Top 200 Drugs

Top 200 Drugs Every Pharmacist Should Remember [2024 Updated]

Let's look at the top 200 drugs list, each of which includes a list of all active chemicals as well as the drug class to which each ingredient belongs.

January 1, 2022

The job of pharmacists has evolved over the last several decades as our population’s healthcare demands have changed. Pharmacists’ function in healthcare has traditionally been limited to distributing pharmaceuticals. They must also ensure that drugs are delivered to patients accurately.

Pharmacists are now essential members of our healthcare team. They are also thought to be the most approachable healthcare providers. They may also accomplish their pharmacists’ patient care procedures because of their approachability (PPCP). Collect, access, plan, implement, and follow up are all steps in this process. It’s done to keep track of and analyze the effectiveness and appropriateness of drugs, as well as to get input from patients. Pharmacists also provide advice to other health professionals on pharmaceutical therapy decisions. Also, teach students about drug composition, physicochemical qualities, and biological effects.

It might be difficult to remember the names of the top 200 drugs and generic medications. Many medications have many active ingredients, and one treatment may be available in a variety of brand names. As a result, learning is a long and difficult process.

However, the PTCB exam’s MCQ format works in your favor. 

Top 200 Drugs

Top 200 Drugs chart

Many drugs have names that are comparable to the sickness or condition they are approved to treat. It becomes much easier to “match” them on the day of the exam once you start seeing the similarities.

Consider the following situation:

  • Clozaril is an antipsychotic medication with the active component clozapine.
  • Glucophage is an anti-diabetic medication that contains the active component metformin. Glucophage is derived from the words “glucose” and “phage,” which is Greek for “eating.”
  • Diflucan is an antifungal medication with the active component fluconazole.
  • Haldol is an antipsychotic medication with the main component haloperidol.
  • Ventolin is a beta-2 agonist used to treat asthma. Its primary constituent is albuterol. Consider the term “hyperventilation,” which refers to fast breathing.

However, many drugs do not appear to have such obvious links. The medications must be memorized with a clear relationship between the medicine and its name. Once you’ve memorized these, you’ll be able to pick them out of a list of four MCQ possibilities on test day.

You may now spend more time on the more challenging tasks. Flashcards can help with this. PTCB Test Prep has created hundreds of flashcards to assist you in memorizing these medications, including the top 200 drugs, indications, side effects, and mechanisms of action. If prepared correctly, flashcards are the most effective way to learn the top 200 brands and generic drugs.

Let’s look at the top 200 brand and generic pharmaceuticals, each of which includes a list of all active chemicals as well as the drug class to which each ingredient belongs.

