Generic Name- Brand Names Classification- Indication- Memory Palace (Generic/Brand/Class/Indication Recognition) or Fun Fact
💊Acetaminophen Tylenol Analgesic Pain/Fever
the generic name comes from the chemical name N-ACETyl-para-AMINOPHENol. Tylenol comes from N-aceTYL-para-aminophENOL
💊Acyclovir Zovirax Antiviral, Nucleoside Cold Sores/Herpes/Shingles
acycloVIR and zoVIRax share 'vir' in their names. acyclovir goes through a cycle where it is converted to acyclovir triphosphate, inhibiting viral DNA replication
💊Albuterol
Proair, Proventil, Ventolin
Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonist Asthma/SoB/Bronchospasm albuterol will help provide air (proair), promote ventilation (proventil), and help me ventilate (ventolin)
💊Alendronate Fosamax Bisphosphonate Bone Loss/Osteoporosis alendronate has the -dronate stem so it's a bisphosphonate. think fossils when you see fosamax or 'os' for bones
💊Allopurinol
Zyloprim, Aloprim
Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor Gout/Hyperuricemia
allopurinol ALLOsterically inhibits the catabolism of PURINes. allopurinol is a structural analog of the natural purine base, hypoxanthine
💊Alprazolam Xanax Benzodiazepine Anxiety/Panic Disorder -azolam stem for benzos. 'zanies' is a street name for xanax
💊Amiodarone Cordarone Anti-Arrhythmic Arrhythmias/Irregular Heartbeat amioDARONE and corDARONE share 'darone' in their names
💊Amitriptyline Elavil Tricyclic Antidepressant Depression/Insomnia/Nerve Pain amitriptyline elevates (elavil) your mood. -triptyline stem also found in nortriptyline
💊Amlodipine Norvasc Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB) Hypertension/Angina -dipine stem for CCB. think vasculature in norVASC
💊Amoxicillin Amoxil Antibiotic, Penicillin Bacterial Infections AMOXicillin and AMOXil share "amox" in their names
💊Amoxicillin + Clavulanate Augmentin
Antibiotic, Penicillin + Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor
Bacterial Infections amoxicillin is AUGMENTed with clavulanate to increase its efficacy
💊15
Amphetamine + Dextroamphetamine
Adderall CNS Stimulant ADHD/Narcolepsy adderall is used for ADHD, previously termed ADD. original marketing used the slogan ADD for ALL (ADDerALL)
💊16
Anastrozole Arimidex Cytostatic Aromatase Inhibitor Breast Cancer
💊17
Apixaban Eliquis Anticoagulant, Factor Xa Inhibitor
Deep Venous Thrombosis/Pulmonary Embolism
apiXAban is a factor Xa inhibitor
💊18
Aripiprazole Abilify Atypical Antipsychotic
Depression/Bipolar Disorder/Schizophrenia
-piprazole stem for antipsychotics. both aripiprazole and abilify start with 'a' and it's an atypical antipsychotic
💊19
Aspirin Ecotrin
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Pain/Arthritis/Thromboembolic Prophylaxis
aspirin name origin - “a” for acetyl, “spir” from the spirea plant, and the suffix “in” is commonly used
💊20
Atenolol Tenormin Beta-Blocker Hypertension/Angina aTENolol and TENormin share 'ten' in their names. -olol stem indicates beta-blocker
💊21
Atomoxetine Strattera
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)
ADHD
atoms (atomoxetine) have a lot of space between them. they are scattered (strattera) around in their thoughts, like people with ADHD
💊22
Atorvastatin Lipitor HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor Dyslipidemia
LIPItor is used for dysLIPIDemia. lipiTOR and aTORvastatin share 'tor' in their names. -vastatin stem used for cholesterol lowering agents
💊23
Azelastine Astelin Histamine H1 Antagonist Allergies azelastine and astelin sound very similar and both start with 'a'
💊24
Azithromycin
Zithromax, Z-PAK
Antibiotic, Macrolide Bacterial Infections aZITHROmycin and ZITHROmax share 'ZITHRO' in their names. usually called Z-PAK
💊25
Baclofen Lioresal Muscle Relaxant
Muscle Spasms/Musculoskeletal Pain
💊26
Beclomethasone Qvar Corticosteroid Asthma/Allergies -methasone stem for steroids. Qvar is the inhaled formulation
💊27
Benazepril Lotensin
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE)
Hypertension lotensin is used to lower hypertension. benazepril has the -pril stem so it's an ACE inhibitor used for HTN
💊28
Benzonatate Tessalon Perles Antitussive Cough benzonatate looks like pearls (tessalon perles)
💊29
Bimatoprost Lumigan Prostaglandin Glaucoma/Ocular Hypertension bimatoPROST is a PROSTaglandin used for glaucoma
💊30
Bisacodyl Dulcolax Laxative, Stimulant Constipation dulcoLAX is a LAXative
💊31
Bisoprolol Zebeta Beta-Blocker Hypertension bisoprolol has -olol stem so it's a BETA-blocker. zeBETA is a BETA-blocker
