Top 200 Brand and Generic Drugs for 2024 Exams!
Jan 22nd, 2023
200 Must-Know Medicines!
Learning the top 200 brand and generic drugs can be daunting. Many medicines have more than one active ingredient – and there are often many different brand medicines for each drug. This makes the learning process a long and gruelling one.
The MCQ format of the PTCB exam is in your favor, though.
Many medicines have similarities with either the drug name or the disease or condition it is licensed to treat. Once you begin to identify these similarities, it becomes much easier to “match” them on the day of your exam.
For example:
- Medicine: Clozaril; active ingredient: clozapine; an antipsychotic drug.
- Medicine: Glucophage; active ingredient: metformin; an antidiabetic drug. The name Glucophage derives from “glucose” and “phage”, which derives from the Greek for “eater”.
- Medicine: Diflucan; active ingredient: fluconazole; an antifungal drug.
- Medicine: Haldol; active ingredient: haloperidol; an antipsychotic drug.
- Medicine: Ventolin; active ingredient: albuterol; a beta-2 agonist used to treat asthma. Think of “hyperventilation”, or rapid breathing.
That said, there are many medicines that do not have these kinds of obvious links. Technicians must memorize the drugs with clear links between the medicine and the name. Once these are committed to memory, you can easily identify them from a list of 4 MCQ options on the day of your exam.
Once done, you can spend more time on the more difficult ones. That’s where flashcards come in. At PTCB Test Prep, we have prepared hundreds of flashcards to help you commit these medicines to memory – detailing the top medicines, indications, side effects, and mechanisms of action. Flashcards, if made the right way, are the best way to learn the top 200 brand and generic medicines.
It is about practice, practice, practice – and repeat exposure to the names of medicines and drugs. Eventually, the medicines will stick. If you cannot find a link between a medicine name and a drug, invent a memorable one – even if it happens to sound bizarre.
In fact, the more bizarre the link, the more memorable it becomes.
For example: vardenafil is the active ingredient of Levitra. No tangible links. However, we can create one. Take the prefix, LEVIT-, and turn it into levitate, something that rises. Vardenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction, so the concept of levitation/rising suits quite well in this case. Now, every time we think about Levitra, we will remember levitate/rise and its now obvious link to erectile dysfunction!
With that said, let’s turn our attention to the top 200 brand and generic drugs – each of which is detailed with all active ingredients and the drug class each active ingredient belongs to.
Top 200 Brand and Generic Drugs!
Note: when you’ve finished studying the table below, take our Top 200 Drugs Quiz!
Medicine | Active Ingredient(s) | Drug Class |
Lexapro | Escitalopram | SSRI |
Vicodin | Acetaminophen Hydrocodone | Analgesic/antipyretic Opioid |
Prinivil Qbrelis | Lisinopril | ACE inhibitor |
Zocor | Simvastatin | Statin |