Medicine Active Ingredient(s) Drug Class

Lexapro

Escitalopram SSRI

Vicodin

Acetaminophen
Hydrocodone
Analgesic/antipyretic
Opioid

Prinivil
Qbrelis

Lisinopril ACE inhibitor

Zocor

Simvastatin Statin

Synthroid

Levothyroxine Thyroid hormone

Amoxil
Trimox

Amoxicillin Antibacterial drug

Zithromax

Azithromycin Macrolide antibacterial

Microzide
Aquazide

Hydrochlorothiazide Thiazide diuretic

Norvasc

Amlodipine Calcium channel blocker

Xanax

Alprazolam Benzodiazepine

Glucophage

Metformin Oral antidiabetic drug

Lipitor

Atorvastatin Statin

Prilosec

Omeprazole Proton-pump inhibitor

Cipro
Proquin

Ciprofloxacin Fluoroquinolone

Zofran

Ondansetron Antiemetic drug

Clozaril

Clozapine Antipsychotic drug

Lasix

Furosemide Loop diuretic

Levitra

Vardenafil PDE5 inhibitor

Sumycin
Ala-Tet
Brodspec

Tetracycline   Antibacterial drug

Heparin Sodium

Heparin Anticoagulant drug

Valcyte

Valganciclovir Antiviral drug

Lamictal

Lamotrigine Anticonvulsant drug

Diflucan

Fluconazole Antifungal drug

Tenormin

Atenolol Beta-blocker

Singulair

Montelukast Leukotriene inhibitor

Flonase Nasal Spray

Fluticasone propionate Corticosteroid

Zyloprim

Allopurinol Anti-gout drug

Fosamax

Alendronate Bisphosphonate

Pepcid

Famotidine H2 antagonist

Omnicef

Cefdinir Cephalosporin

Yaz

Ethinyl estradiol
Drospirenone
Birth control medicine

Apresoline

Hydralazine Antihypertensive drug

Cogentin

Benztropine Antiparkinsonian drug

Tussionex PennKinetic

Chlorpheniramine
Hydrocodone
Antihistamine
Narcotic

Paxil

Paroxetine SSRI

Ativan

Lorazepam Benzodiazepine

Pyridium

Phenazopyridine Analgesic

Plaquenil

Hydroxychloroquine Anti-malarial drug

Lidoderm

Lidocaine Local anesthetic
Cataflam Diclofenac NSAID

Rayos
Deltasone

Prednisone Corticosteroid

Zetia

Ezetimibe Antihyperlipidemic

Evista

Raloxifene Estrogen modulator

Dilantin

Phenytoin Anticonvulsant drug

Lovaza

Omega-3 fatty acids Anti-triglyceride drug

Zanaflex

Tizanidine Muscle relaxant

Hytrin

Terazosin Alpha-1 blocker

Dyrenium

Triamterene Potassium-sparing diuretic

Altace

Ramipril ACE inhibitor

Pravachol

Pravastatin Statin

Risperdal

Risperidone Antipsychotic drug

Lunesta

Eszopiclone Z-drug / hypnotic

Celebrex

Celecoxib COX-inhibitor / NSAID

Premarin

Conjugated estrogens Estrogen replacement

Avelox

Moxifloxacin Fluoroquinolone

Aricept

Donepezil Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor

Macrobid
Macrodantin

Nitrofurantoin   Antibacterial drug

Duragesic Skin Patch

Fentanyl Opioid narcotic

Imdur

Isosorbide mononitrate Nitrate

Prozac
Sarafem

Fluoxetine SSRI

Aristocort

Triamcinolone Corticosteroid

Suboxone

Buprenorphine
Naloxone
Narcotic
Opioid blocker

Vyvanse

Lisdexamfetamine CNS Stimulant

Pamelor

Nortriptyline Tricyclic antidepressant

HumaLOG

Insulin lispro Rapid-acting insulin

Depacon
Depakote

Valproate sodium Anticonvulsant drug

BetaSept
ChloraPrep

Chlorhexidine Disinfectant/antiseptic

Bentyl

Dicyclomine Anti-spasmodic drug

Imitrex

Sumatriptan Anti-migraine drug

Protonix

Pantoprazole Proton-pump inhibitor

Lopressor

Metoprolol Beta-blocker

Robitussen

Dextromethorphan
Guaifenesin
Antitussive
Expectorant

Valium

Diazepam Benzodiazepine

Viagra

Sildenafil PDE5 inhibitor

Bactroban

Mupirocin Antibacterial drug

Januvia

Sitagliptin Antidiabetic drug

Reglan

Metoclopramide Dopamine antagonist

Relafen

Nabumetone NSAID

Keflex

Cephalexin Cephalosporin

Effexor

Venlafaxine SNRI

Boniva

Ibandronate Bisphosphonate

Zantac

Ranitidine H2 antagonist

Ex-Lax
Senna Lax

Senna Laxative

NovoLog

Insulin aspart Rapid-acting insulin

Bayer
Ecotrin