💊32
Brimonidine
Alphagan P, Lumify
Alpha-2 Agonist Glaucoma/Ocular Hypertension Alphagan is an ALPHA AGonist. P refers to the preservative
💊33
Budesonide + Formoterol🔸 Symbicort
Beta-2 Agonist + Long-Acting Corticosteroid
Asthma/COPD combination drug so they have a SYMBIotic or synergistic effect. budesonide is a CORTicosteroid
💊34
Buprenorphine + Naloxone 🔸Suboxone Opioid Agonist, Partial Opioid Dependence SUButex was a brand name for buprenorphine. subOXONE is a combination of Subutex and nalOXONE
💊35
Bupropion 🔸Wellbutrin Miscellaneous Antidepressant Depression/Smoking Cessation bupropion is used for depression or to make you feel 'wellbutrin'
💊36
Buspirone🔸 Buspar Miscellaneous Antianxiety Agent Anxiety BUSPirone and BUSPar share 'busp' in their names and sound similar
💊37
Butalbital + APAP + Caffeine
🔸Fioricet Analgesic + Barbiturate Migraines/Tension Headaches
💊38
Canagliflozin Invokana
Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitor (SGLT2)
Diabetes/Cardiovascular Disorders Prophylaxis
-gliflozin for diabetes meds
💊39
Carbamazepine🔸 Tegretol Anticonvulsant
Seizures/Bipolar Disorder/Nerve Pain
chemical name for carbamazepine is CARBAMido-dibenzAZEPINE
💊40
Carbidopa + Levodopa 🔸Sinemet
Decarboxylase Inhibitor + Dopamine Precursor
Parkinson's Disease
sinemet means "without nausea." the carbidopa component prevents conversion of levodopa to dopamine which spares unwanted GI side effects
💊41
Carisoprodol 🔸Soma Muscle Relaxant
Muscle Spasms/Musculoskeletal Pain
💊42
Carvedilol🔸 Coreg Beta-Blocker Hypertension/Heart Failure
-dil stem for vasodilators or -ilol stem similar to -olol for beta blockers. co = cardiac output; reg = regulator --> cardiac output regulator
💊43
Cefdinir 🔸Omnicef Antibiotic, Cephalosporin Bacterial Infections CEFdinir and omniCEF share 'cef' in their names. 'omni' is all knowing referring to a broader spectrum cephalosporin
💊44
Cefuroxime🔸 Ceftin Antibiotic, Cephalosporin Bacterial Infections CEFuroxime and CEFtin share 'cef' in their names
💊45
Celecoxib🔸 Celebrex
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Pain/Arthritis CELEcoxib sounds like CELEbrex. celeCOXib is a cox-2 inhibitor
💊46
Cephalexin 🔸Keflex Antibiotic, Cephalosporin Bacterial Infections -cef stem for cephalosporins. cephaLEXin and kefLEX share 'lex' in their names
💊47
Cetirizine 🔸Zyrtec Histamine H1 Antagonist Allergies zyrtec spelled backwards is 'cetryz'. this sounds like CETIRIZine
💊48
Chlorhexidine 🔸Peridex Oral Antiseptic Gingivitis/Periodontitis associate chlorHEXidine with periDEX
💊49
Chlorthalidone 🔸Hygroton Diuretic, Thiazide-Like Hypertension/Edema
💊50
Cimetidine 🔸Tagamet Histamine H2 Antagonist
GERD/Erosive Esophagitis/Gastric Ulcers
otc medication
💊51
Ciprofloxacin 🔸Cipro Antibiotic, Fluoroquinolone Bacterial Infections CIPROfloxacin and CIPRO share 'cipro' in their names. -floxacin is a stem indicating the antibiotic fluoroquinolone class
💊52
Citalopram 🔸Celexa
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Depression/Social Phobia/OCD
citalopram and ceLEXA both start with 'c'. LEXApro is the brand name for esCITALOPRAM. don't get them confused. Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
💊53
Clarithromycin🔸 Biaxin Antibiotic, Macrolide Bacterial Infections -mycin stem for Streptomyces strain antibiotics
💊54
Clindamycin🔸 Cleocin Antibiotic, Lincosamide Bacterial Infections -mycin stem for Streptomyces strain antibiotics
💊55
Clobazam 🔸Onfi Benzodiazepine Seizures similar sound and spelling to clonazepam. also a benzo used mainly for seizures
💊56
Clobetasol🔸 Temovate Corticosteroid
Inflammatory and Endocrine Disorders
-betasol stem for steroids
💊57
Clonazepam 🔸Klonopin Benzodiazepine Seizures/Panic Disorder CLONazepam sounds like KLONopin
💊58
Clonidine🔸 Catapres Alpha-2 Agonist Hypertension/ADHD think pressor when you see cataPRES. pressors increase BP. 'cata' means down. so down BP
💊59
Clopidogrel🔸 Plavix Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor Thromboembolic Prophylaxis -grel stem for 'platelet' aggregation inhibitors. plavix sounds like platelet
💊60
Clotrimazole🔸 Lotrimin Antifungal, Imidazole Fungal Infections cLOTRIMazole and LOTRIMin share 'lotrim' in their names
💊61
Codeine + Acetaminophen 🔸Tylenol #3 Opioid + Analgesic Mild to Moderate Pain #3 referring to 300 mg acetaminophen and 30mg codeine in the formulation
💊62
Colchicine🔸 Colcrys Anti-Gout Agent Gout COLchicine and COLcrys share 'col' in their names. 'crys' refers to uric acid crystals that cause gout
