Pharmaceutical Drugs Summary & Information

Published by NHC on March 31, 2021March 31, 2021

Pharmaceutical Drugs Summary & Information

Drug	Brand Name(s)	Summary	Indications	Class	Actions	Depletions	Interactions/ Contraindications	Alternatives	Common Side Effects
Rosuvastatin	Crestor, Rosulip, Zuvamor, Ezallor, Cavstat, Rostor, Crosuva	It stops cholesterol synthesis in the liver, lowering cholesterol and lipids to prevent CVD in those at high risk and treat hypercholesterolaemia and hyperlipidaemia.	Hypercholesterolaemia Hyperlipidaemia Prevention of CVD Prevention of stroke	HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor – Statin	Hypercholesterolaemic Hypolipidaemic	CoQ10 Zinc Selenium Omega 3	Alcohol Grapefruit Niacin Red yeast rice (active works exact same as statins)	Improve diet Low dietary fats Low GI Exercise Garlic (hypolipidaemic) omega 3s ALA Red yeast rice (active works exact same as statins) Only when off statins	High AST (only stop at 3x upper limit) Myalgia Myositis (degeneration of muscle) Rhabdomyolysis (destruction of striated muscle)
Atorvastatin	Lipitor, Lorstat, Torvastat, Atorvachol	It stops cholesterol synthesis in the liver, lowering cholesterol and lipids to prevent CVD in those at high risk and treat hypercholesterolaemia and hyperlipidaemia.	Hypercholesterolaemia Hyperlipidaemia Prevention of CVD Prevention of stroke	HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor – Statin	Hypercholesterolaemic Hypolipidaemic	CoQ10 Zinc Selenium Omega 3	Alcohol Grapefruit Niacin Red yeast rice (active works exact same as statins)	Improve diet Low dietary fats Low GI Exercise Garlic (hypolipidaemic) omega 3s ALA Red yeast rice (active works exact same as statins) Only when off statins	High AST (only stop at 3x upper limit) Myalgia Myositis (degeneration of muscle) Rhabdomyolysis (destruction of striated muscle)
Esomeprazole / Omeprazole	Nexium, Prilosec, Mylan, Esopreze, Nexole, Nexazole	It stops the proton pumps in the stomach cells producing stomach acid, therefor reducing reflux.	GORD H. Pylori (along with antibiotics) Stomach ulcers (PUD)	Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)	Hypoacidic	Vitamin B12 Calcium Magnesium Zinc Folic Acid Probiotics Iron	Grapefruit St johns wort	Maintain healthy weight	Headaches Dizziness GI upset Dry mouth Paraesthesia Insomnia Peripheral oedema Raised LFTs
Pantoprazole	Protonix, Apotex, Somac, Salpraz, Sozol	It stops the proton pumps in the stomach cells producing stomach acid, therefor reducing reflux.	GORD H. Pylori (along with antibiotics) Stomach ulcers	Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)	Hypoacidic	Vitamin B12 Calcium Magnesium Zinc Folic Acid Probiotics Iron	Grapefruit St johns wort	Maintain healthy weight	Headaches Dizziness GI upset Dry mouth Paraesthesia Insomnia Peripheral oedema Raised LFTs
Perindopril	Aceon, Coversyl, Idaprex, Indosyl, Prexum	It prevents the production of angiotensin, preventing vasoconstriction of blood vessels and therefore lowering blood pressure.	Hypertension CHF MI Diabetic nephropathy	Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor + Diuretic	Antihypertensive	Zinc	Coleus Grapefruit St John’s Wort Tyramine NSAIDs	Exercise Healthy eating	Dry cough Angioedema Hypotension Pain Kidney issues Hyperkalemia metabolic acidosis
Cefalexin/ Cephalexin	Ceflex, Keflex, Cephalex	It kills bacteria.	Bacterial Infections UTI’s E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae	Beta-lactam Antibiotic	Antibiotic	Probiotics Vitamin K	Penicillin allegy	If recurring: Probiotics Prebiotics cranberry (UTI)	Diarrhoea GIT disturbance Dysbiosis
Amoxycillin/ Amoxicillin	Amoxil, trimox, Amoxicot, Augmentin, Amoclan	It kills bacteria.	Bacterial infections Strep throat Ear infections	Penicillin type Antibiotic	Antibiotic	Probiotics Potassium Vitamin K	Penicillin allergy Alcohol	If recurring: Probiotics Prebiotics cranberry (UTI)	Diarrhoea GIT disturbance Dysbiosis
