What is the common brand name(s) for:
aclidinium
(ak-li-DIN-ee-um)
Tudorza Pressair
Class: Long‑acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) bronchodilator
Indication: Used for the treatment of COPD
MOA: Reversible, competitive antagonism of airway M₃ muscarinic receptors, inhibiting acetylcholine‑mediated bronchoconstriction and producing bronchodilation
Side effects: headache; cough; diarrhea; sinusitis; nausea; dry mouth; paradoxical bronchospasm
Contraindications: Severe allergy to milk proteins
Considerations:
- Assess spirometry and patient‑reported outcomes periodically.
- Reinforce proper device use at follow‑up visits.
- Demonstrate inhaler assembly and cleaning.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
albuterol
(al-BYOO-ter-ol)
- Ventolin HFA
- ProAir HFA
- Proventil HFA
Class: Beta-2 Adrenergic agonists, selective
Indication: Used to treat asthma and exercise-induced bronchospasm
MOA: Selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonist causing smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation
Side effects: tachycardia; hypertension; muscle tremor; nervousness; hypokalemia
Contraindications: Severe allergy to milk proteins (certain dry-powder formulations)
Considerations:
- Can drive potassium into cells, sometimes leading to hypokalemia.
- Counsel on correct inhaler use.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
azelastine
(AY-ze-las-teen)
Astelin, Astepro
Class: Antihistamine
Indication: Used for allergic rhinitis
MOA: Histamine H1-receptor antagonist and mast cell stabilizer reducing inflammatory mediators
Side effects: bitter taste; cough; dizziness; drowsiness; nasal irritation
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to drug or any of its components
Considerations:
- Bitter taste is common if administered incorrectly.
- Caution against operating heavy machinery.
- Metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
beclomethasone
(be-kloe-METH-a-sone)
QVAR (oral inhalation), Beconase AQ (nasal)
Class: Corticosteroid, Inhaled
Indication: Used for asthma, allergic rhinitis, and nasal polyps
MOA: Binds to glucocorticoid receptors, inhibiting expression of inflammatory genes
Side effects: headache; epistaxis; throat irritation; oral candidiasis
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to drug or any of its components
Considerations:
- Acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Monitor growth in children annually.
- Caution with prolonged use due to adrenal suppression.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
benzonatate
(BEN-zoe-na-tate)
Tessalon Perles
Class: Antitussive
Indication: Used for cough relief
MOA: Local anesthetic effect on stretch receptors in the respiratory passages
Side effects: sedation; headache; dizziness; GI upset
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to drug or any of its components
Considerations:
- Do not chew, crush, or dissolve the capsules in the mouth.
- Onset typically 15–20 minutes post‑dose.
- Use caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
budesonide
(byoo-DES-oh-nide)
Pulmicort (oral inhalation), Rhinocort Aqua (nasal)
Class: Glucocorticoid
Indication: Used for ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, and asthma
MOA: Inhibits phospholipase A2 and suppresses proinflammatory mediators
Side effects: oral candidiasis; taste alteration; increased risk of pneumonia
Contraindications: Severe allergy to milk proteins (certain dry-powder formulations)
Considerations:
- Monitor children for growth restrictions.
- Available in many forms.
- Rinse mouth after inhalation to decrease oral candida risk.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
cetirizine
(seh-TIR-i-zeen)
Zyrtec
Class: Antihistamine
Indication: Used for allergic rhinitis and urticaria
MOA: Antagonist to the histamine-1 receptor with minimal sedation effects
Side effects: sedation (minimal); agitation; urinary retention
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to drug or any of its components
Considerations:
- Adjust dose for renal and hepatic function.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
chlorpheniramine
(klor-fen-EER-a-meen)
Chlor-Trimeton
Class: Antihistamine
Indication: Used for allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and other allergens
MOA: Antagonizes H1 receptor sites and blocks cholinergic muscarinic receptors
Side effects: cns depression; poor coordination; anticholinergic effects
Contraindications: Use in children to cause drowsiness
Considerations:
- Avoid driving or using heavy machinery due to sedating properties.
- Children and elderly adults are more susceptible to side effects.
- Do not use for sleep in children.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
cromolyn sodium
(KROE-moe-lin SOE-dee-um)
Nasalcrom (nasal), Crolom (ophthalmic)
Class: Mast cell stabilizer
Indication: Used for mastocytosis, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma
MOA: Prevents degranulation of mast cells, inhibiting histamine release
Side effects: throat irritation; cough; eye stinging
Contraindications: Hypersinsitivity to drug or any of its components
Considerations:
- Used for prophylaxis, not acute relief.