💊63
Cyclobenzaprine🔸 Flexeril Muscle Relaxant
Muscle Spasms/Musculoskeletal Pain
think muscle 'flex' when you see FLEXeril because its used for muscle spasms/pain
💊64
Dapagliflozin🔸 Farxiga
Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitor (SGLT2)
Diabetes/Cardiovascular Disorders Prophylaxis
-gliflozin stem for diabetes meds
💊65
Dexamethasone 🔸Decadron Corticosteroid
Inflammatory and Endocrine Disorders
think DEXAmethasone and DECAdron
💊66
Dexmethylphenidate 🔸Focalin CNS Stimulant ADHD Focalin helps you focus
💊67
Dextromethorphan🔸 Delsym Antitussive Cough DM short for dextromethorphan. Robitussin (tussin-relating to cough) if abused can cause robotripping
💊68
Diazepam 🔸Valium Benzodiazepine Anxiety/Seizures/Muscle Spasms -azepam stem for benzos
💊69
Diclofenac 🔸Voltaren
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Pain/Arthritis -fenac stem for NSAIDs
💊70
Dicyclomine🔸 Bentyl Anticholinergic Agent Abdominal Pain/IBS
💊71
Digoxin 🔸Lanoxin Cardiac Glycoside
Heart Failure/Chronic Atrial Fibrillation
digOXIN and lanOXIN share 'oxin' in their names
💊72
Diltiazem🔸 Cardizem Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB) Hypertension/Angina diltiaZEM and cardiZEM share 'zem' in their names. CARDIzem is a CARDIac drug
💊73
Diphenhydramine 🔸Benadryl, Siladryl Histamine H1 Antagonist Allergies otc medication
💊74
Divalproex🔸 Depakote Anticonvulsant
Seizures/Bipolar Disorder/Migraines
💊75
Docusate🔸 Colace Stool Softener Constipation docusate sounds like constipate. COlace is used for COnstipation
💊76
Donepezil🔸 Aricept Cholinesterase Inhibitor Alzheimer's Disease
💊77
Doxazosin 🔸Cardura Alpha-1 Blocker
Hypertension/Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
-azosin stem for alpha-blockers
💊78
Doxepin🔸 Silenor Tricyclic Antidepressant Depression/Anxiety/Insomnia doxepin contains a DibenzOXEPIN ring. a little silence (silenor) will help with my anxiety
💊79
Doxycycline🔸 Vibramycin Antibiotic, Tetracycline Bacterial Infections -cycline stem for tetracycline derivative antibiotics
💊80
Dulaglutide 🔸Trulicity
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1)
Diabetes/Cardiovascular Disorders Prophylaxis
-glutide stem for diabetes meds
💊81
Duloxetine 🔸Cymbalta
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)
Depression/Anxiety/Nerve Pain -oxetine stem for antidepressants
💊82
Empagliflozin🔸 Jardiance
Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitor (SGLT2)
Diabetes/Cardiovascular Disorders Prophylaxis
-gliflozin stem for diabetes meds
💊83
Enalapril 🔸Vasotec
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE)
Hypertension/Congestive Heart Failure
-pril stem for ACEIs
💊84
Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) 🔸Drisdol Supplement, Vitamin D Vitamin D Deficiency ergocalciferol is vitamin D2. the brand name is Drisdol
💊85
Escitalopram🔸 Lexapro
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Depression/Anxiety escitalopram is (S)-citalopram or the s enantiomer of escitalopram
💊86
Esomeprazole🔸 Nexium Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
GERD/Erosive Esophagitis/Gastric Ulcers
-prazole stem for PPIs. Nexium comes from "next" referring to after omeprazole and 'ium' from the hydronium ion (H3O+) - from when Arrhenius acid molecules in solution give up a proton to the surrounding water molecules
💊87
Estradiol
🔸Yuvafem, Imvexxy
Estrogen Menopause Symptoms
💊88
Estrogens 🔸Premarin Estrogen Menopause Symptoms premarin was originally isolated from PREgnant MARe's urINE
💊89
Eszopiclone🔸 Lunesta Hypnotic Insomnia esZopiclone is a Z drug used for sleep. think zzz. lunesta refers to the moon (luna in spanish) and siesta (nap/sleep)
💊90
Ethinyl Estradiol + Norethindrone 🔸Leena Contraceptive Contraception, Routine most contraceptives and hormone replacements are either estrogens and progestins or a combination
💊91
Ethinyl Estradiol + Norgestimate 🔸Tri-Lo-Sprintec Contraceptive Contraception, Routine most contraceptives and hormone replacements are either estrogens and progestins or a combination
💊92
Etodolac🔸 Lodine
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Pain/Arthritis -dolac stem for NSAIDs
💊93
Ezetimibe 🔸Zetia Sterol Transporter Inhibitor Dyslipidemia eZETImibe and ZETIa share 'zeti' in their names
💊94
Famotidine 🔸Pepcid Histamine H2 Antagonist
GERD/Erosive Esophagitis/Gastric Ulcers
pepcid sounds like a combination of PEPtic ulcers and aCID
💊95
Fenofibrate 🔸Tricor Fibric Acid Derivative Dyslipidemia TRIcor is used to treat hyperTRIglyceridemia