Synthroid | Levothyroxine | Thyroid hormone |
Amoxil Trimox | Amoxicillin | Antibacterial drug |
Zithromax | Azithromycin | Macrolide antibacterial |
Microzide Aquazide | Hydrochlorothiazide | Thiazide diuretic |
Norvasc | Amlodipine | Calcium channel blocker |
Xanax | Alprazolam | Benzodiazepine |
Glucophage | Metformin | Oral antidiabetic drug |
Lipitor | Atorvastatin | Statin |
Prilosec | Omeprazole | Proton-pump inhibitor |
Cipro Proquin | Ciprofloxacin | Fluoroquinolone |
Zofran | Ondansetron | Antiemetic drug |
Clozaril | Clozapine | Antipsychotic drug |
Lasix | Furosemide | Loop diuretic |
Levitra | Vardenafil | PDE5 inhibitor |
Sumycin Ala-Tet Brodspec | Tetracycline | Antibacterial drug |
Heparin Sodium | Heparin | Anticoagulant drug |
Valcyte | Valganciclovir | Antiviral drug |
Lamictal | Lamotrigine | Anticonvulsant drug |
Diflucan | Fluconazole | Antifungal drug |
Tenormin | Atenolol | Beta-blocker |
Singulair | Montelukast | Leukotriene inhibitor |
Flonase Nasal Spray | Fluticasone propionate | Corticosteroid |
Zyloprim | Allopurinol | Anti-gout drug |
Fosamax | Alendronate | Bisphosphonate |
Pepcid | Famotidine | H2 antagonist |
Omnicef | Cefdinir | Cephalosporin |
Yaz | Ethinyl estradiol Drospirenone | Birth control medicine |
Apresoline | Hydralazine | Antihypertensive drug |
Cogentin | Benztropine | Antiparkinsonian drug |
Tussionex PennKinetic | Chlorpheniramine Hydrocodone | Antihistamine Narcotic |
Paxil | Paroxetine | SSRI |
Ativan | Lorazepam | Benzodiazepine |
Pyridium | Phenazopyridine | Analgesic |
Plaquenil | Hydroxychloroquine | Anti-malarial drug |
Lidoderm | Lidocaine | Local anesthetic |
Cataflam | Diclofenac | NSAID |
Rayos Deltasone | Prednisone | Corticosteroid |
Zetia | Ezetimibe | Antihyperlipidemic |
Evista | Raloxifene | Estrogen modulator |
Dilantin | Phenytoin | Anticonvulsant drug |
Lovaza | Omega-3 fatty acids | Anti-triglyceride drug |
Zanaflex | Tizanidine | Muscle relaxant |
Hytrin | Terazosin | Alpha-1 blocker |
Dyrenium | Triamterene | Potassium-sparing diuretic |
Altace | Ramipril | ACE inhibitor |
Pravachol | Pravastatin | Statin |
Risperdal | Risperidone | Antipsychotic drug |
Lunesta | Eszopiclone | Z-drug / hypnotic |
Celebrex | Celecoxib | COX-inhibitor / NSAID |
Premarin | Conjugated estrogens | Estrogen replacement |
Avelox | Moxifloxacin | Fluoroquinolone |
Aricept | Donepezil | Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor |
Macrobid Macrodantin | Nitrofurantoin | Antibacterial drug |
Duragesic Skin Patch | Fentanyl | Opioid narcotic |
Imdur | Isosorbide mononitrate | Nitrate |
Prozac Sarafem | Fluoxetine | SSRI |
Aristocort | Triamcinolone | Corticosteroid |
Suboxone | Buprenorphine Naloxone | Narcotic Opioid blocker |
Vyvanse | Lisdexamfetamine | CNS Stimulant |
Pamelor | Nortriptyline | Tricyclic antidepressant |
HumaLOG | Insulin lispro | Rapid-acting insulin |
Depacon Depakote | Valproate sodium | Anticonvulsant drug |
BetaSept ChloraPrep | Chlorhexidine | Disinfectant/antiseptic |
Bentyl | Dicyclomine | Anti-spasmodic drug |
Imitrex | Sumatriptan | Anti-migraine drug |
Protonix | Pantoprazole | Proton-pump inhibitor |
Lopressor | Metoprolol | Beta-blocker |
