Top 200 drugs by prescription count, 2006 (Sorted by RANK)

Rank Brand name (Generic name)* Most common use(s) Therapeutical Class
1 Lipitor (Atorvastatin) High cholesterol treatment HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Lorcet, Lortab, Norco,
2 Vicodin (Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen) Pain treatment Narcotic analgesic
High blood pressure, heart failure, or chest
3 Toprol-XL (Metoprolol-XL) pain treatment Beta-blocker
4 Norvasc (Amlodipine) High blood pressure treatment Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
5 Amoxil, Trimox (Amoxicillin) Bacterial infection treatment Penicillin
Lorcet, Lortab, Norco,
6 Vicodin (Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen) Pain treatment Narcotic analgesic
7 Synthroid (Levothyroxine Sodium) Thyroid hormone deficiency treatment Thyroid hormone replacement
8 Nexium (Esomeprazole) Ulcers or reflux (GERD) treatment Proton pump inhibitor
9 Lexapro (Escitalopram) Depression or anxiety treatment Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
10 Proventil (Albuterol) Asthma treatment Beta2-agonist

11 Singulair (Montelukast) Asthma and/or allergies treatment/ prevention Leukotriene receptor antagonist
12 Synthroid, Levoxyl (Levothyroxine Sodium) Thyroid hormone deficiency treatment Thyroid hormone replacement

13 Prinivil, Zestril (Lisinopril) High blood pressure or heart failure treatment ACE-Inhibitor (ACE-I)
14 Ambien (Zolpidem) Insomnia treatment Hypnotic
15 Zyrtec (Cetirizine) Allergy treatment/ prevention Antihistamine
16 Prevacid (Lansoprazole) Ulcers or reflux (GERD) treatment Proton pump inhibitor
17 Zoloft (Sertraline) Depression or anxiety treatment Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
18 Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium) Blood clot prevention Anticoagulant
Combination oral corticosteroid and
19 Advair Diskus (Fluticasone and Salmeterol) Asthma treatment/prevention long-acting beta2-agonist
20 Lasix (Furosemide) Edema or hypertension treatment Loop diuretic
21 Fosamax (Alendronate) Osteoporosis treatment and prevention Bisphosphonate
22 Protonix (Pantoprazole) Ulcers or reflux (GERD) treatment Proton pump inhibitor
23 Zithromax (Azithromycin) Bacterial infection treatment Macrolide
Serotonin/Norephinephrine reuptake
24 Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) Depression or anxiety treatment inhibitor
25 Zocor (Simvastatin) High cholesterol treatment HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
26 Plavix (Clopidogrel) Blood clot prevention Antiplatelet agent
27 Synthroid, Levoxyl (Levothyroxine Sodium) Thyroid hormone deficiency treatment Thyroid hormone replacement
Percocet, Tylox,
28 Roxicet, Endocet (Oxycodone and Acetaminophen) Pain treatment Narcotic analgesic
 Combination HMG-CoA reductase
29 Vytorin (Simvastatin and ezetimibe) High cholesterol treatment inhibitor and 2-azetidinone
30 Keflex (Cephalexin) Bacterial infection treatment Cephalosporin (1st generation)

31 Diovan (Valsartan) High blood pressure or heart failure treatment Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)

32 Prinivil, Zestril (Lisinopril) High blood pressure or heart failure treatment ACE-Inhibitor (ACE-I)
33 Glucophage (Metformin HCl) Glycemic control improvement Biguanide

34 Tenormin (Atenolol) High blood pressure or chest pain treatment Beta-blocker

Treat variety of diseases including, but not
limited to: acute allergy, inflammation,
35 Prednisone (Prednisone) asthma, organ transplantation. Oral corticosteroid
36 Levaquin (Levofloxacin) Bacterial infection treatment Quinolone
37 Lotrel (Benazepril and Amlodipine) High blood pressure treatment Combination ACE-I and CCB

38 Tenormin (Atenolol) High blood pressure or chest pain treatment Beta-blocker

39 Lopressor (Metoprolol Tart) High blood pressure treatment Beta-blocker
40 Zetia (Ezetimibe) High cholesterol treatment 2-Azetidinone
41 Seroquel (Quetiapine) Schizophrenia treatment Antipsychotic (Atypical)
42 Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) Depression treatment Dopamine-reuptake inhibitor
43 Celebrex (Celecoxib) Pain treatment COX-2 inhibitor
44 Avandia (Rosiglitazone) Glycemic control improvement Thiazolidinedione
45 Microzide (Hydrochlorothiazide) High blood pressure treatment Diuretic
46 Actos (Pioglitazone) Glycemic control improvement Thiazolidinedione
47 Diovan HCT (Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide) High blood pressure treatment Combination ARB and diuretic
48 Premarin (Conjugated estrogens) Menopausal symptom treatment Estrogen derivative

