This is my list of drugs to memorize, instead of learning drug names i use a different approach, I decided just to be able to identify the drug classes by reading the name. Check the Quizlet. Below it’s just the database for the Quizlet.
Perfect 👌 Here’s your ultimate GI + Respiratory + IBD/IBS + Myasthenia Gravis master list rewritten cleanly in your preferred format:
Drug name (Brand) //// Class :: Main use/mechanism :: Key notes
💊 ACID SUPPRESSION & MUCOSAL PROTECTION
Omeprazole (Prilosec) //// Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) :: Irreversibly blocks H⁺/K⁺-ATPase → stops gastric acid secretion :: Take 30 min before breakfast; do not crush; long-term risk osteoporosis & C. difficile
Pantoprazole (Protonix) //// PPI :: Same mechanism as omeprazole; GERD & stress-ulcer prophylaxis :: Monitor Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺; take before meals
Lansoprazole (Prevacid) //// PPI :: Decreases acid secretion for PUD/GERD :: Similar to omeprazole; long-term fracture risk
Esomeprazole (Nexium) //// PPI :: Potent acid suppression for PUD, GERD, Zollinger-Ellison :: Headache, nausea, ↓ Ca absorption
Sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer) //// Antacid :: Neutralizes acid rapidly for heartburn :: High Na⁺; avoid in HF/HTN
Calcium carbonate (Tums) //// Antacid :: Neutralizes acid and adds Ca²⁺ :: Constipation, hypercalcemia if overused
Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) //// Antacid / osmotic laxative :: Neutralizes acid + draws water into colon :: Diarrhea; avoid in renal failure
Aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel) //// Antacid :: Neutralizes acid; binds phosphate :: Constipation
Maalox / Mylanta //// Antacid combo (Mg + Al) :: Rapid acid relief balancing diarrhea/constipation :: Give 2 h apart from other drugs
Famotidine (Pepcid) //// H₂ receptor antagonist :: Blocks H₂ receptors → ↓ acid production :: Take before meals/bed; HA or constipation possible
Ranitidine (Zantac) //// H₂ blocker :: Decreases acid output for ulcers & GERD :: Withdrawn in many markets but tested conceptually
Nizatidine (Axid) //// H₂ blocker :: Reduces nocturnal acid secretion :: Similar AEs to others
Cimetidine (Tagamet) //// H₂ blocker :: ↓ acid secretion :: Confusion, gynecomastia, many drug interactions (warfarin, phenytoin)
Sucralfate (Carafate) //// Pepsin inhibitor / mucosal protectant :: Coats ulcer to shield from acid/pepsin :: Take on empty stomach 30 min before meals & HS; causes constipation
Misoprostol (Cytotec) //// Prostaglandin E₁ analog :: ↓ acid + ↑ mucus/bicarbonate protection for NSAID ulcer prevention :: Contraindicated in pregnancy (Category X); can cause cramping
Propantheline (Pro-Banthine) //// Anticholinergic GI agent :: Blocks ACh & histamine → ↓ acid & motility :: Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation; avoid in glaucoma/BPH
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) //// Benzodiazepine tranquilizer :: Reduces vagal stimulation & anxiety (old ulcer therapy) :: Sedation; avoid alcohol
Clidinium bromide (Quarzan) //// Anticholinergic antispasmodic :: ↓ GI spasms and secretions in ulcer therapy :: Dry mouth, urinary retention
Diazepam (Valium) //// Benzodiazepine tranquilizer :: Anxiety or muscle relaxant :: Sedation; dependence risk
Amoxicillin //// Penicillin antibiotic :: H. pylori eradication (triple therapy) :: Complete full course; watch allergy
Clarithromycin //// Macrolide antibiotic :: H. pylori infection combination therapy :: GI upset, metallic taste, QT prolongation
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) //// Adsorbent / mucosal protective agent :: Coats GI lining and kills bacteria in ulcers/diarrhea :: Black stool/tongue; avoid salicylate allergy
🚽 MOTILITY & ANTIDIARRHEALS
Psyllium (Metamucil) //// Bulk-forming laxative :: Absorbs water → ↑ stool bulk :: Take with 1–2 glasses of water
Methylcellulose //// Bulk-forming laxative :: Adds fiber to stool :: Prevent dehydration
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) //// Stimulant laxative :: Stimulates peristalsis for quick BM :: Short-term only; may cause cramps
Senna //// Stimulant laxative :: Increases motility (think “river Sena”) :: Brown-reddish urine, cramps
Lactulose //// Osmotic laxative :: Pulls water into colon; ↓ ammonia in liver disease :: Watch electrolytes; can cause diarrhea