Robitussen | Dextromethorphan Guaifenesin | Antitussive Expectorant |
Valium | Diazepam | Benzodiazepine |
Viagra | Sildenafil | PDE5 inhibitor |
Bactroban | Mupirocin | Antibacterial drug |
Januvia | Sitagliptin | Antidiabetic drug |
Reglan | Metoclopramide | Dopamine antagonist |
Relafen | Nabumetone | NSAID |
Keflex | Cephalexin | Cephalosporin |
Effexor | Venlafaxine | SNRI |
Boniva | Ibandronate | Bisphosphonate |
Zantac | Ranitidine | H2 antagonist |
Ex-Lax Senna Lax | Senna | Laxative |
NovoLog | Insulin aspart | Rapid-acting insulin |
Bayer Ecotrin Bufferin | Aspirin | Antipyretic Analgesic |
Lioresal | Baclofen | Muscle relaxant |
Flagyl | Metronidazole | Antibacterial drug Antiprotozoal drug |
Keppra | Levetiracetam | Anticonvulsant drug |
Colcrys Mitigare | Colchicine | Anti-gout drug |
Zyprexa | Olanzapine | Antipsychotic drug |
Avodart | Dutasteride | 5-alpha reductase inhibitor |
TriCor Antara | Fenofibrate | Fibrate |
Cardura | Doxazosin | Alpha-1 blocker |
Aleve | Naproxen | NSAID |
Aldactone | Spironolactone | Potassium-sparing diuretic |
Namenda | Memantine | NMDA antagonist |
Methadose | Methadone | Opioid analgesic |
Vasotec Epaned | Enalapril | ACE inhibitor |
Tamiflu | Oseltamivir | Antiviral drug |
Requip | Ropinirole | Antiparkinsonian drug |
PC Pen VK Pen V | Penicillin | Beta-lactam antibacterial |
Strattera | Atomoxetine | Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor |
Ambien | Zolpidem | Z-drug / hypnotic |
Advair | Salmeterol Fluticasone | Bronchodilators |
Levaquin | Levofloxacin | Fluoroquinolone |
Tofranil | Imipramine | Tricyclic antidepressant |
Reclast Zometa | Zoledronic acid | Bisphosphonate |
Glucotrol | Glipizide | Antidiabetic drug |
Constulose | Lactulose | Laxative |
AcipHex | Rabeprazole | Proton-pump inhibitor |
Otrexup | Methotrexate | DMARD |
Cleocin | Clindamycin | Antibacterial drug |
Tylenol | Acetaminophen | Analgesic / antipyretic |
Feosol | Ferrous sulfate | Iron supplement |
Relpax | Eletriptan | Antimigraine drug |
Carbacot Robaxin | Methocarbamol | Muscle relaxant |
DiaBeta | Glyburide | Antidiabetic drug |
Celexa | Citalopram | SSRI |
Benicar | Hydrochlorothiazide Olmesartan | Thiazide diuretic Angiotensin II blocker |
Coreg | Carvedilol | Beta-blocker |
Spiriva | Tiotropium | Anticholinergic |
Xolair | Omalizumab | Monoclonal antibody |
NitroStat Sublingual | Nitroglycerin | Nitrate |
Eliquis | Apixaban | Anticoagulant |
Neurontin | Gabapentin | Anticonvulsant drug |
Enbrel | Etanercept | DMARD |
Herceptin | Trastuzumab | Monoclonal antibody |
Atripla | Emtricitabine Tenofovir Efavirenz | Antiretroviral drugs |
Xarelto | Rivaroxaban | Anticoagulant drug |
Stalevo 50 | Levodopa Carbidopa Entacapone | Antiparkinsonian medicine |
Fioricet | Acetaminophen Butalbital Caffeine | Analgesic / antipyretic Barbiturate |
Levemir | Insulin detemir | Long-acting insulin |
Lovenox | Enoxaparin | Low-molecule weight heparin (LMWH) |
Ritalin Concerta | Methylphenidate | CNS Stimulant |
Crestor | Rosuvastatin | Statin |
Xgeva Prolia | Denosumab | Monoclonal antibody |
Pradaxa | Dabigatran | Anticoagulant drug |