- Therapeutic effect can take 1–4 weeks.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
dextromethorphan
(dex-troe-meth-OR-fan)
Delsym
Class: Antitussive
Indication: Used for mastocytosis, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma
MOA: Prevents degranulation of mast cells, inhibiting histamine release
Side effects: throat irritation; cough; eye stinging
Contraindications: Use within 2 weeks of monoamine oxidase inhibitor
Considerations:
- Used for prophylaxis, not acute relief;
- Therapeutic effect can take 1–4 weeks;
What is the common brand name(s) for:
diphenhydramine
(dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen)
Benadryl
Class: Antihistamine
Indication: Used for cough suppression
MOA: Direct action on the medullary cough center
Side effects: rash; nausea; dizziness; constipation
Contraindications: Use within 2 weeks of monoamine oxidase inhibitor
Considerations:
- Dependence is an issue, more so when used recreationally.
- Rapidly absorbed in the GI tract.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
fexofenadine
(fex-oh-FEN-a-deen)
Allegra
Class: Antihistamine
Indication: Seasonal allergic rhinitis
MOA: Selectively blocks peripheral H₁‑histamine receptors, reducing histamine-related allergic symptoms
Side effects: headache; dizziness; fatigue; mild nausea; dyspepsia
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the drug or its components
Considerations:
- Dose adjustments or caution may be needed in renal impairment.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
fluticasone
(floo-TIK-a-sone)
Flonase
Class: Corticosteroid, inhaled
Indication: Allergic rhinitis (moderate to severe), asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis
MOA: Activates glucocorticoid receptors, reducing proinflammatory cytokines and eosinophil formation
Side effects: headache; oral candidiasis; increased risk of pneumonia in copd patients; taste and voice alterations; risk of growth restriction in children
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the drug or its components
Considerations:
- Monitor children for growth restriction.
- Educate on rinsing mouth after use to decrease risk of oral candida.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
fluticasone; vilanterol
(floo-TIK-a-sone; vye-LAN-te-role)
Breo Ellipta
Class: Fluticasone - Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS)
Vilanterol - Long‑Acting Beta-2 Agonist (LABA)
Indication: COPD, asthma
MOA: Fluticasone reduces airway inflammation; vilanterol stimulates β₂ receptors for bronchodilation
Side effects: severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins; not for primary treatment of status asthmaticus or acute copd/asthma
Contraindications: Acute COPD or asthma episode; severe allergy to milk proteins (certain dry-powder formulations)
Considerations:
- Not a rescue inhaler.
- Rinse mouth after use.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increase systemic levels, raising risk of side effects.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
formoterol
(for-MOE-ter-ol)
Foradil, Perforomist
Class: Long‑acting Beta-2‑adrenergic agonist (LABA)
Indication: COPD
MOA: Binds to β₂ adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle for relaxation and bronchodilation
Side effects: tremor; headache; palpitations; nervousness; throat irritation; cough; muscle cramps; paradoxical bronchospasm
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the drug or its components
Considerations:
- Symbicort is a combination product with budesonide and formoterol.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
guaifenesin
(gwye-FEN-e-sin)
Mucinex
Class: Expectorant
Indication: Chest congestion, productive cough
MOA: Increases volume and reduces viscosity of respiratory secretions to aid mucus clearance
Side effects: gastrointestinal upset; dizziness; mild rash
Contraindications: Do not use extended-release in patients younger than 12 years old
Considerations:
- Maintain good hydration.
- Only use with productive cough.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
hydroxyzine
(hye-DROX-i-zeen)
Atarax, Vistaril
Class: Antihistamine
Indication: Anxiety, pre-surgery sedation, pruritus, urticaria, peripartum management
MOA: Inverse agonist to histamine-1 receptors, preventing mast cell degranulation
Side effects: lethargy; drowsiness; agranulocytosis; anticholinergic syndrome; dyskinesia; QT prolongation; tinnitus; seizures
Contraindications: Early pregnancy, prolonged QT interval
Considerations:
- Crosses the blood-brain barrier.
