Medications

Acyclovir is an oral, topical and parenteral nucleoside antiviral used in adults and children for herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections. It is part of the World Health Organization List of Essential Medicines and remains a foundation of antiviral therapy.

Addyi is the brand name for flibanserin, the first FDA-approved oral medication for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Taken as 100mg once daily at bedtime, with caution required around alcohol use.

Allegra is an over-the-counter or prescription oral antihistamine containing fexofenadine. It is used in adults and children for allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria, with very limited central nervous system penetration and no clinically relevant sedation.

Ambien is a prescription oral non-benzodiazepine hypnotic containing zolpidem. It is used in adults for the short-term treatment of insomnia, with a rapid onset and a short half-life suited to sleep induction.

Amoxil is a prescription oral aminopenicillin antibiotic containing amoxicillin. It is used in adults and children for respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, otitis media, dental infections and as part of Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens.

AndroGel is the most prescribed topical testosterone replacement gel for men with confirmed hypogonadism, marketed by AbbVie at 1% and 1.62% strengths. Authorised generic testosterone gel is available at lower cost and is clinically equivalent at the same strength.

Ativan is a prescription oral benzodiazepine containing lorazepam. It is used in adults for the short-term management of anxiety, anxiety-related insomnia and, by injection, for status epilepticus and pre-anaesthetic sedation.

Augmentin is a prescription oral combination antibiotic containing amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. It is used in adults and children for respiratory, urinary, dental, skin and intra-abdominal infections caused by beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.

Avodart is the brand of dutasteride 0.5mg capsules, a dual 5α-reductase inhibitor approved for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is also used off-label for androgenetic alopecia, particularly in men where finasteride has been ineffective.

Aygestin is the brand of high-dose norethindrone acetate (5mg) used for non-contraceptive gynaecological indications including endometriosis-related pain, abnormal uterine bleeding and secondary amenorrhoea. Authorised generic norethindrone acetate is widely available at lower cost.

Brand Cialis refers to the original Eli Lilly-manufactured tadalafil 20mg tablet, distinguished from local generics by certified packaging and country of origin. Same active ingredient, same indication, single 20mg strength.

Brand Premarin is the original Pfizer (formerly Wyeth) conjugated estrogens product for hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. Tablets in 0.3mg, 0.625mg and 1.25mg, distinguished from generics by source and certified packaging.

Brand Viagra refers to the original Pfizer-manufactured sildenafil citrate 100mg tablet, distinguished from local generics by certified packaging and country of origin. Same active ingredient, same indication, single 100mg strength.

Bumex is a brand of bumetanide, the potent loop diuretic widely used for heart failure, refractory oedema and hypertension. It is approximately 40 times more potent by weight than furosemide and offers more reliable oral absorption, supporting use when furosemide fails.

Buspar is a prescription oral non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic containing buspirone. It is used in adults for generalised anxiety disorder, with minimal sedation, no muscle relaxation and a low risk of dependence.

Caverject is a brand of alprostadil for intracavernosal injection in erectile dysfunction. It produces reliable erection within 5–20 minutes and is used when oral PDE5 inhibitors are ineffective, contraindicated or insufficient — including post-prostatectomy and severe vascular ED.

Celebrex is a prescription oral COX-2 selective NSAID containing celecoxib. It is used in adults for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and acute pain, with reduced gastrointestinal toxicity compared with traditional NSAIDs.

Celexa is the original brand of citalopram, the SSRI antidepressant from which escitalopram (Lexapro) was later developed. Authorised generic citalopram dominates current prescribing; modern dosing is capped at 40mg daily because of dose-related QT prolongation.

Cialis is a prescription medication containing tadalafil, a long-acting PDE5 inhibitor used by adult men with erectile dysfunction. Tablets come in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg, supporting both on-demand and daily dosing schedules.

Cialis Daily is a low-dose tadalafil regimen taken once a day at 2.5mg or 5mg. Designed for men with frequent or unpredictable sexual activity, or who also have benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms. Removes the need to plan around individual doses.

Cialis Professional is a sublingual formulation of tadalafil 20mg, designed to begin acting more quickly than a swallowed tablet by being absorbed through the mucosa under the tongue. For adult men with erectile dysfunction; same 36-hour effect window.