Polyethylene glycol (MiraLax) //// Osmotic laxative :: Retains water in stool for rapid BM :: Monitor hydration
Docusate (Colace) //// Stool softener (emollient) :: Lubricates stool and ↓ straining :: Used post-MI or surgery
Lubiprostone (Amitiza) //// Chloride channel activator :: ↑ intestinal fluid + motility :: Nausea, diarrhea, headache; for IBS-C
Diphenoxylate + Atropine (Lomotil) //// Opiate-related antidiarrheal :: Slows peristalsis → more fluid absorption :: Dependence risk; avoid infectious diarrhea
Loperamide (Imodium) //// Opiate-like antidiarrheal :: Slows motility & ↑ absorption :: OTC for IBS-D & traveler’s diarrhea
Kaolin/Pectin //// Adsorbent antidiarrheal :: Coats GI lining & binds toxins :: May cause constipation
Rifaximin //// Non-absorbable antibiotic :: Traveler’s diarrhea, IBS-D, hepatic encephalopathy :: Minimal systemic effects
Cholestyramine //// Bile acid sequestrant :: Binds bile salts → ↓ diarrhea in bile acid malabsorption :: Constipation; interferes with drug absorption
Probiotics //// Gut flora restorative :: Replenish healthy bacteria after antibiotics or diarrhea :: Separate from antibiotic dosing
Metoclopramide (Reglan) //// Dopamine antagonist / prokinetic :: ↑ gastric emptying for GERD, gastroparesis, N/V :: EPS risk; avoid long-term
🤢 ANTIEMETICS
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) //// 1st-gen antihistamine :: Motion sickness, vertigo :: Drowsiness, dry mouth
Meclizine //// Antihistamine :: Vertigo, motion sickness :: Sedation, anticholinergic effects
Promethazine //// Phenothiazine antihistamine :: Motion sickness, N/V :: Sedation; avoid kids <2 yrs
Scopolamine //// Anticholinergic (patch) :: Prevents motion sickness :: Dry mouth, blurred vision
Prochlorperazine (Compazine) //// Dopamine antagonist :: Chemo/post-op N/V :: EPS, hypotension
Trimethobenzamide (Tigan) //// Miscellaneous antiemetic :: Post-op or toxin-related N/V :: Drowsiness
Lorazepam (Ativan) //// Benzodiazepine antiemetic adjunct :: Chemo anxiety & anticipatory nausea :: Sedation, dependence
Dexamethasone //// Glucocorticoid antiemetic adjunct :: Chemo combo therapy for N/V :: Hyperglycemia, insomnia
Ondansetron (Zofran) //// Serotonin (5-HT₃) antagonist :: Chemo, radiation, post-op N/V :: Headache, constipation, QT prolongation
Dronabinol (Marinol) //// Cannabinoid antiemetic :: Chemo N/V, appetite stimulant :: Drowsiness, mood changes
🦠 IBD & IBS
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) //// 5-ASA anti-inflammatory :: ↓ bowel inflammation in UC/Crohn’s :: GI upset; monitor CBC
Mesalamine //// 5-ASA derivative :: Local anti-inflammatory for IBD :: Fewer side effects than sulfasalazine
Prednisone //// Systemic glucocorticoid :: Acute flare control for IBD / asthma :: Taper slowly; hyperglycemia, infection risk
Hydrocortisone //// Glucocorticoid :: Rectal foam/enema for IBD :: Local irritation, same steroid risks
Azathioprine (Imuran) //// Immunosuppressant :: Maintains IBD remission :: Bone marrow suppression, infection risk
Methotrexate (MTX) //// Antimetabolite immunosuppressant :: Refractory IBD and autoimmune diseases :: Hepatotoxic, teratogenic
Infliximab (Remicaid) //// Biologic anti-TNF antibody :: Moderate-severe IBD & RA :: Infusion reaction, infection risk
Adalimumab (Humira) //// Biologic anti-TNF antibody :: IBD, RA, psoriasis :: Infection risk; SQ injection
Dicyclomine (Bentyl) //// Anticholinergic antispasmodic :: IBS pain & cramping :: Dry mouth, constipation
Alosetron (Lotronex) //// 5-HT₃ antagonist :: IBS-D in women :: Risk of ischemic colitis & severe constipation
Linaclotide (Linzess) //// GC-C agonist :: IBS-C; ↑ fluid & motility :: Diarrhea, abdominal pain
🌬️ RESPIRATORY — UPPER AIRWAY
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) //// 1st-gen H₁ antihistamine :: Allergic rhinitis, urticaria, motion sickness :: Sedation, anticholinergic effects
Fexofenadine (Allegra) //// 2nd-gen H₁ antihistamine :: Allergies with less drowsiness :: Avoid grapefruit juice
Loratadine (Claritin) //// 2nd-gen H₁ antihistamine :: Seasonal allergic rhinitis :: Minimal CNS sedation
Oxymetazoline (Afrin) //// Nasal alpha-adrenergic agonist :: Vasoconstriction → ↓ nasal congestion :: Rebound congestion > 3–5 days
Pseudoephedrine //// Systemic decongestant (alpha/beta agonist) :: Relieves nasal stuffiness :: ↑ BP & HR; avoid HTN
Fluticasone (Flonase / Flovent) //// Corticosteroid (intranasal/inhaled) :: Allergic rhinitis or asthma maintenance :: Nasal irritation, epistaxis, oral thrush if not rinsed
