Ingredients

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.

Albuterol, also known as salbutamol, is a short-acting beta-2 agonist used in adults and children for the rapid relief of bronchospasm in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It produces bronchodilation within minutes after inhalation.

Alprazolam is a short to intermediate-acting benzodiazepine used in adults for the short-term management of anxiety disorders and panic disorder. It potentiates GABA-A signalling, with a relevant risk of dependence on prolonged use.

Alprostadil is the prostaglandin E1 used for erectile dysfunction when oral PDE5 inhibitors are ineffective or contraindicated. It is administered as intracavernosal injection (Caverject, Edex) or as a urethral pellet (Muse), producing reliable erection within minutes through direct vasodilation.

Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic used for hypertension and oedema, primarily in fixed-dose combinations with hydrochlorothiazide to offset thiazide-induced hypokalaemia. It works through a different mechanism than spironolactone, blocking distal-tubule sodium channels directly.

Amitriptyline is one of the oldest tricyclic antidepressants, in clinical use since 1961. Today it is more commonly used at low dose for neuropathic pain, chronic pain syndromes, migraine prevention and insomnia than for depression, where SSRIs and SNRIs have largely replaced it.

Amlodipine is a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker used in adults and children for hypertension and chronic stable or vasospastic angina. Its long half-life supports once-daily oral dosing with a stable blood-pressure profile.

Amoxicillin is an oral aminopenicillin antibiotic used in adults and children for respiratory, urinary, dental and otologic bacterial infections. It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and is widely available as a first-line option in many indications.

Atorvastatin is a high-intensity statin used in adults for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. It inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reducing LDL cholesterol and lowering the risk of cardiovascular events.

Avanafil is the newest PDE5 inhibitor approved for erectile dysfunction (FDA 2012, marketed as Stendra in the US and Spedra in Europe). It offers faster onset and shorter duration than sildenafil or tadalafil, with a more selective enzyme profile that may reduce some side effects.

Azithromycin is an oral and parenteral macrolide antibiotic used in adults and children for respiratory, skin and selected sexually transmitted bacterial infections. It has a long tissue half-life that supports short or single-dose courses.

Bimatoprost is a topical prostamide analogue used in adults for ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. It reduces intraocular pressure once daily and is also approved for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes in some markets.

Budesonide is a corticosteroid used as inhaled therapy in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as nasal spray in allergic rhinitis, and in extended-release oral formulations for inflammatory bowel disease, with limited systemic exposure.

Bumetanide is a potent loop diuretic used for heart failure, refractory oedema and hypertension. It is approximately 40 times more potent by weight than furosemide and has more reliable oral absorption, supporting its use when furosemide is ineffective or absorption is poor.

Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that inhibits norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake. It is used for major depression and smoking cessation, and is generally considered to have a favourable sexual side-effect profile compared with SSRIs.

Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic used in adults for generalised anxiety disorder. It acts as a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, with minimal sedation, no muscle relaxation and a low risk of dependence.

Celecoxib is an oral COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in adults for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute pain and primary dysmenorrhoea, with reduced upper gastrointestinal toxicity.

Cetirizine is a second-generation H1 antihistamine used in adults and children for allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and chronic urticaria. It blocks peripheral H1 histamine receptors with limited central penetration and modest sedation.

Chlorthalidone is a long-acting thiazide-like diuretic widely used for hypertension and oedema. Several major outcome trials suggest it produces greater blood-pressure reduction and cardiovascular benefit than hydrochlorothiazide at equivalent doses, leading some guidelines to prefer it.

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used in adults for selected urinary, gastrointestinal, respiratory and skin infections. It carries boxed warnings for tendon, nerve and central nervous system effects and should be used only when alternatives are not appropriate.

Citalopram is a widely prescribed SSRI for major depressive disorder and anxiety, marketed as Celexa and Cipramil. It is the racemic mixture from which escitalopram (the more active S-enantiomer) was developed; modern dosing is capped at 40mg daily because of dose-related QT prolongation.

Clavulanate is a beta-lactamase inhibitor combined with amoxicillin or ticarcillin to extend the activity of these antibiotics against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria. It has minimal intrinsic antibacterial activity but protects the partner antibiotic.

Clomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used to induce ovulation in selected women with anovulatory infertility. Taken as a 5-day course early in the menstrual cycle, typically under fertility specialist supervision.

Clonazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine used in adults for selected forms of epilepsy and for panic disorder. It potentiates GABA-A signalling, with relevant dependence and cumulative sedation risks on prolonged use.

Clopidogrel is an oral antiplatelet medication used in adults after acute coronary syndrome, percutaneous coronary intervention, ischaemic stroke or peripheral arterial disease. It irreversibly blocks platelet P2Y12 receptors and reduces atherothrombotic events.

Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of estrogen sulfates derived from pregnant mare urine, used in postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Available as oral tablets and topical formulations, marketed primarily as Premarin.

Dapoxetine is a short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor designed specifically for on-demand treatment of premature ejaculation in adult men. Unlike other SSRIs, it has rapid onset and short duration suitable for as-needed use.

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in adults for inflammatory and musculoskeletal pain conditions. It is supplied as oral tablets, topical gels, suppositories and parenteral solution, with potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Doxycycline is an oral and parenteral tetracycline antibiotic used in adults and adolescents for skin, respiratory, sexually transmitted, tick-borne and selected travel-related infections, with broad activity and convenient once or twice-daily dosing.

Drospirenone is a fourth-generation progestogen with anti-mineralocorticoid and anti-androgen activity. It is widely used in combined oral contraceptives (Yaz, Yasmin) and in a progestogen-only pill (Slynd), often preferred for premenstrual symptoms and acne.

Dulaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection. It is used in adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycaemic control and to reduce major cardiovascular events.

Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) approved for depression, generalised anxiety, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and chronic musculoskeletal pain. It is widely used as a first-line option when both mood and pain are concerns.

Dutasteride is a dual 5α-reductase inhibitor that blocks both type 1 and type 2 isoenzymes, reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) more completely than finasteride. It is used for benign prostatic hyperplasia and off-label for androgenetic alopecia.

Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) widely used for major depression and anxiety disorders. It is the active S-enantiomer of citalopram and is marketed as Lexapro and Cipralex.

Esomeprazole is the S-enantiomer of omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor used in adults and children for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, NSAID-induced ulcer prophylaxis and Helicobacter pylori eradication.

Estradiol is the principal natural estrogen in women, used as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis. It is available as oral tablets, transdermal patches and gels, vaginal creams, rings and tablets, allowing dose and route to be tailored.

Estriol is the weakest of the three natural estrogens, used primarily as topical vaginal therapy (Ovestin cream, pessaries) for postmenopausal urogenital atrophy. Its weak systemic effect and short half-life make it suited for local relief with minimal systemic exposure.

Eszopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic used in adults for insomnia, including sleep onset and maintenance. It modulates GABA-A receptors with a moderate half-life that supports overnight sleep without long next-day residue.

Ethinyl estradiol is the synthetic estrogen used in nearly all combined hormonal contraceptives — pills, patches and vaginal rings. Its high oral potency and long duration make it suitable for once-daily contraceptive dosing combined with a progestin. It is on the WHO Essential Medicines List.

Famotidine is an oral and parenteral H2-receptor antagonist used in adults and children for gastro-oesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer disease and prevention of stress ulcers. It blocks histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion with a favourable safety profile.

Fexofenadine is a second-generation H1 antihistamine used in adults and children for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. It is the active metabolite of terfenadine and produces minimal central nervous system penetration with no clinically relevant sedation.

Finasteride is a selective 5-alpha-reductase type II inhibitor used in male pattern hair loss (1mg) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (5mg). It reduces dihydrotestosterone production, slowing or partially reversing androgen-driven hair loss in men.

Flibanserin is an oral medication approved by the FDA in 2015 for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Marketed as Addyi, it acts on serotonin and dopamine receptors and is taken daily at bedtime.

Fluconazole is an oral and parenteral triazole antifungal used in adults and children for vulvovaginal and oropharyngeal candidiasis, candidaemia, cryptococcal meningitis and prophylaxis in immunocompromised hosts. It is part of the World Health Organization List of Essential Medicines.