Bufferin

Aspirin Antipyretic
Analgesic

Lioresal

Baclofen Muscle relaxant

Flagyl

Metronidazole Antibacterial drug
Antiprotozoal drug

Keppra

Levetiracetam Anticonvulsant drug

Colcrys
Mitigare

Colchicine Anti-gout drug

Zyprexa

Olanzapine Antipsychotic drug

Avodart

Dutasteride 5-alpha reductase inhibitor

TriCor
Antara

Fenofibrate Fibrate

Cardura

Doxazosin Alpha-1 blocker

Aleve

Naproxen NSAID

Aldactone

Spironolactone Potassium-sparing diuretic

Namenda

Memantine NMDA antagonist

Methadose

Methadone Opioid analgesic

Vasotec
Epaned

Enalapril ACE inhibitor

Tamiflu

Oseltamivir Antiviral drug

Requip

Ropinirole Antiparkinsonian drug

PC Pen VK
Pen V

Penicillin Beta-lactam antibacterial

Strattera

Atomoxetine Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

Ambien

Zolpidem Z-drug / hypnotic

Advair

Salmeterol
Fluticasone
Bronchodilators

Levaquin

Levofloxacin Fluoroquinolone

Tofranil

Imipramine Tricyclic antidepressant

Reclast
Zometa

Zoledronic acid Bisphosphonate

Glucotrol

Glipizide Antidiabetic drug

Constulose

Lactulose Laxative

AcipHex

Rabeprazole Proton-pump inhibitor

Otrexup

Methotrexate DMARD

Cleocin

Clindamycin Antibacterial drug

Tylenol

Acetaminophen Analgesic / antipyretic

Feosol

Ferrous sulfate Iron supplement

Relpax

Eletriptan Antimigraine drug

Carbacot
Robaxi

Methocarbamol Muscle relaxant

DiaBeta

Glyburide Antidiabetic drug

Celexa

Citalopram SSRI
Benicar Hydrochlorothiazide Olmesartan Thiazide diuretic
Angiotensin II blocker

Coreg

Carvedilol Beta-blocker

Spiriva

Tiotropium Anticholinergic

Xolair

Omalizumab Monoclonal antibody

NitroStat Sublingual

Nitroglycerin Nitrate

Eliquis

Apixaban Anticoagulant

Neurontin

Gabapentin Anticonvulsant drug

Enbrel

Etanercept DMARD

Herceptin

Trastuzumab Monoclonal antibody
Atripla Emtricitabine
Tenofovir
Efavirenz
Antiretroviral drugs

Xarelto

Rivaroxaban Anticoagulant drug
Stalevo 50 Levodopa
Carbidopa
Entacapone
Antiparkinsonian medicine
Fioricet Acetaminophen
Butalbital
Caffeine
Analgesic / antipyretic
Barbiturate

Levemir

Insulin detemir Long-acting insulin

Lovenox

Enoxaparin Low-molecule weight heparin (LMWH)

Ritalin
Concerta

Methylphenidate CNS Stimulant

Crestor

Rosuvastatin Statin

Xgeva
Prolia

Denosumab Monoclonal antibody

Pradaxa

Dabigatran Anticoagulant drug

Sensipar

Cinacalcet Calcimimetic

Vesicare

Solifenacin Antimuscarinic drug

Haldol

Haloperidol Antipsychotic drug

Ala-Cort

Hydrocortisone Corticosteroid

HumuLIN

Insulin isophane Intermediate-acting insulin

Isentress

Raltegravir Integrase inhibitor

Stelara

Ustekinumab Monoclonal antibody

Mobic

Meloxicam NSAID

Remicade

Infliximab Monoclonal antibody

Night Time

Acetaminophen Diphenhydramine Analgesic / antipyretic Antihistamine

Renvela

Sevelamer Phosphate binder
Fragmin Dalteparin Low-molecular weight
Heparin (LMWH)

Zoloft

Sertraline SSRI

Klonopin

Clonazepam Benzodiazepine
Avalide Hydrochlorothiazide
Irbesartan
Thiazide diuretic
Angiotensin II blocker

Ceftin

Cefuroxime Cephalosporin

Nizoral Topical

Ketoconazole Antifungal drug

Lyrica

Pregabalin Anticonvulsant drug

Nexium

Esomeprazole Proton-pump inhibitor
Combivent Respimat Albuterol
Ipratropium
Beta-2 agonist
Anticholinergic drug

Niaspan

Niacin Form of vitamin B3

Uroxatral

Alfuzosin Alpha-1 blocker

Biaxin

Clarithromycin Macrolide antibacterial

Zomig

Zolmitriptan Anti-migraine drug
Invokana Canagliflozin SGLT-2 inhibitor
Antidiabetic drug

Saxenda
Victoza

Liraglutide GLP-1 agonist
Antidiabetic drug

Alimta

Pemetrexed Anticancer drug
Lotrisone Clotrimazole
Betamethasone
Antifungal drug
Corticosteroid

