Top Brand and Generic Drugs (Part 17)

[ Finasteride = -steride is a suffix term that refers to a class of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. ] A 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, finasteride can be used to treat male hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Finasteride works by preventing the body from producing a male hormone that causes the prostate to enlarge.

[ Esomeprazole = -eprazole is a suffix term that refers to a class of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) (anti-ulcer). ] A proton pump inhibitor, esomeprazole reduces stomach acid and is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Headaches, constipation, dry mouth, and abdominal pain are all common side effects of esomeprazole.

[ Prednisolone = -olone is a suffix term that refers to a class of corticosteroid. ] As a corticosteroid, prednisolone is used in the treatment of allergies, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. Conditions such as adrenocortical insufficiency, high blood calcium, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

[ Tadalafil = -afil is a suffix term that refers to a class of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor. ] Tadalafil is prescribed for erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This medication belongs to the class of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. During sexual stimulation, it increases blood flow to the penis, therefore treating erectile dysfunction. Erections are caused by this increase in blood flow. PAH is treated with Tadalafil by relaxing blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow more easily.

Cyclosporine belongs to the immunosuppressant class of medicines. As an immunosuppressant, cyclosporin, also called cyclosporine or ciclosporin, works by inhibiting calcineurin. It is a natural product used to prevent rejection in organ transplants and to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and nephrotic syndrome.

Fingolimod belongs to the sphingosine l-phosphate receptor modulators class of medicines. Fingolimod is an immunomodulator primarily used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Fingolimod has been associated with side effects such as head colds, headaches, increased gamma-glutamyl transfer, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.

[ Glimepiride = Gli- is a prefix term that refers to a class of antihyperglycemics medicines. ] Glimepiride is an anti-diabetic medication classified as a sulfonylurea medication that is less preferred than metformin when treating type 2 diabetes. Exercise and diet are recommended while taking this medication. The main mechanism of action of this drug is to increase the amount of insulin released by the pancreas. 

[ Alfuzosin = -zosin is a suffix term that refers to a class of alpha blocker (antihypertensive). ] BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is treated with alfuzosin, an alpha blocker. It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate by blocking the alpha-1 adrenergic receptor.

[ Canagliflozin = -gliflozin is a suffix term that refers to a class of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor (antidiabetics). ] Canagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that is prescribed for type 2 diabetes. After metformin (the first-line medication for type 2 diabetes), canagliflozin is a third-line medication to try. This medication is not recommended for type 1 diabetes. Yeast infections of the vaginal area, nausea, constipation, and urinary tract infections are common side effects of canagliflozin.

[ Levodopa = -dopa is a suffix term that refers to a class of dopamine receptor agonists (antiparkinsonism). ] Often given in conjunction with carbidopa, levodopa is a dopamine precursor used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other conditions associated with parkinsonism. Levodopa belongs to a class of medications called central nervous system agents. Dopamine is converted from levodopa in the brain.