- Caution in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Younger patients and elderly may require lower dosing.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
ipratropium
(i-pra-TROE-pee-um)
Atrovent
Class: Anticholinergic
Indication: Used to treat COPD
MOA: Blocks the action of acetylcholine at parasympathetic sites in bronchial smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation
Side effects: bronchitis; sinusitis; headache; dizziness; dyspepsia; nausea; uti; cough; flu-like symptoms
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components
Considerations:
- DuoNeb and Combivent are combinations of albuterol and ipratropium.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
levalbuterol
(lev-al-BYOO-ter-ol)
Xopenex
Class: Short‑acting Beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist (SABA)
Indication: Rescue medication for acute episodes of bronchoconstriction
MOA: Selectively binds and activates beta-2-adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, inducing rapid bronchodilation
Side effects: tremor; nervousness; headache; tachycardia; palpitations; throat irritation; cough; dizziness
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to drug or any of its components
Considerations:
- R-enantiomer of albuterol - may offer similar efficacy with a potentially reduced incidence of side effects such as tachycardia and tremor.
- Counsel on proper technique.
- Intended solely for acute symptom relief.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
loratadine
(lor-AT-a-deen)
Claritin
Class: Antihistamine
Indication: Allergic rhinitis, chronic idiopathic urticaria
MOA: Antagonist to the histamine-1 (H1) receptor; minimal sedation effects due to poor blood-brain barrier penetration
Side effects: headache; fatigue; dry mouth; mild drowsiness; rash
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to drug or any of its components
Considerations:
- Desloratadine (Clarinex) is the active metabolite of loratadine.
- Loratadine available OTC as an alternative to desloratadine.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
mometasone
(moe-MET-a-sone)
Nasonex (nasal), Asmanex (oral inhalation)
Class: Corticosteroid, Inhaled
Indication: Asthma, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps
MOA: Binds to glucocorticoid receptors, inhibiting the expression of genes coding for chemokines and cytokines involved in inflammation
Side effects: headache; altered sense of smell; epistaxis; throat irritation; oral candidiasis; altered sense of taste; altered voice; pneumonia (when patients already have COPD); rare: bronchospasm; anxiety; adrenal suppression; glaucoma; nasal septum perforation; pediatric growth retardation; sleep disorders
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to milk protein; primary treatment of status asthmaticus
Considerations:
- Acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- If used in children, measure growth annually in case of growth retardation.
- Caution with prolonged use due to risk of adrenal suppression.
- Always use glucocorticoids (fludrocortisone, hydrocortisone) in HPA-axis suppressed patients.
- Also available as topical (Elocon) - used for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
montelukast
(mon-TELL-oo-kast)
Singulair
Class: Leukotriene receptor antagonist
Indication: Allergic rhinitis, asthma, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
MOA: Leukotriene receptor antagonist; blocks calcium influx into mast cells, stabilizing plasma membranes of mast cells and eosinophils, preventing degranulation and release of histamine, leukotrienes, and other substances causing airway inflammation
Side effects: allergic granulomatous vasculitis (churg-strauss syndrome) - rare; hypersensitivity reactions; liver injury; neuropsychiatric disorders
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to drug or any of its components
Considerations:
- Caution in liver disease.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
olopatadine
(oh-LOE-pa-ta-deen)
Patanol, Pataday
Class: Antihistamine
Indication: Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
MOA: Selective H1 antagonist inhibits release of histamines from mast cells
Side effects: irritation of the eyes; rash
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to drug or any of its components
Considerations:
- In patients with coexisting ocular surface disorders (severe dry eye, keratitis), caution is advised.
- Patients may experience transient burning, stinging, or discomfort upon instillation.
What is the common brand name(s) for:
promethazine
(proe-METH-a-zeen)
Phenergan
Class: Phenothiazines
Indication: Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
MOA: Selective H1 antagonist inhibits release of histamines from mast cells
Side effects: irritation of the eyes; rash
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to drug or any of its components
Considerations:
- In patients with coexisting ocular surface disorders (severe dry eye, keratitis), caution is advised.
- Patients may experience transient burning, stinging, or discomfort upon instillation.
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Analgesics and Pain Management37
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Antibiotics, Antivirals, & Anti-Infective Agents72
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Cardiovascular Agents69
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Endocrine & Metabolic Agents36
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Bone Health, Vitamins, & Minerals24
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Reproductive Health & Hormones25
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Gastrointestinal Agents29
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Neurologic Agents81
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Respiratory Agents28
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Miscellaneous Agents & Vaccines26
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Drug Indication Review162
