Top 200 Drugs You Must Know
If you plan to take the PTCB exam to earn pharmacy technician certification you need to be familiar with these medications. It’s likely you’ll only see 25 of the 200 mentioned on the PTCB exam, but they will challenge your knowledge of drugs according to the top 200 drugs dispensed. If you already work in retail, then you’ll already know them and dispense them on a daily basis from the fast rack. If you’re new to becoming a pharmacy technician with no experience at all, then you absolutely MUST be familiar with these medications.
Index:
| Brand name (Pronunciation) |
Generic Name (Pronunciation) |
Drug Class | Indication(s) and usage |
Drugs 1-10
| Lipitor (Lip-uh-tor) |
Atorvastatin (a-TOR-va-stat-in) |
Statin | Lowers cholesterol |
| Singulair (sing-YOU-lair) |
Montelukast (mon-TEL-Lou-kast) |
Leukotriene | Asthma, common allergies |
| Lexapro (Lex-uh-Pro) |
Escitalopram (Eh-sigh-tal-oh-pram) |
SSRI | Depression, anxiety |
| Nexium (Nex-E-um) |
Esomeprazole (Es-Oh-Mep-Ra-zole) |
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) | Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, heartburn, peptic ulcers |
| Synthroid (Sin-throyd) |
Levothyroxine (Lee-vo-thy-rox-ine) |
Thyroid drugs | Hypothyroidism |
| Plavix (Plav-ix) |
Clopidigrel (Klo-pid-e-grel) |
Anit-platelet | Prevents blood clots |
| Ttoprol XL (Tope-rol) |
Metoprolol Succinate (Meh-tope-ro-lol |
Antihypertenseive | Hypertension, angina pectoris and heart failure |
| Prevacid (Prev-uh-sid) |
Lansoprazole (Lan-sope-ra-zole) |
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) | Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, heartburn, peptic ulcers |
| Vytorin (vye-TOR-in) |
Ezetimibe/Simvastatin (Ez-zeet-uh-mibe/Sim-va-stat-in |
Statin | Combination drug of Zetia and Zocor; lowers cholesterol |
| Advair Diskus (Adv-air) |
Fluticasone / Salmeterol (Floo-TIK-uh-zone / Sal-meet-er-ol) |
Steroid/bronchodilator | Combination drug of Flovent and Serevent; Asthma, COPD |
Drugs 11-20
| Zyrtec (Zeer-Tek) |
Cetirizine (Set-ir-uh-zine) |
Antihistamine | Allergies, seasonal allergies |
| Effexor (E-fexx-er) |
Venlafaxine (Ven-La-fax-ine) |
SSNRI/Antidepressant | Depression, anxiety |
| Protonix (Pro-TON-ix) |
Pantoprazole (Pan-toap-ra-zole) |
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) | Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, heartburn, peptic ulcers |
| Diovan (Die-oh-van) |
Valsartan (Val-Sar-tun) |
Angiotensin receptor blockers | Dilates blood vessels and reduces blood pressure |
| Fosamax (Fos-uh-Max) |
Alendronate (A-Lynn-dro-nate) |
Biophosphonates | Osteoporosis |
| Zetia (Zee-tee-uh) |
Ezetimibe (Ez-Zeet-im-ibe) |
Statin | Lowers cholesterol |
| Crestor (Krest-or) |
Rosuvastatin (roz-oov-uh-statin) |
Statin | Lowers cholesterol |
| Levaquin (Lev-uh-quin) |
Levofloxacin (Leave-oh-flox-uh-cin) |
Antibiotic | Bacterial infections |
| Diovan/HCT (Die-oh-van/H-C-T) |
Valsartan/Hydro- chlorothiazide (Val-sar-tun/Hydro-chlor-oh-thy-azide) |
Angiotensin-receptor- blockers with diuretic |
Dilates blood vessels reducing bloodpressure with water pill |
| Klor-Con (Klor-kon) |
Potassium Chloride (Potassium Chloride) |
Potassium supplement | Hypokalemia(low K+ blood levels) |
Drugs 21-30
| Cymbalta (Sim-bal-ta) |
Duloxetine (Do-lox-uh-tine) |
Antidepressant, SNRI | Depression, anxiety |