49 Altace (Ramipril) High blood pressure or heart failure treatment ACE-Inhibitor (ACE-I)
50 Crestor (Rosuvastatin) High cholesterol treatment HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
51 Zithromax (Azithromycin) Bacterial infection treatment Macrolide

52 Coreg (Carvedilol) High blood pressure or heart failure treatment Beta-blocker

53 Flomax (Tamsulosin) Prostate / urinary disorder treatment Alpha1-blocker
54 Actonel (Risedronate) Osteoporosis treatment and prevention Bisphosphonate
55 Levoxyl (Levothyroxine Sodium) Thyroid hormone deficiency treatment Thyroid hormone replacement
56 Nasonex (Mometasone) Allergy treatment/ prevention Corticosteroid
57 Microzide (Hydrochlorothiazide) High blood pressure treatment Thiazide diuretic
58 Risperdal (Risperidone) Schizophrenia treatment Antipsychotic (Atypical)
59 Yasmin (Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol) Pregnancy prevention Oral contraceptive
60 Lantus (Insulin Glargine) Glycemic control improvement Insulin
61 Amoxil, Trimox (Amoxicillin) Bacterial infection treatment Penicillin
62 Viagra (Sildenafil) Erectile dysfunction treatment Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor
63 Tricor (Fenofibrate) High cholesterol treatment Cholesterol lowering agent
64 Xanax (Alprazolam) Anxiety treatment Benzodiazepine
65 Xanax (Alprazolam) Anxiety treatment Benzodiazepine

66 Cozaar (Losartan) High blood pressure or heart failure treatment Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)

67 Digitek (Digoxin) Heart failure or irregular heartbeat treatment Cardiac glycoside

68 Xanax (Alprazolam) Anxiety treatment Benzodiazepine
69 Lasix (Furosemide) Edema or hypertension treatment Loop diuretic
70 Motrin (Ibuprofen Rx) Pain treatment NSAID
71 Desyrel (Trazodone HCl) Depression treatment Serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Depression or diabetic neuropathic pain Serotonin/Norephinephrine reuptake
72 Cymbalta (Duloxetine) treatment inhibitor
73 Tylenol with Codeine (Acetaminophen and Codeine) Pain treatment Narcotic analgesic
Combination thiazide and potassium-
74 Dyazide, Maxzide (Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide) High blood pressure treatment sparing diuretic
75 Paxil (Paroxetine HCl) Depression or anxiety treatment Selective serotonin receptor inhibitor
76 Microzide (Hydrochlorothiazide) High blood pressure treatment Thiazide diuretic
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
77 Adderall XR (Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine) (ADHD) control Stimulant
78 Klonopin (Clonazepam) Anxiety treatment Benzodiazepine
79 Omnicef (Cefdinir) Bacterial infection treatment Cephalosporin (3rd generation)
80 Aricept (Donepezil) Alzheimers-type dementia treatment Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
81 Prozac (Fluoxetine HCl) Depression or anxiety treatment Selective serotonin receptor inhibitor
82 Darvocet (Propoxyphene and Acetaminophen) Pain treatment Narcotic analgesic
83 Neurotin (Gabapentin) Seizure control Anticonvulsant
84 Allegra (Fexofenadine HCl) Allergy treatment/ prevention Antihistamine
85 Zocor (Simvastatin) High cholesterol treatment HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
86 Valtrex (Valaciclovir) Viral infection treatment Antiviral
87 Motrin (Ibuprofen Rx) Pain treatment NSAID
88 Lasix (Furosemide) Edema or hypertension treatment Loop diuretic
89 Amoxil, Trimox (Amoxicillin) Bacterial infection treatment Penicillin
Lorcet, Lortab, Norco,
90 Vicodin (Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen) Pain treatment Narcotic analgesic
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
91 Concerta (Methylphenidate) (ADHD) control Stimulant
92 Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo (Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol) Pregnancy prevention Oral contraceptive
 93 Aciphex (Rabeprazole) Ulcers or reflux (GERD) treatment Proton pump inhibitor
94 Allegra (Fexofenadine HCl) Allergy treatment/ prevention Antihistamine
95 Catapres (Clonidine HCl) High blood pressure treatment Alpha2-agonist
96 Topamax (Topiramate) Seizure control Anticonvulsant
97 Lopressor (Metoprolol Tart) High blood pressure treatment Beta-blocker
98 Xalatan (Latanoprost) Glaucoma treatment Antiglaucoma (Prosaglandin Analog)
99 Ativan (Lorazepam) Anxiety treatment Benzodiazepine
100 Plavix (Clopidogrel) Blood clot prevention Antiplatelet agent
Combination thiazide and potassium-
101 Dyazide, Maxzide (Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide) High blood pressure treatment sparing diuretic

