Top Brand and Generic Drugs (Part 10)

[ Doxazosin = -zosin is a suffix term that refers to the class of alpha blockers (antihypertensives). ] The alpha-adrenergic blocker doxazosin is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hypertension. Edema, hypotension, nausea, dizziness, headache, somnolence, vertigo, and fatigue are common adverse reactions to doxazosin.

Ropinirole belongs to a class of medicines called dopamine agonists. Ropinirole is used alone or in conjunction with other medications to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms. These symptoms include shaking of parts of the body, stiffness, slow movements, and difficulty balancing. Moreover, ropinirole is also effective in treating restless legs syndrome, a condition characterized by leg discomfort and an urge to move.

Naproxen belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that is used to treat pain, menstrual cramps, inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and fever. Dizziness, headaches, bruising, allergic reactions, heartburn, and stomach pain are common side effects.

Spironolactone belongs to the class of diuretics known as aldosterone receptor antagonists. Spironolactone works as a potassium-sparing diuretic, which protects your body from excessive salt absorption and prevents low potassium levels. Among its uses are treating symptoms of high blood pressure (hypertension), low potassium levels (hypokalemia), and heart failure.

Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. It's less preferred than acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil. Only if the treatment is working should it be continued. 

Methadone belongs to the class of opiate (narcotic) analgesics that is used for the treatment of opioid dependence and chronic pain. The process of methadone detoxification may take less than a month, or it may take up to six months.

[ Enalapril = -pril is a suffix term that refers to the class of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (antihypertensives) ].  The ACE inhibitor medication enalapril is prescribed for high blood pressure, diabetic kidney disease, and heart failure. The medication is administered orally or intravenously. Enalapril's most common side effects include headache, exhaustion, feeling lightheaded, and coughing.

[ Oseltamivir = -amivir is a suffix term that refers to the class of neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) (antiviral). ] Oseltamivir is an antiviral drug prescribed for the treatment and prevention of influenza A and influenza B (flu). The drug is taken by mouth either as a pill or as a liquid. Some side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and trouble sleeping.

[ Penicillin = -cillin is a suffix term that refers to the class of penicillin antibiotic. ] Penicillin is a medication used to treat a wide range of infections. It belongs to the beta-lactam class of antibiotics. Two compounds are in clinical use: penicillin G (IV) and penicillin V (oral).  Image shows generic Penicillin VK, not the actual PC Pen VK brand. 

[ Atomoxetine = -oxetine is a suffix term that refers to the class of antidepressants. ] Atomoxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Atomoxetine should only be prescribed to children who are at least six years old.