⚠ For informational purposes only — not a substitute for professional medical advice. Emergencies: 911 or Poison Control 1-800-222-1222.

Drug Identification System

PillID

Pill Identifier Pill Guide Drug Classes Compare Interactions Blog

Drug Encyclopedia

Drug Reference Pages

116 drugs — uses, side effects, interactions, and warnings. No dosing information.

Pain & Inflammation

Advil · Motrin · Nuprin

COX-1/2 inhibitor for pain, fever, and inflammation. GI risk, CV warnings, drug interactions.

Aleve · Naprosyn

Long-acting NSAID for pain and arthritis. Longer half-life than ibuprofen; similar GI/CV risks.

COX-2 Preferential NSAID

Once-daily NSAID with preferential COX-2 selectivity. Used for arthritis and inflammatory pain.

Analgesic / Antipyretic

Tylenol · APAP

Most widely used OTC pain reliever. Liver toxicity risk with overdose or alcohol; hidden in combo products.

NSAID / Antiplatelet

Bayer · Ecotrin · Bufferin

Irreversible COX inhibitor and antiplatelet. Used for cardiovascular prevention and pain relief.

Atypical Opioid · Schedule IV

Ultram · ConZip

Dual-mechanism analgesic: weak opioid + serotonin/NE reuptake inhibitor. Seizure and serotonin syndrome risks.

Skeletal Muscle Relaxant

Cyclobenzaprine

Flexeril · Amrix

TCA-related muscle relaxant for acute musculoskeletal pain. Sedating; short-term use only.

Cardiovascular

Prinivil · Zestril

First-line for hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. Cough, angioedema, pregnancy warnings.

Angiotensin II receptor blocker for hypertension and renal protection in diabetes. Cough-free ACE alternative.

Calcium Channel Blocker

Long-acting dihydropyridine CCB for hypertension and angina. Peripheral edema; simvastatin interaction.

Beta-1 Selective Blocker

Lopressor · Toprol XL

Beta-1 selective blocker for hypertension, heart failure, and arrhythmia. Never stop abruptly.

Alpha/Beta Blocker

Non-selective beta + alpha-1 blocker for heart failure and hypertension. Mortality benefit in HFrEF.

High-intensity statin for cholesterol and CV prevention. Myopathy risk, grapefruit interaction.

High-Intensity Statin

Most potent statin for LDL reduction. Minimal CYP450 metabolism; lower myopathy risk than some statins.

Moderate-Intensity Statin

Widely used statin with notable drug interactions. Amlodipine and other drugs cap the safe dose.

Anticoagulant — VKA

Coumadin · Jantoven

Vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant requiring INR monitoring. Extensive drug and food interactions.

Anticoagulant — DOAC

Factor Xa inhibitor DOAC for AFib and VTE. No routine monitoring; andexanet alfa reversal agent.

Antiplatelet — P2Y12

Irreversible P2Y12 antiplatelet for ACS and stent patients. CYP2C19 poor metabolizer black box warning.

Potent loop diuretic for edema and heart failure. Electrolyte monitoring; ototoxicity at high doses.

Thiazide Diuretic

Hydrochlorothiazide

Microzide · HCTZ

First-line thiazide for hypertension. Hyponatremia risk; skin cancer association with long-term use.

Aldosterone Antagonist

Aldactone · CaroSpir

Potassium-sparing diuretic for heart failure, resistant hypertension, and hormonal acne.

Diabetes

Glucophage · Fortamet · Glumetza

First-line for type 2 diabetes. AMPK mechanism, GI side effects, lactic acidosis risk, B12 depletion.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

Ozempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus

GLP-1 agonist for diabetes and weight loss. Significant CV and weight benefits; MTC black box warning.

SGLT2 Inhibitor

SGLT2 inhibitor with heart failure and CKD benefits beyond glucose lowering. Euglycemic DKA risk.

DPP-4 Inhibitor

DPP-4 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes. Weight-neutral; pancreatitis warning; renal dose adjustment.

GI / Acid Reflux

Proton Pump Inhibitor

Prilosec · Zegerid

PPI for GERD, peptic ulcers, and H. pylori. Timing before meals matters; rebound acid risk.

Proton Pump Inhibitor

IV-available PPI for GERD and ulcers. Preferred over omeprazole in patients on clopidogrel.