Metformin	Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet, Diabex, Diaformin, Formet, Glucobete, Metex	It works by reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver, limits the amount of sugar absorbed through diet, and makes insulin receptors more sensitive to insulin, therefore decreasing blood glucose levels.	Diabetes PCOS	Biguanide	Hypoglycaemic agent	B12 Folic acid Potassium Vitamin K	Berberine (additive) Large amounts of alcohol (increased risk of lactic acidosis)	Gymnema (Makes sugar not taste sweet) Goat’s rue Fenugreek Cinnamon	High homocysteine
Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid	Augmentin, Clavulin	It kills bacteria	Bacterial infections Strep throat Pneumonia Ear infection UTI’s	Penicillin type antibiotic	Antibiotic	Probiotics B12 B6 Biotin B1 Potassium B3 B2	Penicillin allergy Alcohol	If recurring: Probiotics Prebiotics cranberry (UTI)	Diarrhoea GIT disturbance Dysbiosis
Escitalopram	Lexapro, Cipralex, Lexam, Loxalate	It blocks the re-uptake of serotonin, increasing amount of serotonin in the brain, therefore lowering depression	Depression Anxiety (GAD) Bipolar disorder	SSRI	Antidepressant		St johns wort Tryptophan 5-HTP SAMe	St johns wort (not concurrently) Saffron Passionflower (anxiety)	Insomnia Impotence Decreased libido Dizziness Headache anorgasmia
Digoxin	Lanoxin, Sigmaxin	It improves heart contractions making the heart more efficient at pumping blood, along with slowing the heart beat.	Atrial fibrillation Atrial flutter CHF	Cardiac glycoside		Magnesium	Diuretics St Johns wort Mg sulfate Foxglove Aloe Blue Flag Dan Shen Pleurisy root Yellow Dock	Foxglove (same active)	Breast enlargement
Tramadol	Ultram, Conzip, Tramal, Tramedo, Zydol	It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, changing perception of pain. Also works similarly to antidepressants by inhibiting re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine	Moderate-severe pain	Opioid analgesic	Analgesic	–	Grapefruit St Johns wort 5-htp Antidepressants (SSRI, SNRI, TCA, MAOI) Alcohol	Find cause of pain Meditation Exercise Low dose naltrexone (opiate addiction and pain)	Seizure Visual disturbance Hallucinations tachycardia
Amlodipine	Norvasc, Amvaz, Nordip, Norvapine, Amlo	It works by blocking calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, causing a reduced electrical conduction within the heart, decreasing the force of contraction and dilating arteries. This results in a decrease in blood pressure.	Hypertension CAD Angina	Calcium channel blocker	Antihypertensive	Low evidence: CoQ10 Vitamin D	Coleus (additive) Grapefruit St johns wort (CYTP450) Tyramine (increases systolic BP)	Healthy eating Exercise Cessation of smoking	Oedema Headache Dizziness Flushing Palpitation Gingival hyperplasia
Irbesartan	Avapro, Karvea, Abisart	It works by blocking attachment of angiotensin to receptors, preventing vasoconstriction of blood vessels and therefore reducing blood pressure	Hypertension CHF Diabetic nephropathy Vascular disease (atherosclerosis etc)	Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker (ARB)	Antihypertensive	Low evidence: CoQ10	Tyramine (increase systolic BP)	Healthy eating Exercise Cessation of smoking	Dizziness Fatigue headache Hearing/vision disturbance Hyperkalaemia Thrombocytopenia
Candesartan	Atacand	It works by blocking attachment of angiotensin to receptors, preventing vasoconstriction of blood vessels and therefore reducing blood pressure	Hypertension CHF Diabetic nephropathy Vascular disease (atherosclerosis etc)	Angiotensin 2 receptor blocker (ARB)	Antihypertensive	Low evidence: CoQ10	Tyramine (increase systolic BP)	Healthy eating Exercise Cessation of smoking	Dizziness Fatigue headache Hearing/vision disturbance Hyperkalaemia Thrombocytopenia
Telmisartan	Micardis, Mizart, Teltartan	It works by blocking attachment of angiotensin to receptors, preventing vasoconstriction of blood vessels and therefore reducing blood pressure	Hypertension CHF Diabetic nephropathy Vascular disease (atherosclerosis etc)	Angiotensin 2 receptor blocker (ARB)	Antihypertensive	Low evidence: CoQ10	Tyramine (increase systolic BP)	Healthy eating Exercise Cessation of smoking	Dizziness Fatigue headache Hearing/vision disturbance Hyperkalaemia Thrombocytopenia