💊96
Fentanyl🔸 Actiq, Duragesic Opioid Agonist Severe Pain
💊97
Ferrous Sulfate🔸 Infed Supplement, Iron Iron Deficiency otc medication
💊98
Fexofenadine 🔸Allegra Histamine H1 Antagonist Allergies otc medication. Allegra is used for allergies
💊99
Finasteride🔸 Proscar 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia PROscar is used to treat a condition of the PROstate
💊100
Flecainide 🔸Tambocor Anti-Arrhythmic Arrhythmias/Irregular Heartbeat
101
Fluconazole Diflucan Antifungal, Azole Fungal Infections DiFLUCAN is the brand name for FLUCONazole
102
Fluoxetine Prozac
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Depression/Panic Disorder/OCD -oxetine stem for antidepressants
103
Fluticasone (Nasal) Flonase Corticosteroid Allergies flonase is the nasal spray of fluticasone
104
Fluticasone (Oral) Flovent Corticosteroid Asthma/COPD flovent is the oral inhalation (to ventilate) form of fluticasone
105
Fluticasone + Salmeterol Advair
Corticosteroid + Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonist
Asthma/COPD when you have asthma, you need to add air (advair) to your lungs
106
Folic Acid Folacin Supplement, Folic Acid Folate Deficiency folic acid is vitamin b9
107
Fosinopril Monopril
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE)
Hypertension/Heart Failure fosinopril and monopril both have the -pril stem indicating they are ACEI's. usually brand names don't have stems
108
Gabapentin Neurontin Anticonvulsant Seizures/Nerve Pain
gabapentin is thought to increase GABA synthesis, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. neurontin is used for neuralgia or nerve pain
109
Gemfibrozil Lopid Fibric Acid Derivative Dyslipidemia associate lopid with lipid because its used for dyslipidemia. lopid is a gem fibrate for my lipids
110
Glimepiride Amaryl Sulfonylurea Diabetes
amaryl refers to amylin, a hormone secreted along with insulin that regulates blood glucose. amaryl is gleaming with pride (glimepiride) to treat diabetes
111
Glipizide Glucotrol Sulfonylurea Diabetes glipizide is good at glucose control (glucotrol)
112
Glyburide Diabeta Sulfonylurea Diabetes diabeta is used for diabetes. 'beta' refers to the beta cells 'glyburried' in the pancreas
113
Guaifenesin
Robitussin, Mucinex
Expectorant Loosen Phlegm otc medication
114
Hydralazine Apresoline Vasodilator Hypertension hydralazine rhymes with apresoline. also think pressors relating to BP in aPRESOline
115
Hydrochlorothiazide Microzide Diuretic, Thiazide Hypertension/Edema hydrochloroTHIAZIDE is a thiazide diuretic with brand name microZIDE
116
Hydrocodone + Acetaminophen
Norco Opioid + Analgesic Moderate to Severe Pain norco is a narcotic used for pain. VIcodin is another brand name. its 6x stronger (VI) than codeine
117
Hydrocortisone Solu-Cortef Corticosteroid
Inflammatory and Endocrine Disorders
-cortisone stem for steroids. hydroCORTisone and solu-CORTef share 'cort' in their names
118
Hydromorphone Dilaudid Opioid Agonist Moderate to Severe Pain
119
Hydroxychloroquine Plaquenil
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD)
Arthritis/Lupus/Malaria
120
Hydroxyzine Vistaril, Atarax Histamine H1 Antagonist Itching/Anxiety
121
Ibandronate Boniva Bisphosphonate Bone Loss/Osteoporosis iBandronate has -dronate stem indicating Bisphosphonates. Boniva helps with Bone health
122
Ibuprofen Motrin, Advil
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Pain/Arthritis/Fever just memorize this one. it's an otc medication. higher strengths supplied as rx
123
Imipramine Tofranil Tricyclic Antidepressant Depression
124
Indapamide Lozol Diuretic, Thiazide-Like Hypertension/Edema indapamide is an INDole derivative of chlorosulphonAMIDE used to lower (lozol) BP
125
Indomethacin Indocin
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Pain/Arthritis INDOmethacin and INDOcin share 'indo' in their names
126
Insulin Aspart Novolog Insulin, Rapid-Acting Diabetes the 'logs' are rapid-acting. memorize aspart and novolog
127
Insulin Detemir Levemir Insulin, Long-Acting Diabetes
deteMIR and leveMIR share 'mir' in their names. mir refers to myristic acid, which is bound to a lysine group and replaces a threonine. this increases albumin binding which increases the duration of action
128
Insulin Glargine
Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo
Insulin, Long-Acting Diabetes
GLARgine and basaGLAR share 'glar' in their names. also think BLT like the sandwich for basaglar, lantus, toujeo. glargine differs from base insulin in amino acid compositions of glycine and arginine. lantus was originally suggested for night time use only (Long Acting Night Time Use)