Thyroid

Thyroid Hormone

Synthroid · Levoxyl · Tirosint

Synthetic T4 for hypothyroidism. Narrow therapeutic index; many absorption interactions; not for obesity.

Respiratory

SABA Bronchodilator

ProAir · Ventolin · Proventil

Rescue inhaler for asthma and COPD. Overuse is a danger signal; not for long-term control alone.

Inhaled / Nasal Corticosteroid

Flonase · Flovent

Corticosteroid for allergic rhinitis (nasal) and asthma (inhaled). First-line controller therapy.

Rhinocort · Pulmicort · Entocort

Corticosteroid for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and GI inflammatory disease. High first-pass metabolism.

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist

Oral asthma/allergy controller. 2020 black box neuropsychiatric warning; not first-line for allergic rhinitis alone.

LAMA Bronchodilator

Once-daily long-acting anticholinergic for COPD maintenance. Reduces exacerbations; not for rescue use.

Mental Health — Antidepressants

Most-prescribed SSRI. Broadest indication range; 4–8 week onset; discontinuation syndrome.

Most selective SSRI with a favorable side effect profile. Used for MDD and GAD.

Prozac · Sarafem

Longest-acting SSRI (half-life ~4–6 days). Self-tapering; strong CYP2D6 inhibitor.

Wellbutrin · Zyban

Dopamine/NE reuptake inhibitor. No sexual side effects; seizure risk at high doses; smoking cessation.

SNRI approved for depression, anxiety, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia. Hepatotoxicity warning.

Effexor · Effexor XR

Dose-dependent SNRI for depression and anxiety. Blood pressure monitoring; severe discontinuation syndrome.

Desyrel · Oleptro

Serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor. Widely used off-label for sleep; priapism emergency warning.

Mental Health — Anxiolytics & Mood Stabilizers

Benzodiazepine · Schedule IV

Short-acting benzo for panic and anxiety. High dependence potential; dangerous with opioids.

Benzodiazepine · Schedule IV

Longer-acting benzo for seizures and panic disorder. Lower peak effect; same dependence risks.

Mood Stabilizer

Lithobid · Eskalith

First-line for bipolar disorder. Narrow therapeutic index; toxicity monitoring essential; NSAID/ACEI interactions.

Anticonvulsant / Mood Stabilizer

Anticonvulsant and bipolar maintenance agent. SJS/TEN black box; critical valproate interaction.

Mental Health — Antipsychotics

Atypical Antipsychotic

Seroquel · Seroquel XR

Multi-receptor antagonist for schizophrenia, bipolar, and MDD augmentation. Metabolic side effects.

Atypical Antipsychotic

Abilify · Aristada

Partial D2 agonist antipsychotic. Weight-neutral; impulse control disorder warning; long-acting injectable available.

Neurology — Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsant / Nerve Pain

Neurontin · Horizant

Alpha-2-delta ligand for neuropathic pain and seizures. Respiratory depression risk with opioids.

Topamax · Trokendi XR

Anticonvulsant for epilepsy and migraine prevention. Cognitive side effects; Category D pregnancy warning.

Keppra · Keppra XR

SV2A-targeting anticonvulsant with no drug interactions. Behavioral side effects ("Keppra rage").

Sleep

Non-Benzo Hypnotic · Schedule IV

Ambien · Ambien CR · Edluar

Z-drug sleep aid. Complex sleep behaviors black box; falls risk in elderly; sex-based pharmacokinetics.

Antibiotics

Penicillin Antibiotic

Amoxil · Trimox

Broad-spectrum penicillin for ear, throat, sinus, and UTI infections. Mononucleosis rash warning.

Macrolide Antibiotic

Zithromax · Z-Pack

Tissue-accumulating macrolide. QT prolongation cardiac risk; growing resistance in community infections.

Tetracycline Antibiotic

Vibramycin · Doryx · Oracea

Broad-spectrum antibiotic for Lyme, acne, malaria prophylaxis. Photosensitivity; contraindicated under age 8.

Lincosamide Antibiotic

Cleocin · Clindesse

Anaerobe-active antibiotic for skin, dental, and gynecologic infections. C. diff risk.

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic

Broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone for UTIs, respiratory, and GI infections. Tendon rupture and CNS warnings.

Corticosteroids

Oral Corticosteroid

Deltasone · Rayos

Potent oral steroid for inflammation, autoimmune disease, and allergic reactions. Never stop abruptly.