Fluoxetine is the first SSRI introduced into clinical practice, marketed as Prozac since 1987 and known for its very long half-life and active metabolite. It is used for depression, OCD, bulimia nervosa and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and is on the WHO Essential Medicines List.

Formoterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist used in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with a relatively rapid onset of bronchodilation and a duration of approximately twelve hours per dose, supporting twice-daily inhaled administration.

Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic used to treat fluid overload (oedema) in heart failure, kidney disease and liver cirrhosis, and as a second-line option for hypertension. Marketed as Lasix and as authorised generics in oral and intravenous forms.

Gabapentin is an oral gabapentinoid 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 and restless legs syndrome.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic widely used as first-line therapy for hypertension and as adjunctive treatment for oedema. It is on the WHO Essential Medicines List and is available in low doses (12.5–25mg) as monotherapy or in fixed combinations.

Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin analogue used in type 1 and selected type 2 diabetes. It provides a relatively flat 24-hour profile that mimics endogenous basal insulin secretion when used at a fixed daily time.

Lamotrigine is an oral antiepileptic and mood stabiliser used in adults and children for partial-onset seizures, primary generalised seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and bipolar disorder maintenance. Slow titration is essential to minimise serious skin reactions.

Latanoprost is a topical prostaglandin F2-alpha analogue used in adults and children for ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. It reduces intraocular pressure once daily and is part of the World Health Organization List of Essential Medicines.

Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestin used as emergency contraception (single 1.5mg dose), in combined oral contraceptives, hormonal IUDs and progestin-only pills. Most effective for emergency use within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.

Levothyroxine is the synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), used as standard replacement therapy in hypothyroidism. It has a narrow therapeutic index and absorption is sensitive to food, calcium and iron, requiring careful dosing and timing.

Liraglutide is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist used in adult type 2 diabetes and, under a separate brand name, for chronic weight management. It improves glycaemic control and produces moderate weight reduction.

Loratadine is a second-generation H1 antihistamine used in adults and children for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. It blocks peripheral H1 receptors with very limited central penetration, supporting once-daily dosing with minimal sedation.

Lorazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine used in adults for the short-term treatment of anxiety, status epilepticus and procedural sedation. It potentiates GABA-A signalling, with relevant dependence and cumulative sedation risks.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a synthetic progestin used as oral therapy (Provera) for menstrual cycle disorders and as part of menopausal HRT, and as a long-acting injectable contraceptive (Depo-Provera) given every 12 weeks. It has anti-estrogenic and anti-gonadotrophic effects.

Meloxicam is an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with preferential COX-2 inhibition, used in adults for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. The long half-life supports once-daily dosing.

Metformin is an oral biguanide and first-line pharmacological treatment for type 2 diabetes. It lowers hepatic glucose production and improves peripheral insulin sensitivity, with a long record of clinical experience.

Metoprolol is a selective beta-1 adrenergic blocker used in adults for hypertension, angina, post-myocardial infarction protection, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and selected arrhythmias.

Minoxidil is a topical and low-dose oral medication for androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss). It was originally an oral antihypertensive and is now the only FDA-approved topical hair-loss treatment for women alongside finasteride for men.

Mirtazapine is an atypical antidepressant of the NaSSA class (noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant). 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.

Montelukast is an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist used in adults and children for asthma maintenance, exercise-induced bronchospasm and allergic rhinitis. It is taken once daily and complements inhaled therapy in selected cases.

Norethindrone is a first-generation oral progestin in clinical use since 1957. It is used in progestin-only contraceptive 'mini-pills', combined with ethinyl estradiol in many combined oral contraceptives, and as monotherapy at higher dose for abnormal uterine bleeding and endometriosis.

Omeprazole is the prototypical proton pump inhibitor, used in adults and children for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, NSAID-induced ulcer prophylaxis and Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens.

Oseltamivir is an oral neuraminidase inhibitor used in adults and children for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza A and B. It is most effective when started early in symptomatic infection and is part of pandemic preparedness stockpiles.

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used in adults and children for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, NSAID-induced ulcer prophylaxis and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is often preferred when CYP2C19 drug interactions are a concern.