129
Insulin Lispro
Humalog, Admelog
Insulin, Rapid-Acting Diabetes
the 'logs' are rapid-acting. lispro differs from base insulin in amino acid compositions of lysine and proline. ADMElog has same pharmacokinetic profile as humalog
130
Irbesartan Avapro Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Hypertension/Diabetic Nephropathy
-sartan stem for ARBs
131
Isosorbide Imdur Nitrate Angina
132
Ketoconazole Nizoral Antifungal, Azole Fungal Infections -conazole stem for antifungals
133
Labetalol Trandate Beta-Blocker Hypertension -alol stem similar to -olol stem. labetalol is a beta blocker with alpha activity
134
Lamotrigine Lamictal Anticonvulsant, Miscellaneous Seizures/Bipolar Disorder LAMotrigine and LAMictal share 'lam' in their names. 'ictal' in lamictal refers to seizures
135
Lansoprazole Prevacid Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
GERD/Erosive Esophagitis/Gastric Ulcers
lansoprazole has the -prazole stem so it's a proton pump inhibitor. prevacid inhibits protons PREVenting ACID reflux
136
Latanoprost Xalatan Prostaglandin Glaucoma/Ocular Hypertension LATANoprost and xaLATAN both have 'latan' in their names. latanoPROST is a prostaglandin
137
Levetiracetam Keppra Anticonvulsant Seizures
138
Levofloxacin Levaquin Antibiotic, Fluoroquinolone Bacterial Infections LEVofloxacin and LEVaquin share 'lev' in their names. levaQUIN is a QUINolone antibiotic
139
Levonorgestrel Plan B Contraceptive Contraception, Emergency otc medication
140
Levothyroxine
Synthroid, Levoxyl
Thyroid Agent Hypothyroidism
levoTHYROxine is used for hypoTHYROIDism. synTHROID is a synthetic THYROID medication. LEVOxyl sounds like LEVOthyroxine
141
Linagliptin Tradjenta Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor (DPP-4) Diabetes -gliptin stem for diabetes meds
142
Liraglutide Victoza
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1)
Diabetes/Cardiovascular Disorders Prophylaxis
-glutide stem for diabetes meds
143
Lisdexamfetamine Vyvanse CNS Stimulant ADHD/Binge Eating Disorder
144
Lisinopril Prinivil
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE)
Hypertension/Heart Failure -pril stem for ACEIs. has a lysine residue in its chemical structure
145
Loperamide Imodium Antipropulsive Diarrhea Imodium immobilizes your bowel movements to prevent diarrhea
146
Loratadine Claritin Histamine H1 Antagonist Allergies
Lora takes loratadine to get clarity from her allergies. or think "claritin clear". -atadine stem for tricyclic histamine-H1 receptor antagonists
147
Lorazepam Ativan Benzodiazepine Anxiety/Insomnia/Seizures -azepam stem for benzos. azepam sounds like ativan
148
Losartan Cozaar Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker (ARB) Hypertension -sartan stem for ARBs
149
Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide
Hyzaar
Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker (ARB) + Thiazide Diuretic
Hypertension HYzaar is HYdrochlorothiazide with losartan
150
Lovastatin Mevacor HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor Dyslipidemia -vastatin stem for dyslipidemia agents. mevacor prevents the conversion of HMG-CoA to MEVAlonic acid
151
Meclizine
Bonamine, Antivert
Antiemetic Nausea/Vomiting/Dizziness otc medication
152
Meloxicam Mobic
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Pain/Arthritis meloxicam will help with mobility (mobic) by easing symptoms of pain and arthritis
153
Memantine Namenda NMDA Receptor Antagonist Alzheimer's Disease
memantine is used for Alzheimer's disease. someone with this condition might forget your NAMEnda. also blocks NaMenDA receptors. memantine helps with memory
154
Metformin Glucophage Biguanide Diabetes metformin treats diabetes by lowering GLUCOse through GLUCOphage
155
Methadone Dolophine Opioid Agonist
Moderate to Severe Pain/Opioid Detox
dolphins are in pain so they're done taking meth. dolor = pain in spanish. phin or 'fin' = end. dolophine = end pain
156
Methocarbamol Robaxin Muscle Relaxant
Muscle Spasms/Musculoskeletal Pain
Robaxin is a muscle relaxant that sounds like "relaxin"
157
Methotrexate Trexall Immunosuppressant Arthritis/Inflammation methoTREXate and TREXall share 'trex' in their names
158
Methylphenidate Concerta, Ritalin CNS Stimulant ADHD/Narcolepsy
Concerta will help you concentrate. The chemist's wife's name was Rita; she has low BP and needed a boost in the afternoon; hence, Ritalin.
