflammation (e.g. arthritis)
• heart attack and stroke prevention

• stomach upset
• take with food/milk, and water
• risk of Reye's Syndrome in children ≤18 years old
• ringing in ears with high dose

ibuprofen

Advil

Motrin IB

Rx: Motrin

• mild to moderate pain
• fever
• inflammation (e.g. sprains, bursitis, arthritis)

• stomach upset
• take with food/milk
• avoid if cardiovascular risk

naproxen sodium

Aleve

Rx: Anaprox

• mild to moderate pain
• fever
• inflammation

• stomach upset
• take with food/milk
• avoid if cardiovascular risk

celecoxib

Celebrex

• mild to moderate pain
• inflammation (usually arthritis)

• stomach upset
• take with food/milk
• avoid if cardiovascular risk

hydrocodone/acetaminophen

CIII

Lortab

Vicodin

Norco

• moderate to severe pain

• watch for max dose; APAP in many combo products
• do not treat hangovers with APAP
• stomach upset
• constipation
• drowsiness

oxycodone

CII

Oxycontin

• moderate to severe pain

• stomach pain
• constipation
• drowsiness
• do not chew or crush controlled release tablets

tramadol

Ultram

• moderate to moderately severe pain

• constipation
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• avoid if history of seizures or head trauma

cyclobenzaprine

Flexeril

• Tx muscle spasms

• drowsiness!
• dry mouth
• not advised for treatment beyond 2-3 weeks

methylprednisolone

Medrol

• steroidal anti-inflammatory (e.g., treats asthma, poison ivy)

• finish entire course of medication
• stomach upset
• take with food/milk
• may cause insomnia

risperidone

Risperal

• bipolar disorder
• schizophrenia
• irritability in autism

• stomach upset/constipation
• muscle restlessness and/or rigidity
• weight gain
• insomnia

aripiprazole

Abilify

• bipolar disorder
• schizophrenia
• depression (adjunct)

• muscle restlessness and/or rigidity
• weight gain
• headache

olanzapine

Zyprexa

• bipolar disorder
• schizophrenia
• Non-FDA: treatment-resistant depression

• muscle restlessness
• weight gain
• dry mouth
• increased lipids, glucose

topiramate

Topamax

• seizures
• migraine prevention
• Non-FDA: Bipolar disorder 

• stomach upset/diarrhea
• weight loss
• taper dose
• decreases effectiveness of oral contraceptives
• abnormal or double vision

pregabalin

C-V

Lyrica

• seizures
• nerve pain
• fibromyalgia

• constipation
• weight gain
• taper dose
• dry mouth
• swelling of hands/feet

gabapentin

Neurontin

• seizures
• nerve pain

• taper dose
• swelling of hands/feet
• take at least 2 hours apart from antacids

lamotrigine

Lamictal

• seizures
• bipolar disorder

• upset stomach/nausea
• insomnia
• headache
• abnormal or double vision
• taper dose

divalproex sodium

Depakote

• seizures
• bipolar disorder
• migraine prevention

• upset stomach/nausea
• insomnia
• tremor
• headache
• abnormal or double vision
• taper dose

zolpidem (C-IV)

Ambien

• insomnia

• take within 20 minutes of bedtime
• get >8 hours of rest
• risk of abnormal sleep behaviors

eszopiclone

Lunesta

• insomnia

• take within 20 minutes of bedtime
• get >8 hours of rest
• risk of abnormal sleep behaviors
• headache
• unpleasant metallic taste

promethazine

Phenergan

• treatment of:
• nausea
• vomiting
• motion sickness 
• (pick correct dosage for symptoms)

• drowsiness
• avoid alcohol
• sun sensitivity

ondansetron

Zofran

Zofran ODT

• prevention of nausea and vomiting
• non-FDA approved for treatment of nausea and vomiting

• headache
• constipation or diarrhea

omeprazole (Rx and OTC)

Prilosec (Rx)

Prilosec OTC

• prevention of acid reflux/indigestion
• prevention and treatment of ulcers

• do not crush/chew
• take 1-4 days for effect
• take 1/2-1 hour before food

famotidine (Rx and OTC)

Pepcid (Rx)

Pepcid AC (OTC)

• prevention of acid reflux/indigestion
• prevention and treatment of ulcers

• headache
• takes 24 hours for effect

magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, simethicone (OTC)

Maalox Advanced

• treatment of acute acid reflux/indigestion (AlOH, MgOH)
• relief of gas pressure/bloating (simethicone)

• Shake well
• many drug-drug- interactions
• constipation (aluminum)
• diarrhea (magnesium and simethicone)

calcium carbonate (OTC)

Tums

• Treatment of acute acid reflux/indigestion
• calcium supplement

• if taking for supplementation, take with food or acidic juice to increase absorption
• constipation

docusate sodium

Colace

• stool softener to relieve constipation

• do not crush/chew
• may take 1-2 days to work
• do not take within two hours of other medications
• take with a full glass of water

sennosides (senna)

(OTC)

Senokot

Ex-Lax

• stimulant laxative to relieve constipation

• do not crush/chew tablets
• do not take longer than 1 week
• takes up to 6-12 hours for effect
• diarrhea, cramps

polyethylene glycol (PEG)

(Rx and OTC)

Miralax (OTC)

• pulls water into the intestine to relieve constipation
• bowel evacuant for colonoscopy prep

• takes up to 2-4 days
• do not use longer than 2 weeks without physician supervision

loperamide (Rx and OTC)

Imodium (Rx)

Imodium AD (OTC)

• slows peristalsis to treat diarrhea

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• black/bloody stools- call MD
• if diarrhea not improved in 2 days- call MD

omega-3 fish oil (Rx and OTC)