Sensipar | Cinacalcet | Calcimimetic |
Vesicare | Solifenacin | Antimuscarinic drug |
Haldol | Haloperidol | Antipsychotic drug |
Ala-Cort | Hydrocortisone | Corticosteroid |
HumuLIN | Insulin isophane | Intermediate-acting insulin |
Isentress | Raltegravir | Integrase inhibitor |
Stelara | Ustekinumab | Monoclonal antibody |
Mobic | Meloxicam | NSAID |
Remicade | Infliximab | Monoclonal antibody |
Night Time | Acetaminophen Diphenhydramine | Analgesic / antipyretic Antihistamine |
Renvela | Sevelamer | Phosphate binder |
Fragmin | Dalteparin | Low-molecular weight Heparin (LMWH) |
Zoloft | Sertraline | SSRI |
Klonopin | Clonazepam | Benzodiazepine |
Avalide | Hydrochlorothiazide Irbesartan | Thiazide diuretic Angiotensin II blocker |
Ceftin | Cefuroxime | Cephalosporin |
Nizoral Topical | Ketoconazole | Antifungal drug |
Lyrica | Pregabalin | Anticonvulsant drug |
Nexium | Esomeprazole | Proton-pump inhibitor |
Combivent Respimat | Albuterol Ipratropium | Beta-2 agonist Anticholinergic drug |
Niaspan | Niacin | Form of vitamin B3 |
Uroxatral | Alfuzosin | Alpha-1 blocker |
Biaxin | Clarithromycin | Macrolide antibacterial |
Zomig | Zolmitriptan | Anti-migraine drug |
Invokana | Canagliflozin | SGLT-2 inhibitor Antidiabetic drug |
Saxenda Victoza | Liraglutide | GLP-1 agonist Antidiabetic drug |
Alimta | Pemetrexed | Anticancer drug |
Lotrisone | Clotrimazole Betamethasone | Antifungal drug Corticosteroid |
Avastin | Bevacizumab | Anticancer drug |
Sovaldi | Sofosbuvir | Hepatitis C drug |
Gilenya | Fingolimod | Immunomodulator |
Epogen | Epoetin alfa | Human erythropoietin |
Seroquel | Quetiapine | Antipsychotic drug |
Amaryl | Glimepiride | Antidiabetic medicine |
Percocet | Acetaminophen Oxycodone | Analgesic / antipyretic Opioid |
SandIMMUNE Neoral | Cyclosporin | Immunosuppressant |
Lantus | Insulin glargine | Long-acting insulin |
Cialis | Tadalafil | PDE5 inhibitor |
Elavil Vanatrip | Amitriptyline | Tricyclic antidepressant |
Lopid | Gemfibrozil | Fibrate |
Flo-Pred | Prednisolone | Corticosteroid |
Advil | Ibuprofen | NSAID |
Aceon | Perindopril | ACE inhibitor |
Desyrel | Trazodone | Antidepressant |
Actos | Pioglitazone | Thiazolidinedione |
Proscar | Finasteride | 5-alpha reductase inhibitor |
Inbrija Dopar Larodopa | Levodopa | Antiparkinsonian drug |
Actonel | Risedronate | Bisphosphonate |
ProAir Ventolin Proventil | Albuterol | Beta-2 agonist |
Ultram | Tramadol | Opiate narcotic |
Sonata | Zaleplon | Z-drug / hypnotic |
Zebeta | Bisoprolol | Beta-blocker |
Zovirax | Acyclovir | Antiviral drug |
Coumadin | Warfarin | Anticoagulant drug |
Luvox | Fluvoxamine | SSRI |
Plavix | Clopidogrel | Antiplatelet drug |
Vibramycin Adoxa | Doxycycline | Tetracycline antibiotic |
Hyzaar | Hydrochlorothiazide Losartan | Thiazide diuretic Angiotensin II blocker |
Kytril Sancuso | Granisetron | Antiemetic drug |
Restoril | Temazepam | Benzodiazepine |
Prevacid | Lansoprazole | Proton-pump inhibitor |
Augmentin | Amoxicillin Clavulanic acid | Penicillin antibiotic Beta-lactamase inhibitor |
Mevacor Altoprev | Lovastatin | Statin |
Master the Top 200 Drugs
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