Antihistamines

2nd-Gen H1 Antihistamine

OTC antihistamine for allergies and hives. More potent than loratadine; mild sedation in ~10-15% of users.

2nd-Gen H1 Antihistamine

Non-drowsy OTC antihistamine for allergic rhinitis and hives. Minimal CNS penetration.

1st-Gen Antihistamine / Anxiolytic

Vistaril · Atarax

Non-controlled anxiolytic and antipruritic. Significant sedation; active metabolite is cetirizine.

ADHD Medications

Amphetamine Prodrug · Schedule II

Lisdexamfetamine

Long-acting ADHD prodrug converted to d-amphetamine. Lower abuse potential; also approved for binge eating disorder.

CNS Stimulant · Schedule II

Methylphenidate

Ritalin · Concerta · Daytrana

ADHD stimulant blocking dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake. Multiple formulations from 4h IR to 12h Concerta.

Central Alpha-2 Agonist

Catapres · Kapvay

Non-stimulant ADHD option (Kapvay) and antihypertensive. Rebound hypertension if stopped abruptly.

Additional Antidepressants

Paxil · Paxil CR · Brisdelle

SSRI with highest anticholinergic burden and worst discontinuation syndrome. Potent CYP2D6 inhibitor.

Selective SSRI for depression. FDA QTc warning limits dose; escitalopram is its active enantiomer.

NaSSA Antidepressant

Unique alpha-2 antagonist antidepressant. More sedating at lower doses; significant appetite increase and weight gain.

Tricyclic Antidepressant

TCA for depression and neuropathic pain. Better tolerated than amitriptyline; therapeutic drug monitoring available.

Additional Antipsychotics

Atypical Antipsychotic

Risperdal · Risperdal Consta

Antipsychotic for schizophrenia, bipolar, and autism irritability. Notable prolactin elevation and EPS risk at higher doses.

Atypical Antipsychotic

Zyprexa · Zyprexa Zydis

Broad-receptor antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar. Greatest weight gain and metabolic risk of common antipsychotics.

Nerve Pain

Alpha-2-Delta Ligand · Schedule V

For diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and seizures. More predictable absorption than gabapentin; Schedule V.

Diabetes & Weight (Additional)

Dual GIP/GLP-1 Agonist

Mounjaro · Zepbound

First dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Superior weight loss vs GLP-1-only agents in trials.

Addiction Medicine

Opioid Antagonist

Vivitrol · ReVia

Blocks opioid effects for relapse prevention in OUD and AUD. Patient must be opioid-free before starting.

Partial Opioid Agonist · Schedule III

Suboxone · Sublocade · Belbuca

Gold-standard OUD treatment. Partial agonist with ceiling on respiratory depression; combined with naloxone in Suboxone.

Antibiotics (Additional)

Nitroimidazole Antibiotic

Flagyl · MetroGel

Antibiotic for anaerobic infections, C. diff, BV, and trichomoniasis. Disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol.

Urology

Alpha-1 Blocker (Uroselective)

Relieves BPH urinary symptoms and aids kidney stone passage. Warn ophthalmologist before cataract surgery.

5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor

Proscar · Propecia

Reduces DHT for BPH (5mg) and male pattern baldness (1mg). Dangerous to pregnant women; lowers PSA by ~50%.

Cardiovascular (Additional)

Non-Selective Beta Blocker

Inderal · Inderal LA

Non-selective beta blocker for hypertension, tremor, migraine prevention, and performance anxiety. Avoid in asthma.

Tricyclic Antidepressant

TCA for depression, neuropathic pain, and migraine prevention. Strong anticholinergic effects; cardiac toxicity in overdose.

Intermediate-acting benzodiazepine for anxiety, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. No active metabolites unlike diazepam.

Long-acting benzodiazepine (half-life up to 100 hrs) for anxiety, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal.

Non-Benzodiazepine Anxiolytic

Non-addictive anxiolytic for generalized anxiety. No sedation or dependence. Takes 2–4 weeks for full effect.

Non-Stimulant ADHD

Non-stimulant, non-controlled ADHD medication. Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Takes 4–6 weeks to work.

Opioid Analgesic (Schedule II)

OxyContin · Percocet · Roxicodone

Schedule II opioid for moderate-to-severe pain. High abuse potential; counterfeit pill risk with fentanyl.