Lovaza (Rx)

• reduce triglycerides

• stomach upset/take with food
• do not crush/chew
• refrigerate caps if fishy aftertaste

simvastatin

Zocor

• reduce cholesterol and triglycerides

• report unusual muscle pain
• avoid grapefruit juice
• avoid alcohol
• contraindicated in pregnancy

ezetimibe

Zetia

• reduce cholesterol

• diarrhea
• report unusual muscle pain

gemfibrozil

Lopid

• reduce triglycerides

• report unusual muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• upset stomach/abdominal pain

insulin lispro

Humalog

• Type I diabetes
• Type II diabetes

• rapid acting insulin
• eat within 15 minutes of using
• refrigerate unopened insulin
• after 1st use, store vial at room temp or let syringe reach room temp prior to injection (injecting cold insulin is painful)
• discard 28 days after 1st use

insulin regular (Rx and OTC)

Novalin R

Humulin R

• Type I diabetes
• Type II diabetes

• short acting insulin
• eat within 30 minutes of using
• refridgerate unopened insulin
• after 1st use, store vial at room temp or let filled syringe reach room temp prior to injection
• discard 28 days after 1st use

insulin glargine

Lantus

• Type I diabetes
• Type II diabetes

• long acting insulin
• use at same time each day
• cannot be mixed in the same syringe with other insulin
• after 1st use, store vial at room temp or let filled syringe reach room temp prior to injection
• discard 28 days after 1st use

metformin

Glucophage

• Type II diabetes

• titrate up to reduce stomach upset
• diarrhea
• take with meals
• avoid alcohol
• take with plenty of water

glimepiride

Amaryl

• Type 2 diabetes

• take with 1st meal of the day
• low blood sugar
• nausea
• effectiveness decreases over time
• avoid alcohol

sitagliptin

Januvia

• Type 2 diabetes

• low blood sugar
• stuffed or runny nose
• sore throat
• headache

clopidogrel

Plavix

• to prevent blood clots

• avoid aspirin and NSAIDS (unless instructed)
• seek medical attention for unusual bleeding or bruising

warfarin

Coumadin

• to prevent blood clots

• avoid aspirin and NSAIDS (unless instructed)
• seek medical attention for unusual bleeding or bruising
• keep dietary vitamin K consistent (green leafy vegetables)
• avoid cranberry juice and cranberry products
• ask before starting new medications due to many drug interactions 

furosemide

Lasix

• edema (swelling)
• hypertension
• heart failure

• photosensitivity
• dizziness upon standing
• avoid taking at bedtime (inceases urination)

hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

Hydrodiuril (tablet)

Microzide (capsule)

• Edema
• Hypertension

• Photosensitivity
• Dizziness

triamterene/HCTZ

Maxzide-25 (tablet)

Dyazide (capsule)

• Edema
• Hypertension

• Photosensitivity
• Dizziness

lisinopril

Zestril

Prinivil

• hypertension
• heart failure or post heart attack
• (non-FDA approved: diabetic nephropathy)

• avoid during pregnancy
• dizziness
• dry cough
• headache
• avoid salt substitute that are high in potassium

valsartan

Diovan

• hypertension
• heart failure
• post heart attack

• avoid during pregnancy
• headache
• avoid salt substitutes that are high in potassium

amlodipine

Norvasc

• Hypertension
• Prevent angina (chest pain)

• swelling (edema)
• headache
• palpitations

metoprolol tartrate

metoprolol succinate

Lopressor

Toprol XL

• hypertension
• prevent angina (chest pain)
• post heart attack

• low heart rate
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• take with food (better absorption)

clonidine

Catapres

Catapres-TTS

• hypertension

• Tablet: 
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• constipation
• sudden discontinuation results in rebound hypertension

• Also for patch:
• apply to a hairless area on upper arm or upper chest
• rotate sites
• do not cut the patch
• apply cover if patch loosens

levothyroxine

Levoxyl

Synthroid

Levothroid

• Hypothyroidism

• Take with water on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before a meal
• take 4 hours apart from antacids and iron
• peak effect in 4-6 weeks
• do not switch manufacturers (changes blood level/effectiveness)

tamsulosin

Flomax

• treats enlarged prostate

• take 30 minutes after the same meal each day
• rise slowly from a sitting/lying position as drug may cause dizziness
• headache
• runny nose

tolerodine

Detrol LA

• overactive bladder

• swallow whole
• dry mouth
• dizziness

donepezil

Aricept

• treats Alzheimer's disease by slowing mental decline

• nausea
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• stomach bleed with NSAIDS

alendronate

Fosamax

• osteoporosis (prevents bone loss)

• take 30 minutes before breakfast
• take with plain water and remain upright for 30 minutes
• report heartburn or bone pain to physician

allopurinol

Zyloprim

• Gout

• Take with food
• drink 10-12 glasses of fluids daily
• takes 2-6 weeks for optimal effect
• avoid alcohol, caffeine, and large doses of vitamin C

varenicline

Chantix

• smoking cessation

• begin taking 7 days before scheduled quit date
• take after eating, with full glass of water
• vivid, unusual dreams
• nausea
• headache
• insomnia

Iron

Slow Fe

Fergon

• Iron deficiency
• dietary supplement

• take with meal
• stomach discomfort
• black stools

sumatriptin

Imitrex

• treatment of migraine
• cluster headaches

• do not use for other types of headaches
• will not prevent a headache
• avoid if history of cardiovascular disease

tadalafil

Cialis

• erectile dysfunction

• do not take more than once daily
• avoid alcohol, grapefruit juice
• headache and flushing
• report erection lasting >4 hours to the prescriber
• report sudden loss of hearing or vision