Cialis Super Active is a soft gelatin capsule formulation of tadalafil 20mg, designed for faster dissolution than a standard tablet. Used by adult men with erectile dysfunction; same 36-hour effect window as Cialis.

Cipro is a prescription oral fluoroquinolone antibiotic containing ciprofloxacin. It is used in adults for complicated urinary tract infections, prostatitis, gastrointestinal infections, anthrax exposure and selected respiratory and skin infections.

Claritin is an over-the-counter or prescription oral antihistamine containing loratadine. It is used in adults and children for allergic rhinitis and urticaria, with minimal sedation at standard daily dosing.

Clomiphene is the generic name and product for the selective estrogen receptor modulator used to induce ovulation in women with anovulatory infertility. Sold under various brand names including Clomid, with the 50mg dose as the standard starting strength.

Coumadin is a prescription oral anticoagulant containing warfarin. It is used in adults for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation thromboembolism and selected mechanical heart valves. It requires regular INR monitoring.

Crestor is a prescription oral high-intensity statin containing rosuvastatin. It is used in adults for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, with substantial reduction of LDL cholesterol and major cardiovascular events.

Cymbalta is the brand of duloxetine delayed-release capsules, an SNRI used for major depression, generalised anxiety, diabetic neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. It is widely chosen when both mood and pain require treatment.

Demadex is a brand of torsemide, the long-acting loop diuretic widely used for heart failure and oedema. It offers more reliable oral absorption and longer duration of action than furosemide, with authorised generics widely available at lower cost.

Desyrel is the original brand of trazodone, an atypical antidepressant from the SARI class. It is approved for major depression at higher doses but most contemporary use is low-dose bedtime prescribing for chronic insomnia, where its sedating profile makes it a common sleep aid.

Diflucan is an oral triazole antifungal containing fluconazole. It is used in adults and children for vulvovaginal and oropharyngeal candidiasis, candidaemia, cryptococcal meningitis and prophylaxis in immunocompromised hosts.

Doxycycline is a prescription oral tetracycline antibiotic. It is used in adults and children over 8 years for respiratory infections, sexually transmitted infections, acne, malaria prophylaxis, Lyme disease and other tick-borne and atypical infections.

Effexor is the brand of venlafaxine extended-release capsules, an SNRI for major depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety and panic disorder. Originally Wyeth, now Pfizer; authorised generics widely available with bioequivalent activity.

Elavil is the original brand of amitriptyline, the foundational tricyclic antidepressant introduced in 1961. The brand is largely retired in many markets but the molecule remains widely used at low dose for neuropathic pain, migraine prevention and insomnia, with generics dominating prescribing.

Estrace is a brand of bioidentical oral estradiol tablets and vaginal cream used in menopausal hormone replacement therapy. Authorised generic estradiol products are widely available and clinically equivalent at the same strength and route.

Evista is the brand of raloxifene 60mg, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used for prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and reduction of invasive breast cancer risk. Authorised generic raloxifene is widely available since 2014.

Female Cialis is a marketing name for tadalafil 20mg tablets sold to women through international online pharmacies. The product is not approved for any female sexual indication and is positioned off-label, despite the popular name.

Female Viagra is a marketing name for sildenafil citrate 100mg tablets sold for women through international online pharmacies. The product is not FDA-approved for female use and is positioned off-label, despite the popular name.

Femalegra is a 100mg sildenafil citrate tablet manufactured in India by Sunrise Remedies and marketed for women through international online pharmacies. Like Female Viagra and Lady Era, the product is off-label and not approved for any female indication.

Glucophage is a prescription oral biguanide containing metformin, used as first-line therapy in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Tablets are available at 500mg, 850mg and 1000mg, with an extended-release option.

Januvia is a prescription oral DPP-4 inhibitor containing sitagliptin, used in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycaemic control. Tablets are available at 25mg, 50mg and 100mg, with renal-based dose selection.

Kamagra is a brand of sildenafil citrate manufactured in India by Ajanta Pharma. Tablets contain the same active ingredient as Viagra and are used by adult men with erectile dysfunction. Available in 50mg and 100mg strengths.

Kamagra Oral Jelly is a liquid sildenafil 100mg formulation by Ajanta Pharma, supplied in single-dose flavoured sachets instead of tablets. Designed for users who prefer easier swallowing or a slightly faster onset of action.