Ramipril	Altace	It prevents the production of angiotensin, preventing vasoconstriction of blood vessels and therefore lowering blood pressure.	Hypertension CHF MI Diabetic nephropathy	Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor + Diuretic	Antihypertensive	Zinc	Coleus Grapefruit St John’s Wort Tyramine NSAIDs	Exercise Healthy eating	Dry cough Angioedema Hypotension Pain Kidney issues Hyperkalaemia metabolic acidosis
Levothyroxine	Synthroid, Levo-t, Levolet, Levothroid, Levoxyl, Novothyrox, Tirosint, Unithyroid, Thyro-tabs, Tirosint-sol, Euthyrox, Eutroxsig, Oroxine	It is a synthetic thyroid hormone (T4) used to replace the low levels of thyroid hormone in clients.	Hypothyroidism Hashimoto’s	Hormone	Antihypothyroid	Calcium (in some people)		Removal of autoimmune triggers Iodine Selenium Tyrosine	Hyperthyroidism (and symptoms associated with)
Atenolol	Noten, Tenormin, Atenix, Tenolten, Tensig,	It works by blocking the beta 1 receptors (found in the heart), not allowing adrenalin to bind, therefore lowering blood pressure.	Hypertension (no longer first choice for hypertension) Abnormal heart rhythm Angina Myocardial infarction (secondary prevention)	Beta 1 blocker (cardioselective)	Antihypertensive	Little evidence: CoQ10	Bronchospasm (or risk of) COPD Any airway disorders Flecainide Apple/apple juice (impairs absorption significantly) Tyramine	Exercise Healthy eating	Fatigue Raynauds phenomenon Dizziness Headaches GI upset Peripheral oedema Itchy skin
Warfarin	Coumadin, Athrombin, Jantoven, Panwarfin, Marevan	It works by being a vitamin K antagonist, therefore reducing blood clotting	Reduce risk of MI, stroke DVT Pulmonary embolism (PE) Atrial fibrillation Heart valve replacement Certain surgeries	Anticoagulant	Anticoagulant	–	Aspirin NSAIDs Omega 3 SSRIs Alfalfa American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) Alcohol (can increase and decrease effects of drug) Danshen Dong quai EDTA Glucosamine (monitor) Grapefruit Licorice NAG St johns wort Vitamin K Willow bark Wintergreen	Exercise Healthy eating Not smoking	Haemorrhage Bruising Purple toes Nausea Loss of appetite Abdominal pain
Apixaban	Eliquis	It works by blocking a substance in the blood known as factor Xa, which is involved in the development of clots. This therefore reduces clotting	Reduce risk of MI, stroke DVT Pulmonary embolism (PE) Atrial fibrillation Clot prevention Certain surgeries (to prevent embolism)	Direct factor Xa inhibitors (Anticoagulant)	Anticoagulant	–	Danshen Grapefruit St Johns Wort Willow bark	Exercise Healthy eating Not smoking	Haemorrhage GI upset Haematuria Menorrhagia Thrombocytopenia Cough Headache
Metoprolol	Toprol, Lopressor, Kapspargo Sprinkle	It works by blocking the beta 1 receptors (found in the heart), not allowing adrenalin to bind, therefore lowering blood pressure.	Hypertension (no longer first choice for hypertension) Abnormal heart rhythm Angina Myocardial infarction (secondary prevention)	Beta 1 blocker (cardioselective)	Antihypertensive	Little evidence: CoQ10	Bronchospasm (or risk of) COPD Any airway disorders Flecainide Apple/apple juice (impairs absorption significantly) Tyramine	Exercise Healthy eating	Fatigue Raynauds phenomenon Dizziness Headaches GI upset Peripheral oedema Itchy skin
Simvastatin	Flolipid, Zocor, Lipex, Ransim, Simvar, Zimstat, Zocor	It stops cholesterol synthesis in the liver, lowering cholesterol and lipids to prevent CVD in those at high risk and treat hypercholesterolaemia and hyperlipidaemia.	Hypercholesterolaemia Hyperlipidaemia Prevention of CVD Prevention of stroke	HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor – Statin	Hypercholesterolaemic Hypolipidaemic	CoQ10 Zinc Selenium Omega 3	Alcohol Grapefruit Niacin Red yeast rice (active works exact same as statins)	Improve diet Low dietary fats Low GI Exercise Garlic (hypolipidaemic) omega 3s ALA Red yeast rice (active works exact same as statins) Only when off statins	High AST (only stop at 3x upper limit) Myalgia Myositis (degeneration of muscle) Rhabdomyolysis (destruction of striated muscle)