| Actos (Ak-Tose) |
Pioglitazone (Pi-O-glit-uh-zone) |
Thiazolidinedione | Diabetes |
| Premarin (Prem-er-in ) |
Conjugated estrogens (Con-ju-gated es-tro-gens ) |
Estrogens | Hormone replacement therapy |
| Celebrex (Cel-eh-brex) |
Celecoxib (Cel-eh-cox-ib) |
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSAID | Arthritis, pain |
| Flomax (Flo-max) |
Tamsulosin (Tam-sul-oh-sin) |
Alpha blocker | Benign prostatic hyperplasia |
| Seroquel (Ser-uh-qwell) |
Quetiapine (kwi-TYE-uh-peen) |
Antipsychotic | Dipola depression, schizophrenia |
| Norvasc (Nor-vasc) |
Amlodipine (Am-low-duh-peen) |
Calcium channel blocker | Hypertension, angina |
| Nasonex (Naze-o-nex) |
Mometasone (mo-ME-ta-zone) |
Corticosteroid | Allergies |
| Tricor (Tri-kor) |
Fenofibrate (Fen-o-fib-rate ) |
Fibrate | Lowers cholesterol |
| Lantus Insulin (Lan-tuss) |
Glargine Insulin (Glar-gine ) |
Insulin | Diabetes |
Drugs 31-40
| Lotrel (Low-trel) |
Benazepril/ Amlodipine (Ben-az-uh-pril/ Am-lo-duh-peen ) |
Calcium channel blocker | Hypertension |
| Actonel (Ak-tow-nel) |
Risedronate (rih SED ro nayt) |
bisphosphonates | Osteoporosis |
| Ambien CR (Am-bee-in) |
Zolpidem ( zole-PI-dem) |
Hypnotic | Insomnia |
| Cozaar (Ko-zaar) |
Losartan (Lo-sar-tin) |
Angiotensin receptor blocker | Hypertension |
| Coreg (core-eg) |
Carvedilol (Car-ved-eh-lol) |
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents | Hypertension |
| Valtrex (Val-trex ) |
Valacyclovir (Val-a-cy-klo-veer) |
Antiviral | Genital herpes |
| Lyrica (leer-eek-uh ) |
Pregabalin (pre-gaba-lin) |
Anticonvulsant | Neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia |
| Concerta (Kun-cert-uh ) |
Methylphenidate (Meth-il-fen-uh-date) |
Psychostimulant | Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy |
| Risperdal Respiridone (Ris-per-dal) |
Respiridone (Ruh-speer-uh-done) |
Atypical antipsychotic | schizophrenia, bipolar disorder |
| Digitek (Dig-uh-tek) |
Digoxin (Dig-Ox-in) |
Cardiac glycoside | Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter |
Drugs 41-50
| Topamax (Tope-uh-max) |
Topiramate (Tow-peer-uh-mate) |
Anti-seizure drug | Seizures, epilepsy, migraine headaches |
| Chantix (Chan-tix) |
Varenicline (ver-EN-e-kleen) |
Nicotinic receptor partial agonist | Smoking cessation |
| Avandia (Uh-van-dee-uh) |
Rosiglitazone (row-zi-Gli-ta-zone) |
Thiazolidinedione | Diabetes |
| Lamictal (La-mik-Tal ) |
Lamotrigene (la-MOE-tri-jeen ) |
Anticonvulsant | Seizures, eplipesy, bipolar disorder |
| Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (Or-tho-Tri-Cy-klin ) |
Norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol (Nor-GEST-ih-mate) |
Contraceptive | Birth control |
| Xalatan (Zal-ug-TAN) |
Latanoprost (La-TAN-uh-prost) |
Glaucoma agent | Glaucoma |
| Aciphex (ass-eff-ex) |
Rabeprazole (RAB-ep-ra-zoll) |
Proton Pump Inhibitor – PPI | Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, heartburn, peptic ulcers |
| Hyzaar (Hy-ZAAR ) |
Losartan/HCTZ (low-sar-tan/HCTZ ) |
angiotensin II receptor antagonist | Hypertension |
| Spiriva (Speer-Ree-va) |
Tiotropium (tye-oh-TROE-pee-um) |
anticholinergic agent | bronchitis, emphysema, COPD |
| Wellbutrin XL (Well-bue-Trin) |
Bupropion (bue-PROE-pee-on) |
Antidepressant agent | depression |
Drugs 51-60
| Lunesta (Loo-Nest-uh) |
Eszopiclone (e-ZOP-i-klone) |
Hypnotic | Insomnia |
| Benicar (Ben-ih-Car) |
