15 Of The Most Commonly Prescribed Medications In The USA
The most commonly prescribed medications in the USA can vary slightly from year to year, but they generally include a mix of drugs for managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, as well as medications for mental health and pain management. As a Medliant USRN, you will likely encounter many of these medications during your employment. Here's a list of some of the most commonly prescribed medications in recent years:
1. Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Use: Lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Class: Statin.
2. Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
Use: Treats high blood pressure and heart failure.
Class: ACE inhibitor.
3. Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
Use: Treats hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Class: Thyroid hormone replacement.
4. Metformin (Glucophage)
Use: Manages type 2 diabetes.
Class: Biguanide.
5. Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Use: Treats high blood pressure and chest pain (angina).
Class: Calcium channel blocker.
6. Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
Use: Treats high blood pressure, chest pain, and heart failure.
Class: Beta-blocker.
7. Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Use: Treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other stomach acid-related conditions.
Class: Proton pump inhibitor.
8. Losartan (Cozaar)
Use: Treats high blood pressure and protects the kidneys in people with diabetes.
Class: Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).
9. Albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir, Proventil)
Use: Treats asthma and other conditions with reversible airway obstruction.
Class: Short-acting beta agonist (SABA).
10. Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Use: Treats nerve pain and seizures.
Class: Anticonvulsant.
11. Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
Use: Treats high blood pressure and edema (swelling).
Class: Diuretic (thiazide).
12. Sertraline (Zoloft)
Use: Treats depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
Class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
13. Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco)
Use: Pain relief.
Class: Opioid analgesic combination.
14. Simvastatin (Zocor)
Use: Lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Class: Statin.
15. Montelukast (Singulair)
Use: Treats allergies and prevents asthma attacks.
Class: Leukotriene receptor antagonist.
These medications represent a wide array of treatments for chronic diseases that are prevalent in the U.S., particularly conditions related to cardiovascular health, mental health, diabetes, and pain management.