Kamagra Oral Jelly Vol-2 is the second flavour line of Ajanta Pharma's sildenafil 100mg gel sachets. Same active ingredient and dosing as the original Kamagra Oral Jelly; only the flavours differ — cherry, lemon, apple and others.

Klonopin is a prescription oral benzodiazepine containing clonazepam. It is used in adults for selected forms of epilepsy and for panic disorder, with a relevant risk of dependence on prolonged use.

Lady Era is a 100mg sildenafil citrate tablet manufactured in India by Sunrise Remedies and marketed for women through international online pharmacies. Like Female Viagra, the product is off-label and not approved for any female indication.

Lamictal is an oral antiepileptic and mood stabiliser containing lamotrigine. It is used in adults and children for partial-onset seizures, primary generalised seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and bipolar disorder maintenance. Slow titration is essential.

Lantus is a prescription long-acting basal insulin containing insulin glargine at 100 IU/mL. It is used in adults and paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes and in adults with type 2 diabetes when basal insulin is required.

Lasix is the original brand of furosemide, a loop diuretic marketed by Sanofi for fluid overload in heart failure, kidney disease and liver cirrhosis. Tablets in 20mg, 40mg and 100mg, with rapid onset and a 6-hour duration of action.

Levitra is a prescription medication containing vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor used by adult men with erectile dysfunction. Tablets come in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. Marketed by Bayer with onset and duration similar to sildenafil but somewhat higher PDE5 selectivity.

Lexapro is the originator brand of escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used for major depression and generalised anxiety disorder. Tablets are available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg, with 10mg the typical adult target dose.

Lipitor is a prescription oral high-intensity statin containing atorvastatin. It is used in adults for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events.

Livial is the brand of tibolone 2.5mg tablets, a single synthetic steroid that acts as combined estrogenic, progestogenic and weak androgenic HRT. It is widely used in Europe, Latin America and Asia for postmenopausal symptoms; not available in the United States.

Lumigan is an ophthalmic prostaglandin analogue containing bimatoprost. It is used in adults for ocular hypertension and chronic open-angle glaucoma, with once-daily evening dosing and significant reductions in intraocular pressure.

Lunesta is a prescription oral non-benzodiazepine hypnotic containing eszopiclone. It is used in adults for insomnia, including difficulty falling asleep and difficulty maintaining sleep, with a moderate half-life suited to overnight coverage.

Lyrica is a prescription oral gabapentinoid containing pregabalin. It is used in adults for neuropathic pain, generalised anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia (in some markets) and as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures, with linear pharmacokinetics.

Microzide is a brand name for hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), the most prescribed thiazide diuretic worldwide for hypertension and oedema. Authorised generics dominate the market and are clinically equivalent to Microzide at the same strength.

Midamor is a brand of amiloride, the potassium-sparing diuretic used in hypertension and oedema. Most current use of amiloride is in fixed-dose combinations with hydrochlorothiazide (Moduretic, co-amilozide) to offset thiazide-induced potassium loss; Midamor monotherapy is uncommon today.

Mobic is a prescription oral preferential COX-2 NSAID containing meloxicam. It is used in adults for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, with once-daily dosing and an intermediate gastrointestinal safety profile.

Mounjaro is a prescription once-weekly subcutaneous injection containing tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist used in adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycaemic control.

Neurontin is an oral gabapentinoid containing gabapentin. It is used in adults and children for partial-onset seizures and in adults for post-herpetic neuralgia. It is also widely used off-label for various neuropathic pain conditions.

Nexium is an oral proton pump inhibitor containing esomeprazole, the S-enantiomer of omeprazole. It is used in adults and children for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, NSAID-induced ulcer prophylaxis and Helicobacter pylori eradication.

Norvasc is a prescription oral dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker containing amlodipine. It is used in adults and children for hypertension and chronic stable or vasospastic angina, with once-daily dosing and a stable blood-pressure profile.

Ovestin is the brand of estriol vaginal cream and pessaries used for postmenopausal urogenital atrophy. It is widely used in Europe and Latin America (not available in the US) and is one of the most commonly prescribed local estrogens for vaginal dryness, dyspareunia and recurrent UTIs.