159
Methylprednisolone Medrol Corticosteroid
Inflammatory and Endocrine Disorders
often called medrol dosepak
160
Metoprolol
Lopressor, Toprol
Beta-Blocker Hypertension/Angina
lopressor lowers blood pressure. metoprolol has -olol stem so it's a beta blocker used for BP. succinate formulation is Toprol XL
161
Metronidazole Flagyl Antibiotic, Nitroimidazole Bacterial Infections
162
Miconazole Monistat Antifungal, Azole Fungal Infections -conazole stem for antifungals
163
Mirtazapine Remeron Tetracyclic Antidepressant Depression
164
Montelukast Singulair Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist Asthma/Allergies
montelukast (LeUKotriene receptor AntagoniST) was developed in montreal and is a generally dosed as a SINGLe pill per day to help with breathing AIR.
165
Morphine MS Contin Opioid Agonist Severe Pain
MS stands for morphine sulfate. contin refers to continuous or extended release. morphine named after the Greek god of dreams Morpheus
166
Mupirocin Bactroban Antibiotic, Topical Agent Bacterial Infections don't confuse with otc bacitracin. mupirocin bans bacteria (bactroban)
167
Nadolol Corgard Beta-Blocker Hypertension/Angina -olol stem for beta blockers
168
Naloxone Narcan Opioid Antagonist Opioid Overdose narcan is a NARCotic ANtidote
169
Naproxen Aleve, Naprosyn
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Pain/Arthritis Aleve (sounds like relieve) is an NSAID used to relieve pain. Naproxen is an NSAID
170
Nebivolol Bystolic Beta-Blocker Hypertension Bystolic sounds like diastolic or systolic referring to BP. nebivolol has -olol stem so it's a beta-blocker used for BP
171
Nifedipine
Procardia, Adalat CC
Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB) Hypertension/Angina
-dipine stem for CCBs. ProCARDIA referring to cardiac indication or pro referring to good and cardia referring to heart = good for your heart
172
Nitrofurantoin Macrobid Antibiotic, Nitrofuran Derivative Bacterial Infections
173
Nitroglycerin Nitrostat Nitrate Angina
NITROglycerin and NITROstat share 'nitro' in their names. nitroSTAT is a nitrate used for chest pain taken stat (immediately) for relief
174
Nortriptyline Pamelor Tricyclic Antidepressant Depression
pameLOR rhymes with NORtriptyline. -triptyline stem. nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that blocks norepinephrine presynaptic receptors
175
Nystatin Nystop Antifungal, Polyene Fungal Infections
NYSTatin and NYSTop sound similar and both have 'nyst' in their names. Nystatin = New York STATe Department of Health, where it was isolated
176
Olanzapine Zyprexa Antipsychotic
Depression/Bipolar Disorder/Schizophrenia
177
Olmesartan Benicar Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker (ARB) Hypertension -sartan stem for ARBs. Benicar is BENIficial for your CARdiovascular health
178
Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters Lovaza Omega-3 Dyslipidemia Agent Dyslipidemia omega-3-acid ethyl esters will lower (lovaza) my lipids
179
Omeprazole Prilosec Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
GERD/Erosive Esophagitis/Gastric Ulcers
-prazole stem for PPIs. Pri lo sec lowers secretions of protons
180
Ondansetron Zofran Serotonin 5HT3 Antagonist Nausea/Vomiting
181
Oseltamivir Tamiflu Antiviral, Neuraminidase Inhibitor Influenza tamiFLU is used to treat the FLU. oseltamivir has the stem -vir so its an antiviral. the FLU is a viral infection
182
Oxcarbazepine Trileptal Anticonvulsant Seizures trileptal sounds like epileptic - relating to seizures. related to carbamazepine
183
Oxybutynin Ditropan Antimuscarinic Agent Overactive Bladder think detrusor (bladder muscle) and bedpan combined for ditropan
184
Oxycodone OxyContin Opioid Agonist Moderate to Severe Pain OXYcodone and OXYcontin share 'oxy' in the name. Contin refers to continuous or the extended release formulation
185
Oxycodone + Acetaminophen
Percocet Opioid Agonist + Analgesic Moderate to Severe Pain
186
Pantoprazole Protonix Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
GERD/Erosive Esophagitis/Gastric Ulcers
pantoprazole has the -prazole stem so it's a PROTON pump inhibitor. PROTONix has 'proton' in its name. or think 'nix' proton pumps to reduce stomach acid
187
Paroxetine Paxil
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Depression/Anxiety/OCD/PTSD -oxetine stem for antidepressants. both start with 'p'
188
Phenazopyridine Azo, Pyridium Analgesic Urinary Pain Relief phenAZOpyridine and AZO both have 'azo' in their names
189
Phentermine Adipex Antiobesity Agent Weight Loss/Obesity
chemical name for phentermine is PHENyl-TERt-butylaMINE. ADIPex referring to adipose (fatty tissue) and 'ex' to eliminate or get rid of
190
Phenytoin Dilantin Anticonvulsant Seizures
191
