Top Brand and Generic Drugs (Part 18)

[ Amitriptyline = -tyline is a suffix term that refers to a class of tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). ] Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used primarily to treat major depressive disorder and a variety of pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, and tension headaches. Among the most common side effects of amitriptyline are dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and weight gain.

Oxycodone/paracetamol belongs to a class of medications called analgesics; opioids. Oxycodone/paracetamol is a combination of the opioid oxycodone with paracetamol (acetaminophen), used to treat moderate to severe short-term pain. Dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and headache are common side effects of oxycodone/paracetamol.

Gemfibrozil belongs to a class of lipid-regulating medications called fibrates. Gemfibrozil is prescribed to treat abnormal levels of blood lipids. Statins are generally preferred over gemfibrozil. Both dietary changes and exercise are recommended along with gemfibrozil use. Gemfibrozil belongs to a class of drugs known as fibrates that regulate lipids.

[ Ibuprofen = -profen is a suffix term that refers to a class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). ] Pain, fever, and inflammation are treated with ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Among these are painful menstrual periods, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis. Heartburn and rashes are also common side effects of ibuprofen.

[ Sofosbuvir = -buvir is a suffix term that refers to a class of nucleoside polymerase inhibitors (NPIs) (antivirals). ] As an antiviral, sofosbuvir is used to treat chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. The most common side effects are diarrhea, anemia, headache, insomnia, and fatigue.

[ Bevacizumab = -zumab is a suffix term that refers to a class of humanized monoclonal antibody. ] Bevacizumab is a chemotherapy drug that is prescribed for several types of cancer and certain eye diseases. A common side effect of bevacizumab when used for cancer is nose bleeding, headache, high blood pressure, and rash.

[ Pemetrexed = -trexed is a suffix term that refers to a class of thymidylate synthase inhibitors (anticancer). ] The drug pemetrexed is an antineoplastic agent that is used in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

[ Perindopril = -pril is a suffix term that refers to a class of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (antihypertensives). ] A long-acting ACE inhibitor, perindopril is effective for high blood pressure, heart failure, or stable coronary artery disease. The drug is taken orally. The dosage is usually once or twice daily.

[ Clarithromycin = -mycin is a suffix term that refers to a class of antibiotic (antibacterial). ] Among others, clarithromycin is an antibiotic that is effective against strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections, H. pylori infections, and Lyme disease. As a tablet or a liquid, this antibiotic can be taken by mouth. There may be side effects when taking clarithromycin such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and diarrhea.

Insulin glargine belongs to a class of long-acting insulins (antidiabetics). Insulin glargine is a man-made long-acting insulin used to manage type I and type II diabetes. This insulin is injected under the skin once a day. Low blood sugar, itchiness, and weight gain are all common side effects of this medication.