Opioid Analgesic (Schedule II)

Vicodin · Norco · Zohydro

Most prescribed opioid in the US. Often combined with acetaminophen. Gabapentin combination raises overdose risk.

CNS Stimulant (Schedule II)

Amphetamine Salts

Adderall · Adderall XR

Mixed amphetamine salts for ADHD and narcolepsy. Releases dopamine and norepinephrine. Schedule II stimulant.

Cardioselective Beta Blocker

Cardioselective beta-1 blocker for hypertension and angina. Renally excreted — dose adjustment needed in kidney disease.

GABA-B Agonist / Muscle Relaxant

Lioresal · Gablofen

Muscle relaxant for spasticity in MS and spinal cord injury. Abrupt discontinuation can cause life-threatening withdrawal.

5-HT3 Antagonist Antiemetic

Antiemetic for chemotherapy nausea, post-op nausea, and pregnancy nausea. QT prolongation risk at higher doses.

H2 blocker for GERD and peptic ulcers. Fewer drug interactions than cimetidine. Available OTC and prescription.

Selective COX-2 Inhibitor (NSAID)

COX-2 selective NSAID for arthritis and pain. Less GI toxicity than nonselective NSAIDs; cardiovascular risk remains.

Antimalarial / DMARD

Hydroxychloroquine

DMARD for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Requires annual eye exams to screen for retinopathy.

SNRI Antidepressant

SNRI for depression. Active metabolite of venlafaxine with fewer drug interactions. Do not stop abruptly.

Factor Xa Inhibitor (DOAC)

Direct oral anticoagulant for AFib stroke prevention and DVT/PE. No routine INR monitoring needed.

ARB for hypertension and heart failure. No ACE cough. Subject to 2018 NDMA contamination recall.

ACE inhibitor with strong cardiovascular outcome data (HOPE trial). Prodrug converted to active ramiprilat.

Sulfonylurea for type 2 diabetes. Stimulates insulin release independent of blood glucose — hypoglycemia risk.

Muscle Relaxant (Schedule IV)

Schedule IV muscle relaxant metabolized to meprobamate. High abuse potential; only for short-term use.

DMARD / Antimetabolite

Trexall · Otrexup · Rheumatrex

DMARD for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase. Serious hepatotoxicity and lung toxicity risks.

Anti-Gout Agent

Colcrys · Mitigare · Gloperba

Treats and prevents gout flares by blocking neutrophil migration. Also used for familial Mediterranean fever and pericarditis.

Alpha-1 Blocker

Cardura · Cardura XL

Alpha-1 blocker for enlarged prostate (BPH) and hypertension. First-dose orthostatic hypotension risk; avoid with PDE5 inhibitors.

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor

Blocks cholesterol absorption in the intestine via NPC1L1. Often added to statins for additional LDL reduction.

TriCor · Fenoglide · Lipofen

Fibrate for high triglycerides and mixed dyslipidemia. Activates PPAR-alpha to lower VLDL and raise HDL.

Fosamax · Binosto

Bisphosphonate for osteoporosis and Paget's disease. Must take with full water glass and stay upright 30 min to avoid esophageal injury.

NMDA Receptor Antagonist

Namenda · Namenda XR

NMDA antagonist for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease. Reduces glutamate excitotoxicity. Often combined with donepezil.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor

Aricept · Aricept ODT

Cholinesterase inhibitor for all stages of Alzheimer's disease. Increases acetylcholine levels. Bradycardia and GI side effects are common.

Viagra · Revatio

PDE5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Absolute contraindication with nitrates.

Cialis · Adcirca · Alyq

Long-acting PDE5 inhibitor for ED, BPH, and pulmonary hypertension. Up to 36-hour duration ("the weekend pill").

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic

Broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone for pneumonia, UTIs, and sinusitis. Black box warnings for tendon rupture and peripheral neuropathy.

Opioid Antagonist

Narcan · Kloxxado · RiVive

Opioid overdose reversal agent. Displaces opioids from receptors to restore breathing. Available OTC as nasal spray.

Antiviral / Nucleoside Analogue

Zovirax · Sitavig

Antiviral for herpes simplex, shingles, and chickenpox. Selectively activated by viral thymidine kinase in infected cells only.

Methylprednisolone

Medrol · Solu-Medrol · Medrol Dosepak

Potent corticosteroid for inflammation and autoimmune conditions. Medrol Dosepak is a common short taper for acute flares.