Paroxetine is one of the older SSRI antidepressants, marketed as Paxil and Seroxat. It has a stronger anticholinergic profile and shorter half-life than other SSRIs, which makes its discontinuation syndrome notably more pronounced and warrants careful tapering.

Pregabalin is an oral gabapentinoid used in adults for neuropathic pain, generalised anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia (in some markets) and as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures. It binds the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels.

Progesterone is a natural female sex hormone used as bioidentical replacement in menopausal hormone therapy (in combination with estradiol), in luteal-phase support during IVF, and in selected gynaecological indications. Available as oral micronised capsules and vaginal gels, capsules or inserts.

Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis and reduction of invasive breast cancer risk. It activates estrogen receptors in bone while blocking them in breast and uterus, offering targeted benefit without HRT estrogenic effects.

Rosuvastatin is a high-intensity statin used in adults for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. It inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reduces LDL cholesterol substantially and lowers the risk of cardiovascular events.

Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist used in adult type 2 diabetes and, under separate brand names, for chronic weight management. It improves glycaemic control and reduces appetite.

Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat major depressive disorder, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD and social anxiety disorder in adults. Marketed as Zoloft and as authorised generics.

Sildenafil citrate is a selective PDE5 inhibitor used in adult men for erectile dysfunction. It supports erections by raising cyclic GMP levels in penile tissue during sexual stimulation. Available under brand and generic names.

Sitagliptin is an oral dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor used in adults with type 2 diabetes. It improves glycaemic control by extending the half-life of endogenous incretin hormones, with a low intrinsic risk of hypoglycaemia.

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks the aldosterone receptor. It is used in heart failure, resistant hypertension, ascites and androgen-related conditions in women, and is on the WHO Essential Medicines List.

Tadalafil is a long-acting selective PDE5 inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Its 17-hour half-life supports an effect window of up to 36 hours. Available under brand and generic names.

Temazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine used in adults for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It potentiates GABA-A signalling, with a moderate half-life suited to sleep maintenance and a relevant dependence risk.

Testosterone is the principal androgen in men, used clinically as replacement therapy for confirmed hypogonadism. It is available as topical gels, injectable esters, transdermal patches and subcutaneous pellets, with selection driven by patient preference and monitoring needs.

Tibolone is a synthetic steroid for postmenopausal HRT with tissue-selective estrogenic, progestogenic and weak androgenic activity. It is widely available in Europe (Livial) but not approved in the United States; one tablet daily covers combined HRT in a single molecule.

Tirzepatide is a once-weekly subcutaneous peptide that activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. It is approved in adults with type 2 diabetes and, under a separate brand, for chronic weight management.

Topiramate is an oral antiepileptic and migraine prophylactic used in adults and children. It has multiple mechanisms including sodium channel blockade and GABA enhancement, and is also approved as an adjunct for partial-onset and generalised seizures.

Torsemide is a long-acting loop diuretic used for heart failure and oedema, and at lower doses for hypertension. It has more reliable oral absorption than furosemide and a longer duration of action, which has supported broader uptake in chronic heart-failure management.

Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant from the SARI class (serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor). It is FDA-approved for major depression at higher doses but is far more commonly prescribed at low dose (25–100mg at bedtime) for chronic insomnia, where its sedating profile makes it useful.

Valacyclovir is an oral nucleoside antiviral prodrug of acyclovir used in adults for herpes simplex, varicella-zoster and cytomegalovirus infections. Its higher oral bioavailability allows less frequent dosing than acyclovir.

Vardenafil is a selective PDE5 inhibitor used in adult men for erectile dysfunction. Its onset and effect window are similar to sildenafil, with a half-life of 4 to 5 hours. Marketed by Bayer as Levitra and as authorised generics.

Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for major depression, generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Originally launched as Effexor, it now has authorised generics widely available in immediate-release and extended-release forms.

Warfarin is an oral vitamin K antagonist used in adults for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation thromboembolism and selected mechanical heart valves. It requires periodic INR monitoring and dose adjustment.

Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic used in adults for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It selectively potentiates GABA-A receptors at the alpha-1 subunit, with a rapid onset and short half-life suited to sleep induction.