102 Flonase (Fluticasone) Asthma and/or allergies treatment/ prevention Nasal corticosteroid
103 K-Dur, K-Tab, Klor-Con (Potassium Chloride) Potassium deficiency treatment Electrolyte supplement
104 Diabeta (Glyburide) Glycemic control improvement Sulfonylurea
105 Hyzaar (Losartan and Hydrochlorothiazide) High blood pressure treatment Combination ARB and diuretic

106 Prinivil, Zestril (Lisinopril) High blood pressure or heart failure treatment ACE-Inhibitor (ACE-I)
107 Valium (Diazepam) Anxiety treatment Benzodiazepine
108 Augmentin (Amoxicillin and Clavulanate) Bacterial infection treatment Penicillin
109 Augmentin (Amoxicillin and Clavulanate) Bacterial infection treatment Penicillin
110 Detrol LA (Tolterodine) Urinary control improvement Antispasmotic, anticholinergic
111 Darvocet (Propoxyphene and Acetaminophen) Pain treatment Narcotic analgesic
112 Vibramycin (Doxycycline Hyclate) Bacterial infection treatment Tetracycline
113 Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) Muscle spasm pain treatment Skeletal muscle relaxant

114 Prinzide, Zestoretic (Lisinopril and Hydrochlorothiazide) High blood pressure or heart failure treatment Combination ACE-I and diuretic
115 Ambien CR (Zolpidem) Insomnia treatment Hypnotic

116 Prinivil, Zestril (Lisinopril) High blood pressure or heart failure treatment ACE-Inhibitor (ACE-I)
117 Lamictal (Lamotrigine) Seizure control Anticonvulsant

118 Avapro (Irbesartan) High blood pressure or heart failure treatment Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
119 Lunesta (Eszopiclone) Insomnia treatment Hypnotic
120 Elavil (Amitriptyline) Depression treatment Tricyclic antidepressant
121 Zyprexa (Olanzapine) Schizophrenia treatment Antipsychotic (Atypical)
122 Mevacor (Lovastatin) High cholesterol treatment HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
123 Diflucan (Fluconazole) Fungal infection treatment Antifungal
124 Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) Bacterial infection treatment Quinolone

125 Benicar (Olmesartan) High blood pressure or heart failure treatment Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
126 Xanax (Alprazolam) Anxiety treatment Benzodiazepine
127 Lyrica (Pregabalin) Diabetic neuropathic pain treatment Gamma Aminobutyric Acid
128 Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) Muscle spasm pain treatment Skeletal muscle relaxant
Combination sulfonamide and
129 Bactrim, Septra (Sulfamethaxazole and Trimethoprim) Bacterial infection treatment trimethoprim
Combination beta2-agonist and
130 Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium) Asthma treatment anticholinergic agent
High blood pressure, chest pain, or irregular
131 Calan SR, Verelan PM (Verapamil SR) heartbeat treatment Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB)
132 Zyloprim (Allopurinol) Gout (high uric acid levels) prevention Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor
133 Evista (Raloxifene) Osteoporosis treatment and prevention Bisphosphonate
134 Zoloft (Sertraline HCl) Depression or anxiety treatment Selective serotonin receptor inhibitor
135 Imitrex (Sumatriptan) Migraine treatment Serotonin 5-HT agonist
136 Veetids (Penicillin VK) Bacterial infection treatment Penicillin
137 Ativan (Lorazepam) Anxiety treatment Benzodiazepine
138 Trinessa-28 (Ethinyl Estradiol/Norgestimate) Pregnancy prevention Oral contraceptive
139 Benicar HCT (Olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide) High blood pressure treatment Combination ARB and diuretic
140 Klonopin (Clonazepam) Anxiety treatment Benzodiazepine
141 K-Dur, K-Tab, Klor-Con (Potassium Chloride) Potassium deficiency treatment Electrolyte supplement
142 Spiriva Handihaler (Tiotropium) Bronchitis, emphysema, COPD treament Anticholinergic
143 Zithromax Z-Pak (Azithromycin) Bacterial infection treatment Macrolide
144 Glucophage (Metformin HCl) Glycemic control improvement Biguanide
145 Glycolax (Polyetylene Glycol) Constipation treatment Laxative
High blood pressure, chest pain, or irregular
146 Cartia XT (Diltiazem SR) heartbeat treatment Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB)
147 Anaprox, Naprosyn (Naproxen) Pain treatment NSAID
Anemia (folic acid deficiency) treatment and
148 (Folic Acid) prevention Vitamin
149 Zantac (Ranitidine) Ulcers or reflux (GERD) treatment H2-antagonist
150 Namenda (Memantine) Alzheimers-type dementia treatment NMDA antagonist