Budesonide (Rhinocort / Pulmicort) //// Corticosteroid (intranasal/inhaled) :: Rhinitis & asthma prophylaxis :: Takes 1–3 weeks for effect; rinse mouth
Codeine //// Opioid antitussive :: Suppresses cough center in CNS :: Respiratory depression, dependence
Hydrocodone //// Opioid antitussive :: Severe cough with pain :: Sedation, constipation
Dextromethorphan //// Non-opioid antitussive :: Suppresses cough reflex centrally :: Dizziness; abuse risk at high doses
Benzonatate (Tessalon Pearls) //// Non-opioid antitussive :: Anesthetizes stretch receptors in lungs :: Do not chew; laryngospasm risk
Guaifenesin (Mucinex) //// Expectorant :: Thins mucus → easier expulsion :: Encourage fluids
Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) //// Mucolytic / antidote :: Breaks down thick mucus & antidote for acetaminophen :: Bronchospasm risk in asthma
Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine / Sudafed PE) //// Alpha-1 agonist decongestant (oral or nasal) :: Short-term relief of nasal congestion :: Risk of rebound congestion > 3 days (nasal); less effective orally than pseudoephedrine
Naphazoline (Privine) //// Intranasal alpha-adrenergic agonist :: Vasoconstricts nasal vessels → ↓ congestion :: Risk of rebound congestion; short duration
Triamcinolone (Nasacort) //// Intranasal corticosteroid :: Allergic rhinitis (seasonal or perennial) :: Takes several days to work; rinse mouth to avoid irritation
Mometasone (Nasonex) //// Intranasal corticosteroid :: Nasal inflammation, polyps, rhinitis :: Well-tolerated; minimal systemic absorption
🫁 RESPIRATORY — LOWER AIRWAY
Albuterol //// SABA (β₂ agonist) :: Rescue inhaler for acute bronchospasm :: Tremor, tachycardia, nervousness
Salmeterol //// LABA (β₂ agonist) :: Maintenance bronchodilation for asthma/COPD :: Not for acute use; combine with steroid
Ipratropium (Atrovent) //// Short-acting anticholinergic :: COPD bronchodilator :: Dry mouth, bitter taste
Tiotropium (Spiriva) //// Long-acting anticholinergic :: COPD maintenance :: Dry mouth
Theophylline //// Methylxanthine bronchodilator :: Chronic asthma/COPD (3rd line) :: Narrow range; toxicity → tachycardia, seizures
Beclomethasone //// Inhaled corticosteroid :: Long-term asthma control :: Rinse mouth after use; oral thrush risk
Methylprednisolone //// IV/PO corticosteroid :: Acute asthma/COPD exacerbation :: Hyperglycemia; taper slowly
Montelukast (Singulair) //// Leukotriene receptor antagonist :: Asthma/allergy prophylaxis; taken at night :: Possible mood changes
Cromolyn //// Mast cell stabilizer :: Prevents histamine release in asthma/allergy prophylaxis :: Not for acute attacks
Formoterol //// LABA (β₂ agonist) :: Long-acting bronchodilator for asthma/COPD :: Rapid onset with 12h duration; combine with ICS, not for acute attacks
Ciclesonide (Alvesco) //// Inhaled corticosteroid (prodrug) :: Asthma maintenance therapy :: Activated in lungs; fewer local side effects
Zafirlukast (Accolate) //// Leukotriene receptor antagonist :: Asthma prophylaxis; alternative to montelukast :: Take on empty stomach; monitor liver function
Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef) //// IV corticosteroid :: Severe asthma/COPD exacerbations or anaphylaxis :: Short-acting; monitor glucose, fluid retention
Omalizumab (Xolair) //// Monoclonal antibody (anti-IgE) :: Severe allergic asthma uncontrolled with ICS/LABA :: SC injection; monitor for anaphylaxis after dose
Mepolizumab (Nucala) //// Monoclonal antibody (anti–IL-5) :: Eosinophilic asthma maintenance :: SC injection; monitor for hypersensitivity reactions
Dupilumab (Dupixent) //// Monoclonal antibody (anti–IL-4/13) :: Severe asthma with allergy or eosinophilia; nasal polyps :: Injection site reactions; risk of conjunctivitis and hypersensitivity
🩹 PAIN & INFLAMMATION (NSAIDs)
Aspirin (ASA) //// NSAID / COX-1 & 2 inhibitor (irreversible) :: Analgesic, antipyretic, antiplatelet :: GI bleed, tinnitus, Reye’s syndrome in children
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) //// NSAID (non-selective) :: Pain, fever, inflammation :: GI upset, nephrotoxicity
Naproxen (Aleve) //// NSAID (non-selective) :: Long-acting pain & inflammation relief :: GI irritation, renal risk
⚡ NEUROMUSCULAR
Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) //// Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor :: Myasthenia gravis → ↑ ACh at NM junction