Albuterol/ Salbutamol	Proventil, Ventolin, Accuneb, Proair, Volmax, Vospire, Volmax, Cipla	It works as a bronchodilator to relax the muscles in the airways to allow ease of breathing	Asthma Broncospasm	Beta 2 agonist (usually as inhaler)	Asthma COPD	–	–	Removing triggers of asthma	Tremor Arrhythmia Tachycardia Headache Nausea
Gabapentin	Gralise, Neurontin, Gapentin, Gabacor, Nupentin	It influences levels of GABA in the brain, a inhibitory neurotransmitter, helping to reduce seizures.	Seizures Epilepsy Neuralgia Fibromyalgia Shingles Restless leg syndrome Neuropathic pain Benzodiazepine addiction	Anti-epileptic agent/Anticonvulsant	Anti-seizure	Calcium	Alcohol Kava Tryptophan Opioids Antacids (within 2 hours)	Finding seizure triggers medication/drugs nutrient deficiency food/chemical trigger	Sleepiness/drowsiness dizziness loss of consciousness agitation fatigue facial oedema
Acetaminophen; Hydrocodone (Typically not in Australia)	Vicodin, Norccet, Norco, Lorcet, Loratab, Tycolet, Allay, Anexia, Bancap, CO-gesic, Duradyne, HY-phen, Zydone, Zyfrel	It works in the brain to block pain signals	Pain	Opiate analgesic	Analgesic Antipyretic	–	Alcohol (increase risk of ulcers and liver damage) Warfarin Carbamazepine Cholestyramine	Find cause of pain	Rash Nausea Headache Hypersensitivity reactions Kidney damage Thrombocytopenia Liver damage
Montelukast	Singulair, Respikast	It works by inhibiting leukotrienes, preventing bronchoconstriction, allowing the person to breath more easily	Asthma Allergies (allergic rhinitis)	Leukotriene receptor antagonist	Bronchodilator	–	–	Identify and remove trigger (dietary, environmental)	Asthenia Fatigue Fever Dental pain GI upset Thirst Psychological conditions
Azithromyacin	Zithromax, Zithro, Zitrocin, Zedd	It works by stopping growth of bacteria	Infection Skin infections Conjunctivitis Middle ear infection Strep throat Pneumonia Chlamydia Gonorrhoea	Macrolide antibiotic	Antibiotic	–	Grapefruit Antidepressants Antipsychotics Antacids Statins	If recurring: Probiotics Prebiotics	Superinfection GI upset Increased LFTs Hepatitis Photosensitivity
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)	Aquazide, Microzide, Esidrix, Hydro-d, Hydrodiuril, Microzide, Oretic, Zide, Dithiazide	It works by inhibiting sodium reabsorption, which decreases sodium and associated fluid levels in the body	Hypertension Fluid retention (oedema)	Thiazide diuretic	Diuretic			Exercise Healthy eating	Sexual dysfunction fluid, electrolyte imbalance cardiac rhythm disturbance GI upset Chest pain
Methotrexate (Injection and tablet)	Dbl Methotrexate, Methotrexate Accord, Methotrexate Ebewe, Methoblastin, Methaccord, Trexject	It works by interfering with DNA synthesis. This effects rapidly proliferating cells as well as inflammation and immune function	Rheumatoid arthritis Treatment resistant psoriasis Breast cancer Burkitt’s lymphoma	Antimetabolite	Immunosuppressant	Folic acid	Folic acid or derivatives Alcohol PPIs	Identify and remove autoimmune triggers Investigate intestinal permeability	GI upset Ulcerative stomatitis Bone marrow suppression Fatigue fever osteoporosis Increased risk of infections
Cyclosporin	Neoral, Sandimmun	It works by suppressing the immune system, decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines.	Nephrotic syndrome Severe Rheumatoid arthritis Severe psoriasis Atopic dermatitis Crohn’s disease Organ transplant	Calcineurin Inhibitor Immunosuppressant	Immunosuppressant		Grapefruit ACE inhibitors ARBs Vaccines Statins NSAIDs	Identify and remove autoimmune triggers Investigate intestinal permeability	Weight gain/loss Hypertension Fluid retention Fatigue Headache GI upset Acne Hirsutism
Benralizumab	Fasenra	It works by reducing levels of eosinophils	Asthma	Interleukin inhibitor/Monoclonal antibody				Identify and remove trigger (dietary, environmental)	Sore throat Headache Increased risk of infection