151 Flovent HFA (Fluticasone) Asthma and/or allergies treatment/ prevention Nasal corticosteroid
152 Microzide (Hydrochlorothiazide) High blood pressure treatment Thiazide diuretic
153 Klor-Con M20 (Potassium Chloride) Potassium deficiency treatment Electrolyte supplement
154 Restoril (Temazepam) Anxiety or insomnia treatment Antianxiety, hyponotic
155 Depakote (Divalproex) Seizure control Anticonvulsant
156 Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium) Blood clot prevention Anticoagulant

157 Vasotec (Enalapril) High blood pressure or heart failure treatment ACE-Inhibitor (ACE-I)
158 Prozac (Fluoxetine HCl) Depression or anxiety treatment Selective serotonin receptor inhibitor
159 Niaspan (Niacin) High cholesterol treatment Misc. cholesterol lowering agent
160 Zocor (Simvastatin) High cholesterol treatment HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
161 Cialis (Tadalafil) Erectile dysfunction treatment Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor
162 Ortho Evra (Norelgestromin and Ethinyl Estradiol) Pregnancy prevention Oral contraceptive

163 Flonase (Fluticasone) Asthma and/or allergies treatment/ prevention Nasal corticosteroid
164 Proventil (Albuterol) Asthma treatment Beta2-agonist
165 Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) Bacterial infection treatment Quinolone
166 Zoloft (Sertraline HCl) Depression or anxiety treatment Selective serotonin receptor inhibitor
167 Darvocet (Propoxyphene and Acetaminophen) Pain treatment Narcotic analgesic
168 Abilify (Aripiprazole) Schizophrenia treatment Antipsychotic (Atypical)
169 Coumadin (Warfarin) Blood clot prevention Anticoagulant
170 Imdur (Isosorbide Mononitrate) Chest pain prevention Vasodilator
171 Prilosec (Omeprazole) Ulcers or reflux (GERD) treatment Proton pump inhibitor
172 Ativan (Lorazepam) Anxiety treatment Benzodiazepine
173 Tri-Sprintec-28 (Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol) Pregnancy prevention Oral contraceptive
174 Depakote ER (Divalproex) Seizure control Anticonvulsant
175 Microzide (Hydrochlorothiazide) High blood pressure treatment Thiazide diuretic
176 Pravachol (Pravastatin) High cholesterol treatment HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Treat variety of diseases including, but not
limited to: acute allergy, inflammation,
177 Prednisone (Prednisone) asthma, organ transplantation Oral corticosteroid

178 Accupril (Quinapril) High blood pressure or heart failure treatment ACE-Inhibitor (ACE-I)
179 (Meclizine Rx) Motion sickness treatment and prevention Antihistamine
180 Dilantin (Phenytoin) Seizure control Anticonvulsant
181 Glucotrol XL (Glipizide ER) Glycemic control improvement Sulfonylurea
182 Ultram (Tramadol) Pain treatment Non-narcotic analgesic
183 Clarinex (Desloratadine) Allergy treatment/ prevention Antihistamine
Combination sulfonamide and
184 Bactrim, Septra (Sulfamethaxazole and Trimethoprim) Bacterial infection treatment trimethoprim
185 Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) Bacterial infection treatment Quinolone
186 Allegra-D 12 hour (Fexofenadine and Pseudoephedrine) Allergy treatment/ prevention Antihistamine
187 Celexa (Citalopram) Depression or anxiety treatment Selective serotonin receptor inhibitor
188 Patanol (Olopatadine) Allergy treatment/ prevention Antihistamine, mast cell stabilizer
189 Proventil (Albuterol) Asthma treatment Beta2-agonist

190 Avalide (Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide) High blood pressure treatment Combination ARB and thiazide diuretic
191 Synthroid, Levoxyl (Levothyroxine Sodium) Thyroid hormone deficiency treatment Thyroid hormone replacement
192 Mobic (Meloxicam) Arthritis treatment NSAID
 193 Nasacort AQ (Triamcinolone) Allergy treatment/ prevention Nasal corticosteroid
Seizures control, postherpetic neuralgia
194 Neurotin (Gabapentin) management Anticonvulsant

195 Tenormin (Atenolol) High blood pressure or chest pain treatment Beta-blocker
196 Imdur (Isosorbide Mononitrate) Chest pain prevention Vasodilator
197 Lopressor (Metoprolol Tart) High blood pressure treatment Beta-blocker
198 Phenergan (Promethazine) Nausea control Antiemetic
199 Paxil (Paroxetine HCl) Depression or anxiety treatment Selective serotonin receptor inhibitor
200 Ultram (Tramadol) Pain treatment Non-narcotic analgesic

* Note: Products offered by multiple manufacturers may appear on the list more than once.

SOURCE: Pharmacy Times , Top 200 Prescription Drugs of 2006

http://pharmacytimes.com/Article.cfm?Menu=1&ID=4629

Acknowledgement: Prepared by Justin Lusk and Brandon Williams