Ozempic is a prescription once-weekly subcutaneous injection containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used in adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycaemic control and to reduce major cardiovascular events.

Paxil is GlaxoSmithKline's brand of paroxetine, an SSRI antidepressant approved for depression, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, generalised anxiety and PTSD. Authorised generic paroxetine has been widely available since 2003 at lower cost.

Pepcid is an oral H2-receptor antagonist containing famotidine. It is used in adults and children for heartburn, gastro-oesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer disease and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, with a favourable safety profile and minimal drug interactions.

Plan B is the brand name for levonorgestrel 1.5mg used as emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. Most effective when taken within 72 hours; available over-the-counter in many jurisdictions.

Plavix is a prescription oral antiplatelet medication containing clopidogrel. It is used in adults after acute coronary syndrome, percutaneous coronary intervention, ischaemic stroke or peripheral arterial disease to reduce atherothrombotic events.

Priligy is the brand name for dapoxetine, a short-acting SSRI specifically approved for on-demand treatment of premature ejaculation in adult men. Tablets in 30mg and 60mg, taken 1-3 hours before anticipated sexual activity.

Prilosec is an oral proton pump inhibitor containing omeprazole, the prototypical PPI. It is used in adults and children for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, NSAID-induced ulcer prophylaxis and Helicobacter pylori eradication.

Prometrium is a brand of oral micronised progesterone, the bioidentical natural progestogen used for endometrial protection in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen and for selected gynaecological indications. Authorised generic micronised progesterone is widely available.

Propecia is the original brand of finasteride 1mg, manufactured by Merck for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in men aged 18 to 41. Reduces DHT to slow or partially reverse androgen-driven follicle miniaturisation.

Protonix is an oral proton pump inhibitor containing pantoprazole. It is used in adults and children for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and is often preferred when CYP2C19 drug interactions are a concern.

Provera is the brand of oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a synthetic progestin used for menstrual cycle disorders, prevention of endometrial hyperplasia in HRT and other gynaecological indications. Authorised generic MPA is widely available; depot injectable MPA is marketed as Depo-Provera.

Prozac is Eli Lilly's brand of fluoxetine, the first SSRI introduced into clinical practice (1987). It is approved for depression, OCD, bulimia nervosa and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and is notable for its long half-life and gentle discontinuation profile.

Remeron is the original brand of mirtazapine, an atypical antidepressant of the NaSSA class. It is sedating and appetite-stimulating at low doses, with notably fewer sexual side effects than SSRIs, and is widely used in depression with insomnia, weight loss or anxiety.

Restoril is a prescription oral benzodiazepine hypnotic containing temazepam. It is used in adults for the short-term treatment of insomnia, with a moderate half-life suited to sleep maintenance.

Rogaine is the original brand of topical minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia, available as 2% and 5% solution and 5% foam over the counter for both men and women. Authorised generics are widely available at lower cost and are clinically equivalent.

Saxenda is a prescription once-daily subcutaneous injection containing liraglutide, approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or with overweight and at least one weight-related comorbidity, and in adolescents from 12 years.

Sertraline (generic) is the authorised generic equivalent of Zoloft, supplied as 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets. SSRI used for major depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD and social anxiety in adults. Same active ingredient as the original brand.

Singulair is a prescription oral leukotriene receptor antagonist containing montelukast. It is used in adults and children for the maintenance treatment of asthma, exercise-induced bronchospasm and seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis.

Spironolactone is the generic name and product for the aldosterone antagonist diuretic used in heart failure, resistant hypertension, ascites and several androgen-related conditions in women. Originally marketed as Aldactone, with widely available authorised generics.

Stendra is the brand of avanafil, the newest PDE5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction (FDA 2012). It offers faster onset than sildenafil and a more selective enzyme profile that may reduce some class side effects, with on-demand tablet dosing.

Symbicort is a prescription combination inhaler containing the inhaled corticosteroid budesonide and the long-acting beta-2 agonist formoterol. It is used in adults and adolescents for asthma maintenance and, in some markets, for COPD.

Synthroid is AbbVie's brand of levothyroxine, the synthetic T4 thyroid hormone used as standard replacement therapy in hypothyroidism. Authorised generic levothyroxine is widely available, but the narrow therapeutic index makes brand consistency clinically meaningful.