Paracetamol/ Acetaminophen/ APAP	Paracetamol, Panadol, Acephen, Mapap, Osteomol, Panamax, Parapane, Febridol, Paralgin	It works in the brain to block pain signals. It may also prevent the release of prostaglandins, helping to reduce pain and body temperature.	Pain Fever	Analgesic	Analgesic Antipyretic	–	Alcohol (increase risk of ulcers and liver damage) Warfarin Carbamazepine Cholestyramine	Find cause of pain	Rash Nausea Headache Hypersensitivity reactions Kidney damage Thrombocytopenia Liver damage
Fluoxetine	Fluotex, Lovan, Zactin, Prozac	It blocks the re-uptake of serotonin, increasing amount of serotonin in the brain, therefore lowering depression	Depression Anxiety (GAD) Bipolar disorder OCD	SSRI	Antidepressant		St johns wort Tryptophan 5-HTP SAMe	St johns wort (not concurrently) Saffron Passionflower (anxiety)	Insomnia Impotence Decreased libido dizziness Headache anorgasmia
Pindolol	Visken, Apo-pindol, Barbloc 5	It works by blocking the beta receptors (found in the heart), not allowing adrenalin to bind, therefore lowering blood pressure.	Hypertension Abnormal heart rhythm Angina	Beta-blocker	Antihypertensive		Bronchospasm (or risk of) COPD Any airway disorders Flecainide Apple/apple juice (impairs absorption significantly) Tyramine	Exercise Healthy eating	Fatigue Raynauds phenomenon Dizziness Headaches GI upset Peripheral oedema Itchy skin
Fluvoxamine	Luvox, Faverin, Movox	It blocks the re-uptake of serotonin, increasing amount of serotonin in the brain, therefore lowering depression	Depression Anxiety (GAD) Bipolar disorder OCD	SSRI	Antidepressant		St johns wort Tryptophan 5-HTP SAMe	St johns wort (not concurrently) Saffron Passionflower (anxiety)	Insomnia Impotence Decreased libido dizziness Headache anorgasmia
Carbamazepine	Tegretol	It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and nerve pain.	Seizures/Partial seizures Trigeminal neuralgia Bipolar disorder	Anticonvulsant	Anti-epileptic Anti-convulsant Antipsychotic		Alcohol Kava Tryptophan Opioids Antacids (within 2 hours)	Finding seizure triggers medication/drugs nutrient deficiency food/chemical trigger	Dizziness Fatigue Headache GI upset Blurred vision Oedema
Lisinopril	Lisinopril	It prevents the production of angiotensin, preventing vasoconstriction of blood vessels and therefore lowering blood pressure.	Hypertension CHF MI Diabetic nephropathy	Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor	Antihypertensive	Zinc	Coleus Grapefruit St John’s Wort Tyramine NSAIDs	Exercise Healthy eating	Dry cough Angioedema Hypotension Pain Kidney issues Hyperkalaemia metabolic acidosis
Prednisone	Predsone, Sone, Panafcort	It works by preventing the release of substances that cause inflammation. It also works by suppressing the immune system	Allergies Autoimmune diseases Arthritis Blood disorders Cancer IBD Inflammatory skin conditions	Corticosteroid	Anti-inflammatory	Calcium	Alcohol antacids antidiabetics diuretics	Finding cause of inflammation Identify and remove autoimmune triggers Investigate intestinal permeability	GI upset weight changes arrhythmia headaches impaired wound healing seizure, insomnia infection osteoporosis increased sweating
Prednisolone	Panafcortelone, Predsolone, Solone	It works by preventing the release of substances that cause inflammation. It also works by suppressing the immune system	Allergies Autoimmune diseases Arthritis Blood disorders Cancer IBD Inflammatory skin conditions	Glucocorticoid	Anti-inflammatory	Calcium	Alcohol antacids antidiabetics diuretics	Finding cause of inflammation Identify and remove autoimmune triggers Investigate intestinal permeability	GI upset weight changes arrhythmia headaches impaired wound healing seizure, insomnia infection osteoporosis increased sweating
Sertraline	Eleva, Sertra, Zoloft, Setrona	It blocks the re-uptake of serotonin, increasing amount of serotonin in the brain, therefore lowering depression	Depression Anxiety (GAD) Bipolar disorder OCD	SSRI	Antidepressant		St johns wort Tryptophan 5-HTP SAMe	St johns wort (not concurrently) Saffron Passionflower (anxiety)	Insomnia Impotence Decreased libido dizziness Headache anorgasmia

Pharmaceutical Drugs Summary & Information​

Pharmaceutical Drugs Summary & Information

Pharmaceutical Drugs Summary & Information