Pioglitazone Actos Thiazolidinedione Diabetes
192
Polyethylene Glycol Miralax Laxative Constipation miraLAX is a LAXative. PEG is short for polyethylene glycol. so associate LAX with PEG
193
Potassium Klor-Con Supplement, Electrolyte Hypokalemia the atomic symbol for potassium is K for Klor-Con
194
Pramipexole Mirapex Dopamine Agonist
Parkinson's Disease/Restless Leg Syndrome
praMIPEXole almost has the brand name MIRAPEX in its name
195
Pravastatin Pravachol HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor Dyslipidemia PRAVAstatin sounds like PRAVAchol, -vastatin stem so used for dyslipidemia. PravaCHOL - CHOLesterol
196
Prazosin Minipress Alpha-1 Blocker Hypertension pressors increase BP. we want to MINImize BP or MINIPRESS with prazosin. -azosin stem for alpha blockers
197
Prednisolone Omnipred Corticosteroid
Inflammatory and Endocrine Disorders
PREDnisolone and omniPRED share 'pred' in their names. don't confuse with prednisone
198
Prednisone Deltasone Corticosteroid
Inflammatory and Endocrine Disorders
predniSONE and deltaSONE share 'sone' in their names
199
Pregabalin Lyrica Anticonvulsant Seizures/Nerve Pain PreGABAlin is a structural analogue of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the inhibitory neurotransmitter
200
Promethazine Phenergan Histamine H1 Antagonist Allergies/Nausea/Vomiting
promethazine chemical name is N-PROpyl-N,N-diMETHylphenothiAZINE. Phenergan is a PHENothiazine antihistamine sometimes used for allERGENs
201
Propranolol Inderal Beta-Blocker Hypertension/Angina/Tremors -olol stem for beta blockers
202
Pseudoephedrine Sudafed Alpha-Adrenergic Agonist Sinus/Nasal Congestion PSEUDOEPHEDrine sounds like SUDAFED
203
Quetiapine Seroquel Atypical Antipsychotic
Depression/Bipolar Disorder/Schizophrenia
quiet time will seroquell my psychotic tendencies
204
Quinapril Accupril
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE)
Hypertension/Heart Failure quinaPRIL and accuPRIL both have -pril in their name so they are ACE inhibitors
205
Rabeprazole Aciphex Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)
GERD/Erosive Esophagitis/Gastric Ulcers
-prazole stem for PPIs. AcipHex affects acid pH
206
Ramipril Altace
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE)
Hypertension/Congestive Heart Failure
Ramipril has the -pril stem so its an ACE inhibitor. altACE is an ALTernative ACE inhibitor when first choice doesn't work
207
Ranitidine Zantac Histamine H2 Antagonist
GERD/Erosive Esophagitis/Gastric Ulcers
was otc. no longer formulated. Zantac 360 now contains famotidine as active ingredient. Zantac short for acid antagonist - Z ant ac
208
Risedronate Actonel Bisphosphonate Bone Loss/Osteoporosis -dronate stem for bisphosphonates
209
Risperidone Risperdal Serotonin-Dopamine Antagonist Bipolar Disorder/Schizophrenia RISPERidone and RISPERdal share 'risper' in their names. -peridone is a stem for antipsychotics
210
Rivaroxaban Xarelto Anticoagulant, Factor Xa Inhibitor
Deep Venous Thrombosis/Pulmonary Embolism
XArelto is a factor Xa inhibitor. rivaroXAban blocks or 'bans' factor Xa in the coagulation cascade
211
Rizatriptan Maxalt
Selective Serotonin 1B/1D Receptor Agonist
Migraines rizaTRIPTAN has the -triptan stem so its used for Migraines. Maxalt halts Migraines
212
Ropinirole Requip Dopamine Agonist
Parkinson's Disease/Restless Leg Syndrome
ROPinirole (rEQUIP) if your legs are restless you can EQUIP a ROPE and tie your legs together to stop them from moving
213
Rosuvastatin Crestor HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor Dyslipidemia -vastatin stem for dyslipidemia agents. Crestor kind of sounds like cholesterol
214
Semaglutide Ozempic
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1)
Diabetes/Cardiovascular Disorders Prophylaxis
-glutide stems for diabetes meds
215
Senna Senokot Laxative, Stimulant Constipation SENna and SENokot both have 'sen' in their names
216
Sertraline Zoloft
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Depression/Anxiety/OCD/PTSD sertraline affects the SERotonin TRAnsport LINE
217
Sildenafil Viagra
Phosphodiesterase-5 Enzyme Inhibitor (PDE5)
Erectile Dysfunction sildenafil has the -afil stem so it's a PDE5 inhibitor. people who take Viagra want to be filled with vigor like the Niagara Falls
218
Simethicone Gas-X Antiflatulent Agent Excessive Gas/Bloating
219
Simvastatin Zocor HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor Dyslipidemia -vastatin stem for dyslipidemia agents
220
Sitagliptin Januvia Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitor (DPP-4) Diabetes -gliptin stem for diabetes meds
221
Spironolactone Aldactone Diuretic, Potassium-Sparing Hypertension/Edema spironolactone inhibits the effects of aldosterone (Aldactone)
