Top Brand and Generic Drugs (Part 16)

[ Trazodone = -zodone is a suffix term that refers to a drug class of antidepressants ]. Trazodone is an antidepressant drug prescribed for major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and, along with other medications, alcohol dependence. It is taken orally. Trazodone commonly causes dry mouth, drowsiness, headaches, vomiting, and feeling faint.

Epoetin alfa belongs to the class of drugs known as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Epoetin alfa is a human erythropoietin created using recombinant DNA technology. It triggers erythropoiesis (the production of red blood cells) and can be used for treating anemia, frequently associated with chronic kidney failure and cancer chemotherapy.

[Pregabalin = gab is a word part  that refers to a drug class of gabamimetics ]. Among its many uses, pregabalin is an anticonvulsant and anxiolytic medication used in the treatment of epilepsy, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, and generalized anxiety disorder. Diarrhea, somnolence, dry mouth, edema, blurred vision, and weight gain are common adverse reactions of pregabalin.

[Pioglitazone = -glitazone is a suffix that refers to a drug class of thiazolidinedione ( antidiabetic) ]. Pioglitazone is an anti-diabetic drug that is prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It can be used in conjunction with metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin. However, it should not be used by individuals with type 1 diabetes. Headaches, muscle pains, inflammation of the throat, and swelling are some of the common side effects of pioglitazone.

[ Quetiapine = -apine is a suffix that refers to a drug class of psychoactive tricyclic compound. ] The atypical antipsychotic medication quetiapine is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. This medication is taken by mouth. Sleepiness, constipation, weight gain, and dry mouth are some of the side effects of the medication.

Niacin belongs to the class of drugs known as antihyperlipidemic agents. In the human body, niacin (a form of vitamin B3) lowers cholesterol levels and increases levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL; "good cholesterol"). Niacin is used to treat pellagra (niacin deficiency) as well as to prevent it.

[ Zolmitriptan = -triptan is a suffix that refers to a drug class of selective 5-HT receptor agonist (antimigraine). ] Zolmitriptan is a triptan prescribed for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura and cluster headaches. Zolmitriptan belongs to a group of drugs classified as selective serotonin receptor agonists. It narrows the blood vessels around the brain, blocks pain signals from reaching the brain, and inhibits the release of chemicals that cause migraine-induced pain, nausea, and other symptoms.

[ Liraglutide = -glutide is a suffix that refers to a drug class of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analogues (antidiabetic). ] Liraglutide is an anti-diabetic drug that is used to treat type 2 diabetes, obesity, and chronic weight management. It is less preferred than metformin in the treatment of diabetes. In terms of long-term health outcomes like heart disease and life expectancy, its effects are unclear. It is injected under the skin.

[ Clotrimazole/betamethasone = -azole is a suffix term that refers to a class of antifungal drugs, while -asone refers to corticosteroids. ] Clotrimazole/betamethasone is an antifungal and corticosteriod medication that is applied topically to treat fungal infections of the feet, groin, and body in people over 17 years of age. It is applied topically to the skin. Paresthesia, rash, edema, and secondary infections are common side effects of clotrimazole/betamethasone.

Ipratropium bromide/salbutamol belongs to a class of drugs called bronchodilators. The combination medication ipratropium bromide/salbutamol is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The medication contains ipratropium (an anticholinergic) and salbutamol (a beta-adrenergic agonist). It is administered by inhalation.