Top Brand and Generic Drugs (Part 11)

[ Zolpidem = -pidem is a suffix term that refers to the class of sedative-hypnotics.]  A sedative-hypnotic, zolpidem treats insomnia (difficulty falling to sleep or staying asleep). The drug works by slowing brain activity to help the patient fall asleep. Daytime sleepiness, headaches, nausea, and diarrhea are common side effects.

[ Fluticasone/salmeterol = -asone is the suffix of a corticosteroid class, and -terol is the suffix for a beta-agonist (bronchodilator). ] Fluticasone/salmeterol is a combination containing fluticasone propionate and salmeterol that is used in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is administered by inhaling the medication into the lungs. Thrush, headaches, and cough are common side effects of this drug.

[ Levofloxacin = -floxacin is a suffix term that refers to the class of quinolone antibiotics. Levofloxacin is a medication belonging to a type of antibiotic called quinolones.] Bacterial infections treated with these antibiotics include acute bacterial sinusitis, pneumonia, H. pylori, urinary tract infections, chronic prostatitis, and certain types of gastroenteritis.

[ Imipramine = -pramine is a suffix term that refers to the class of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). ] Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine are used primarily to alleviate depression. They are also effective for treating anxiety and panic disorders. Bedwetting can be treated with this drug as well. 

[ Zoledronic acid = -dronic is a suffix term that refers to the class of bisphosphonates (bone resorption inhibitor) ] . Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate prescribed for treating a variety of bone disorders. Some of these conditions include osteoporosis, high blood calcium due to cancer, bone breakdown due to cancer, and Paget's disease.

[ Glipizide = gli- is a prefix term that refers to the class of antihyperglycemics. ]  Glipizide belongs to the sulfonylurea class of diabetes medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. The drug is not indicated for use alone in type 1 diabetes. It is consumed orally. Among its side effects are nausea, diarrhea, low blood sugar, and headaches.

Lactulose belongs to the class of laxatives. Lactulose is a non-absorbable sugar that is used to treat constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. Constipation is treated by mouth with it, as is hepatic encephalopathy by mouth or by injection. It typically begins working within 8-12 hours, but may take up to two days to alleviate constipation. Bloating and cramping are possible side effects.

[ Rabeprazole = -eprazole is a suffix term that refers to the class of proton pump inhibitor (PPI). ] As a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), rabeprazole reduces stomach acid production. Peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and overproduction of stomach acid as seen in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are managed with rabeprazole.

[ Methotrexate = -trexate is a suffix term that refers to the class of antimetabolites (anti-cancer). ]  Methotrexate is used as a chemotherapy agent and immune suppressant for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and ectopic pregnancies. These types of cancers can be treated with it: breast cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, lymphoma, gestational trophoblastic disease, and osteosarcoma. Autoimmune diseases treated with it include psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease. 

[ Clindamycin = -mycin is a suffix term that refers to the class of antibiotics (antibacterials). ]  Clindamycin treats bacterial infections, such as bone or joint infections, PID, strep throat, pneumonia, middle ear infections, and endocarditis. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, rash, and pain at the injection site.