Tadalafil (generic) is the authorised generic equivalent of Cialis, supplied as 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets by various manufacturers. Same active ingredient, same indication, lower price than the original Eli Lilly brand.

Tamiflu is an oral neuraminidase inhibitor containing oseltamivir. It is used in adults and children for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza A and B, with greatest benefit when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Thalitone is a brand of chlorthalidone, the long-acting thiazide-like diuretic widely used for hypertension. Authorised generic chlorthalidone is the dominant form used today, and it is the thiazide-class agent recommended over hydrochlorothiazide in current US hypertension guidelines.

Topamax is an oral antiepileptic and migraine prophylactic containing topiramate. It is used in adults and children for partial-onset seizures, primary generalised seizures and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and in adults for migraine prevention.

Toprol XL is a prescription extended-release oral beta-1 blocker containing metoprolol succinate. It is used in adults for hypertension, angina and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, with once-daily dosing.

Trulicity is a prescription once-weekly subcutaneous injection containing dulaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used in adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycaemic control and to reduce major cardiovascular events.

Valtrex is an oral nucleoside antiviral prodrug containing valacyclovir. It is used in adults for herpes simplex (genital, labial), herpes zoster (shingles) and prevention of cytomegalovirus disease after solid organ transplantation, with convenient dosing.

Vardenafil (generic) is the authorised generic equivalent of Levitra, supplied as 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets by various manufacturers. Same active ingredient, same indication, lower price than the original Bayer brand.

Ventolin is a prescription short-acting beta-2 agonist inhaler containing salbutamol (albuterol). It is used in adults and children for the rapid relief of bronchospasm in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Viagra is a prescription medication containing sildenafil citrate, a PDE5 inhibitor used by adult men to support erections during sexual activity in cases of erectile dysfunction. Tablets come in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.

Viagra Professional is a sublingual formulation of sildenafil citrate 100mg, designed to begin acting more quickly than the conventional swallowed tablet by being absorbed through the mucosa under the tongue. Used in adult men with erectile dysfunction.

Viagra Super Active is a soft gelatin capsule formulation of sildenafil citrate 100mg, designed for faster dissolution and absorption than a standard tablet. Used by adult men with erectile dysfunction; same mechanism as Viagra.

Voltaren is an NSAID brand containing diclofenac. It is used in adults for inflammatory and musculoskeletal pain conditions, with oral, topical, parenteral and rectal formulations and a strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory profile.

Wegovy is a prescription once-weekly subcutaneous injection containing semaglutide, approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or with overweight and at least one weight-related comorbidity, and in adolescents from 12 years in some markets.

Wellbutrin is the brand name of bupropion, an atypical antidepressant that inhibits norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake. It is widely used for major depression, especially when SSRIs cause sexual dysfunction or weight gain, and is supplied in immediate-release, SR and XL formulations.

Xalatan is an ophthalmic prostaglandin F2-alpha analogue containing latanoprost. It is used in adults and children for ocular hypertension and chronic open-angle glaucoma, with once-daily evening dosing and significant intraocular pressure reduction.

Xanax is a prescription oral benzodiazepine containing alprazolam. It is used in adults for the short-term management of generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder, with a recognised risk of dependence on prolonged use.

Yasmin is a combined oral contraceptive containing 3mg drospirenone and 30mcg ethinyl estradiol per tablet, marketed by Bayer. It is the original drospirenone-containing pill, distinguished by the spironolactone-like progestin and a higher EE dose than the related Yaz product.

Yaz is the brand of a combined oral contraceptive containing drospirenone 3mg and ethinylestradiol 0.02mg in a 24/4 regimen. It is widely used for contraception, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and moderate acne in women requesting contraception.

Zithromax is a prescription oral macrolide antibiotic containing azithromycin. It is used in adults and children for respiratory tract infections, otitis media, sexually transmitted infections and skin and soft tissue infections, with convenient short-course regimens.

Zoloft is the original brand name for sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) marketed by Pfizer. Used in adults for major depression, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, social anxiety and PMDD. Tablets in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.

Zyrtec is an over-the-counter or prescription oral antihistamine containing cetirizine. It is used in adults and children for allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and chronic urticaria, with limited sedation compared with first-generation agents.