Olmesartan (OL-me-SAR-tan) |
Angiotensin II receptor antagonists | HTN (hypertention/high bloodpressure) |
| Benicar HCT (Ben-ih-Car H-C-T) |
Olmesartan/HCTZ (OL-me-SAR-tan H-C-T) |
Angiotensin II receptor antagonists/water pill | HTN (hypertention/high bloodpressure) |
| Aricept (Ari-cept) |
Donepezil (doe-NEP-e-zil) |
Cholinesterase inhibitors | Alzheimer’s Disease, mild dementia |
| Avapro (Av-uh-pro) |
Irbesartan (ir-be-SAR-tan) |
Angiotensin receptor blockers | HTN |
| Detrol LA (Det-rol L-A) |
Tolteridine (tol-TER-oh-deen) |
Cholinergic receptor blockers | Overactie bladder |
| Trinessa (Tri-ness-uh) |
Norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (ETH-in-ill-ess-tra-DYE-ol- and nor-JESS-tim-ayt) |
combination oral contraceptive | Contraceptive, ACNE |
| Cialis (SEE-Al-is) |
Tadalafil (ta-DAL-a-fil) |
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors | Erectile Dysfunction (ED) |
| Combivent (Komb-E-vent) | Ipratropium bromide/ Albuterol (ip-ra-TRO-pee-um and al-BYOO-ter-ol) |
Bronchodilators | COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| Omnicef (Omni-cef) |
Cefdinir (SEF-dih-neer) |
Cephalosporin Antibiotics | Infections caused by bacteria |
Drugs 61-70
| Imitrex (im-i-trex) |
Sumatriptan (soo-ma-TRIP-tan) |
Selective serotonin receptor agonists | Migraine headaches |
| Evista (E-vist-a) |
Raloxifene (ra-LOX-i-feen) |
Selective estrogen receptor modulator | Osteoporosis in post-menopausal women |
| Nuvaring (Nu-VA-ring) |
Etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (et-oh-no-GES-trel and ETH-in-il-ess-tra-DYE-ole) |
Hormones/Contraceptives | Contraceptive |
| Niaspan (NYE-a-span) |
Niacin (NYE-a-sin) |
Dietary supplements | High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia) |
| Boniva (BO-neev-a) |
Ibandronate (eye-BAN-dro-nate) |
Bisphosphonates | Prevent Osteoporosis after menopause |
| Flovent (FLO-vent) |
Fluticasone (floo-TIK-a-zone) |
Corticosteroid | Allergies |
| Avelox (av-a-LOX) |
Moxifloxacin (moxi-FLOX-a-sin) |
Fluoroquinolones | Bacterial infections |
| Abliify (a-BIL-a-fye) |
Aripiprazole (AR-i-PIP-RA-ZOLE) |
Antipsychotic | Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder |
| Avalide (Hydrochlorothiazide and Irbesartan) |
Irbesartan-hydrochlorothiazide (HYE-dro-KLOR-oh-THYE-a-zide and ir-be-SAR-tan) |
Combination angiotensin II receptor blocker and diuretic | Hypertension |
| Requip (RE-quip) |
Ropinirole (row-PIN-a-role) |
Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agent | Parkinson’s disease, restless leg syndrome |
Drugs 71-80
| Coumadin (KOO-ma-din) |
Warfarin (WAR-far-in) |
Anticoagulant (blood thinner) | Blood clots |
| Zyprexa (ZYE-prex-a) |
Olanzapine (oh-LANZ-a-peen) |
Atypical antipsychotic | Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder |
| Depakote ER (Dep-a-kowt) |
Divalproex Sodium (dye-val-PRO-ex) |
Anticonvulsant | Seizures, bipolar disorder, migraine headaches |
| Nasacort (Naze-a-kort) |
Triamcinolone Acetonide (TRYE-am-SIN-oh-lone) |
Corticosteroids | Allergies, allergic rhinitis |
| Skelaxin (Skel-ax-in) |
Metaxalone (me-TAX-a-lone) |
Muscle relaxant | Muscle spasms |
| Allegra-D (a-LEG-ra) |
Fexofenadine (FEX-oh-FEN-a-deen and SOO-doe-ee-FED-rin) |
Antihistamine and decongestant | Allergies, common cold, sneezing, cough, runny nose, hives, itching |
| Humalog (HUE-ma-LOG) |