Avastin

Bevacizumab Anticancer drug

Sovaldi

Sofosbuvir Hepatitis C drug

Gilenya

Fingolimod Immunomodulator

Epogen

Epoetin alfa Human erythropoietin

Seroquel

Quetiapine Antipsychotic drug

Amaryl

Glimepiride Antidiabetic medicine

Percocet

Acetaminophen
Oxycodone
Analgesic / antipyretic
Opioid

SandIMMUNE
Neoral

Cyclosporin Immunosuppressant

Lantus

Insulin glargine Long-acting insulin

Cialis

Tadalafil PDE5 inhibitor

Elavil
Vanatrip

Amitriptyline Tricyclic antidepressant

Lopid

Gemfibrozil Fibrate

Flo-Pred

Prednisolone Corticosteroid

Advil

Ibuprofen NSAID

Aceon

Perindopril ACE inhibitor

Desyrel

Trazodone Antidepressant

Actos

Pioglitazone Thiazolidinedione

Proscar

Finasteride 5-alpha reductase inhibitor

Inbrija
Dopar
Larodopa

Levodopa Antiparkinsonian drug

Actonel

Risedronate Bisphosphonate

ProAir
Ventolin
Proventil

Albuterol   Beta-2 agonist

Ultram

Tramadol Opiate narcotic

Sonata

Zaleplon Z-drug / hypnotic

Zebeta

Bisoprolol Beta-blocker

Zovirax

Acyclovir Antiviral drug

Coumadin

Warfarin Anticoagulant drug

Luvox

Fluvoxamine SSRI

Plavix

Clopidogrel Antiplatelet drug

Vibramycin
Adoxa

Doxycycline Tetracycline antibiotic
Hyzaar Hydrochlorothiazide
Losartan
Thiazide diuretic
Angiotensin II blocker

Kytril
Sancuso

Granisetron Antiemetic drug

Restoril

Temazepam Benzodiazepine

Prevacid

Lansoprazole Proton-pump inhibitor

Augmentin

Amoxicillin
Clavulanic acid
Penicillin antibiotic
Beta-lactamase inhibitor

Mevacor
Altoprev

Lovastatin Statin

The list of the top 200 most commonly prescribed drugs was compiled using data from the Clinical website. The generic name, drug class (if applicable), pharmacological activity, the principal route of administration, adverse drug reactions, and any applicable black box warnings are all used to represent particular medications. Many blockbuster drugs over the last 10 to 15 years, such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, are included in the lists. The cardiovascular, central nervous system, endocrine, and musculoskeletal medications were the most commonly administered. They were responsible for about 140 (70%) of the top 200 most prescribed drugs.

How to Memorize the Top 200 Drugs?

There are numerous other examples of connections between medicine and drug names. If you’re having trouble remembering the top 200 drugs, you should start by breaking them down into manageable, study-able chunks.

  • Take note of how over the course of these twenty drugs:
  • The indication (what the drug is used to treat) frequently plays a role in the medicine name, frequently in combination with a portion of the drug name.
  • How the medicine name corresponds to the active ingredient name.
  • The mechanism of action, or how the drug tends to work, is sometimes included as well.
  • How some Latin-derived medicine names are derived.

These relationships are critical.

The more connections you can find, the easier it is to remember. Instead of memorizing a drug pair for the sake of memorizing it, you’re breaking these words down to learn about the relationships – and from there, you can add more details – including side effects – later on. But don’t overextend yourself.

Do as we have done here and start with the first twenty and memorize them. Then make a list of the next twenty and follow the same procedure. Don’t forget to go over these drugs and medicines again before moving on to the rest of the 200.

Before your go…

PTCB practice questions are preferred by some students, while flashcards are preferred by others. Follow your instincts. It takes time, to be sure, but what matters is that you involve this type of defined structure in your research. No student will remember every detail about every medicine and drug. However, by taking this route, you will cover all of the expected types of PTCB questions that are frequently asked on the exam.

We hope you found this guide on the top 200 drugs useful! If you want to learn the top 200 with detailed information covering indications, mechanisms of action, side effects, and the most important interactions, let’s enroll in our PTCB pro pack to gain immediate access to these premium features.

Pharmacists play an important role in our healthcare team. They are also regarded to be the most accessible healthcare professionals. Pharmacists may find the top 200 drugs list useful as a source of inspiration. Researchers and other healthcare professionals interested in creating new strategies for treating people with various diseases are also welcome.

Knowing the drug helps you to improve your professional skills and help you solve work requirements quickly. Day by day, you will improve your own level which can help increase the salary you receive, especially today when the pharmaceutical industry is on the rise, this is also a way for you to increase your income. Let’s refer to the Average pharmacist salary to see if you are being paid reasonably.

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