222
Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim
Bactrim, Septra Antibiotic, Sulfonamide + Trimethoprim Bacterial Infections think 'trim bacteria' or BACteria + TRIMethoprim for bactrim
223
Sumatriptan Imitrex
Selective Serotonin 1B/1D Receptor Agonist
Migraines -triptan stem for antimigraine agents
224
Tacrolimus Prograf Calcineurin Inhibitor
Prevent Organ Rejection/Skin Disorders
Tsukuba mACROLide Immunosuppressant (discovered in the soil of Mt Tsukuba)
225
Tadalafil Cialis
Phosphodiesterase-5 Enzyme Inhibitor (PDE5)
Erectile Dysfunction -afil stem like sildenafil for ED. He said "See Alice!" after he took a Cialis
226
Tamoxifen Nolvadex Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator Breast Cancer
227
Tamsulosin Flomax Alpha-1 Blocker
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia/Urinary Control
flomax treats urinary incontinence symptoms to give you maximum flow
228
Telmisartan Micardis Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker (ARB) Hypertension -sartan stem for ARBs. Benicar is BENeficial for your CARdiovascular health
229
Temazepam Restoril Benzodiazepine Insomnia temazepam will restore (restoril) your sleeping schedule/help you rest. -azepam stem for benzos
230
Terazosin Hytrin Alpha-1 Blocker
Hypertension/Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
-azosin stem for alpha blockers. Hytrin kind of sounds like high tension (hypertension)
231
Testosterone AndroGel Androgen Hormone Replacement testosterone is an androgen often supplied as a gel so androgel
232
Timolol Betimol Beta-Blocker Glaucoma/Ocular Hypertension -olol stem for beta blockers. usually supplied as eye drops. BETimol is a BETa blocker
233
Tiotropium Spiriva Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist Asthma/COPD a SPIRometer is an instrument used to measure the air capacity of the lungs. SPIRiva is LAMA used for lung disease
234
Tizanidine Zanaflex Muscle Relaxant
Muscle Spasms/Musculoskeletal Pain
tiZANidine and ZANaflex share 'zan' in their names. Associate 'flex' with muscles for indication
235
Topiramate Topamax Anticonvulsant Seizures/Migraines TOPiramate and TOPamax share 'top' in their names
236
Tramadol Ultram Opioid Agonist Moderate Pain TRAMadol and ulTRAM share 'tram' in their names
237
Trazodone Desyrel Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Depression/Insomnia trazodone chemical structure contains a TRiAZOlopyriDinONE group
238
Tretinoin Retin-A Retinoic Acid Derivative Acne/Photoaging tRETINoin and RETIN-a share 'retin' in their names. similar to retinol or vitamin A
239
Triamcinolone Kenalog Corticosteroid
Inflammatory and Endocrine Disorders
-olone stem for steroids
240
Triamterene + Hydrochlorothiazide
Maxzide
Diuretic, Potassium-Sparing + Diuretic, Thiazide
Hypertension/Edema
241
Valacyclovir Valtrex
Antiviral, Nucleoside and Nucleotide DNA Polymerase Inhibitor
Viral Infections VALacyclovir and VALtrex both have 'val' in their names. valacyclovir is a L-valyl ester prodrug of acyclovir
242
Valsartan Diovan Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker (ARB) Hypertension/ Heart Failure -sartan stem for ARBs
243
Vancomycin Vancocin Antibiotic, Glycopeptide Bacterial Infections VANCOmycin and VANCOcin share 'vanco' in their names
244
Venlafaxine Effexor
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)
Depression/Anxiety/Panic Disorder venlafaxine is effective (effexor) at treating depression
245
Verapamil Calan Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB) Hypertension/Angina Calan is a CCB or CALcium ion ANtagonist
246
Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin Supplement, Vitamin B Vitamin B Deficiency
247
Warfarin Jantoven Anticoagulant Thromboembolic Prophylaxis warfarin was named after WARF, Wisconsin Alumni Research Fund, where it was first isolated. previously called coumadin
248
Zolpidem Ambien Hypnotic Insomnia "AM bien" is roughly good morning in spanish. if you get good zzz's with Zolpidem, then you'll have a good morning or 'AM bien'
• Most brand names are shorter than the generic name. In this list only 4 drugs have brand names longer than the generic and only a handful are the same lenth
• Generic names are usually more complicated and harder to remember than brand names
• Many generic names are a shorthand version of the drug’s chemical name, structure, or formula
• Many generic drug names have stems that indicate their class and indication. Check out the drug stems tab!
• Brand names are usually catchy, often related to the drug’s intended use, and relatively easy to remember, so that consumers will look for it by name
• Brand names often suggest a characteristic of the drug
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