Insulin Lispro (IN-soo-lin LISS-pro) |
Insulins | Diabetes |
| Vigamox (VIG-a-mox) |
Moxifloxacin (moxi-FLOX-a-sin) |
Fluoroquinolones | Bacterial infection of the eyes |
| Endocet (in-DOE-cet) |
Oxycodone and acetaminophen (OX-i-KOE-done and a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen) |
Analgesic, narcotic pain reliever | Moderate to severe pain |
| Budeprion SR (bue-DEP-ree-on) |
Buproprion (byoo-PRO-pee-on) |
Antidepressant | Depression, smoking cessation |
Drugs 81-90
| Namenda (na-MEND-a) |
Memantine (meh-MAN-teen) |
NMDA receptor antagonist | Alzheimer’s disease |
| Lidoderm (LYE-doe-derm) |
Lidocaine Patch (LYE-doe-kane) |
Topical anesthetic | Shingles, pain |
| Strattera (Stra-terr-a) |
Atomoxetine (AT-oh-mox-o-teen) |
Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) |
| Aviane (av-ee-ann) |
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol (LEE-vo-nor-JESS-trel and ETH-in-ill-ess-tra-DYE-ol) |
Hormonal contraceptive | contraceptive |
| Patanol (patt-in-all) |
Olopatadine (OH-loe-PAT-a-deen) |
Antihistamine | Ocular allergies, inflammation, itching, waatering, burning |
| Proventil HFA (pro-VENT-ill) |
Albuterol (al-BYOO-ter-all) |
Bronchodilator | Asthma |
| Clarinex (K) |
Desloratidine (DES-lor-A-ta-deen) |
Antihistamine | Allergies, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose |
| Astelin (AS-tull-in) |
Azelastine (a-ZEL-uh-steen) |
Antihistamine | Nasal symptoms of allergies, sneezing, itching, runny nose |
| Tussionex (tuss-EE-uh-NEX) |
hydrocodone/ chlorpheniramine (HYE-droe-KOE-done and KLOR-fen-IR-a-meen) |
Antihistamine and narcotic cough suppressant | runny nose, sneezing, and cough caused by common cold |
| Caduet (KAD-oo-ET) |
(am-LOE-di-peen and a-TOR-va-sta-tin) |
Statina and Calcium channel blocker | Hypertension and hyperlipidemia |
Drugs 91-100
| Avodart (av-O-dart) |
Dutasteride (doo-TAS-ter-ide) |
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors | BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia |
| Keppra (KEPP-ra) |
Levetiracetam (LEE-ve-tye-RA-se-tam) |
Anti-apileptic | Seizures |
| Januvia (Ja-noov-ee-a) |
Sitagliptan (SI-ta-glip-tin) |
Selective DPP-4 inhibitor | Type 2 Diabetes |
| Kariva (kuh-REE-va) |
desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol and ethinyl estradiol (EH-thih-nill-ess-tra-DYE-ole and des-oh-JESS-trel) |
Hormonal contraceptive | contraceptive |
| Prempro (Prem-PRO) |
Conjugate estrogens/ Medroxypregesterone Acetate (KON-joo-GAY-ted-ES-troe-jenz and me-DROX-EE-proe-JES-tero-one) |
Conjugated estrogens | Symptoms of menopause, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, burning, irritation, osteoporosis prevention |
| Rhinocort (RYE-na-kort) |
Budesonide (byoo-DEH-so-nide) |
Corticosteroid | Allergies, nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose. |
| Levitra (la-VEE-tra) |
Vardenafil (var-DEN-a-fil) |
Phosphodiesterase inhibitor | ED (Erectile dysfunction |
| Fosamax plus D (FOS-FO-max) |
Alendronate plus calceriferol (a-LEN-dro-nate) |
bisphosphonates | Postmenopausal osteoporosis prevention |
| Byetta (BYE-ett-a) |
Exenatide (ex-EN-a-tide) |
Incretin mimetics | Type 2 (non-insulin) diabetes |
| Pulmicort (pull-MI-kort) |
Budesonide (byoo-DES-oh-nide) |
Corticosteroid | Asthma, asthma symptom prevention |
Drugs 101-200 under construction
Will be posted 7/10/10