Drugs & supplements
What a medicine actually does, the side effects worth knowing, and — something few guides tell you — which values on your lab report it can move. Taking more than one? Check for interactions.
AciclovirAntiviral (nucleoside analogue) · Cold sores and genital herpes outbreaksAlendronateBisphosphonate medicine used for bone density conditions · Treatment of osteoporosis to help reduce fracture riskAllopurinolXanthine oxidase inhibitor for gout and high uric acid · Long-term prevention of gout attacks by lowering uric acidAlprazolamBenzodiazepine (fast-acting anti-anxiety medicine) · Short-term relief of severe anxietyAmiodaroneAntiarrhythmic medicine (class III) · Treatment of serious irregular heart rhythms, including certain ventricular arrhythmiasAmitriptylineTricyclic antidepressant · Nerve pain and chronic pain conditionsAmlaHerbal supplement (vitamin C-rich fruit) · Traditionally taken as a natural source of vitamin CAmlodipineCalcium channel blocker (blood pressure medicine) · High blood pressureAmoxicillinPenicillin antibiotic (beta-lactam) · Bacterial ear, nose and throat infectionsAmoxicillin/ClavulanatePenicillin antibiotic combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor · Bacterial sinus, ear, and throat infectionsApixabanDirect oral anticoagulant (factor Xa inhibitor, blood thinner) · Preventing stroke in atrial fibrillationArtemisinin-Based Combination TherapyAntimalarial (artemisinin derivative combined with a partner drug) · Treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by susceptible parasitesAshwagandhaHerbal supplement (adaptogen tradition) · Traditionally taken for stress and sleepAtenololBeta-blocker (cardioselective beta-1 blocker) · High blood pressureAtorvastatinStatin (cholesterol-lowering medicine) · Lowering high LDL (bad) cholesterolAzathioprineImmunosuppressant (thiopurine) · Maintaining remission in inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's diseaseAzithromycinMacrolide antibiotic · Bacterial respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumoniaBetamethasone CreamTopical corticosteroid · Eczema and other inflammatory skin rashesBudesonide/Formoterol (Inhaler)Combination inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) · Long-term control of asthma, to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-upsCalciumMineral supplement for bone health · Preventing or treating low dietary calcium intakeCarvedilolCombined alpha- and beta-blocker for heart failure and high blood pressure · Heart failure with reduced pumping functionCefiximeThird-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic · Bacterial infections of the urinary tractCeftriaxoneAntibiotic (third-generation cephalosporin) · Treatment of serious bacterial infections including certain pneumoniasCetirizineSecond-generation antihistamine · Seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyesChloramphenicol Eye DropsBroad-spectrum antibiotic eye drop · Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)Cinnamon ExtractHerbal supplement (spice extract) · Traditionally taken to support blood sugar managementCiprofloxacinFluoroquinolone antibiotic · Complicated urinary tract infectionsClobetasol CreamSuper-potent topical corticosteroid · Severe, stubborn plaques of psoriasisClonidineCentrally acting alpha-2 agonist for high blood pressure · High blood pressure, particularly when other classes haven't fully controlled itClopidogrelAntiplatelet agent (P2Y12 inhibitor) · Preventing blood clots after a heart attack or strokeClotrimazole CreamTopical antifungal (azole) · Fungal skin infections such as ringwormColchicineAnti-inflammatory alkaloid used for gout and certain inflammatory conditions · Treating a gout flare in its early stagesCombined Oral Contraceptive PillCombined hormonal contraceptive containing an estrogen and a progestin · Prevention of pregnancyCotrimoxazoleCombination sulfonamide antibacterial (trimethoprim plus sulfamethoxazole) · Urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteriaDabigatranAnticoagulant (direct thrombin inhibitor) · Preventing stroke in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problemDapagliflozinSGLT2 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease · Type 2 diabetes, to improve blood sugar controlDextromethorphanCentrally acting cough suppressant · Dry, non-productive cough associated with colds or minor throat irritationDiclofenacNSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever) · Pain and inflammation from arthritisDicyclomineAntispasmodic (anticholinergic) · Intestinal spasms and cramping, including in irritable bowel syndromeDigoxinCardiac glycoside · Managing certain irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillationDolutegravirAntiretroviral (HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitor) · Treatment of HIV infection as part of combination antiretroviral therapyDomperidoneDopamine antagonist (prokinetic and antiemetic) · Nausea and vomitingDoxorubicinChemotherapy medicine (anthracycline) · Treatment of certain cancers including some breast cancers and lymphomasDoxycyclineTetracycline-class antibiotic · Bacterial respiratory and sinus infectionsEmpagliflozinSGLT2 inhibitor (oral diabetes medicine) · Type 2 diabetes blood sugar managementEscitalopramSSRI antidepressant · DepressionEthambutolAntibiotic used specifically against tuberculosis · Treatment of active tuberculosis as part of combination therapyEzetimibeCholesterol absorption inhibitor · Lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol, usually alongside a statinFamotidineH2-receptor blocker (acid-reducing medicine) · Heartburn and acid refluxFebuxostatXanthine oxidase inhibitor for gout and high uric acid · Long-term prevention of gout attacks by lowering uric acidFenofibrateFibrate for high triglycerides · High triglyceride levelsFenugreek (Methi)Herbal supplement (seed extract) · Traditionally used to support milk supply during breastfeedingFexofenadineSecond-generation antihistamine · Seasonal allergy symptoms (allergic rhinitis)Finasteride5-alpha reductase inhibitor · Male pattern hair lossFluconazoleTriazole antifungal · Vaginal yeast infectionsFluticasone Nasal SprayIntranasal corticosteroid · Seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis symptoms such as sneezing and congestionFolic AcidVitamin supplement (B-vitamin) · Folate deficiencyFurosemideLoop diuretic · Fluid overload from heart failureGabapentinAnticonvulsant used for nerve pain (gabapentinoid) · Nerve pain from shingles or nerve damageGarlic ExtractHerbal supplement (concentrated garlic extract) · Traditionally taken for cardiovascular wellnessGiloy (Guduchi)Herbal supplement (immune-tonic tradition) · Traditionally taken to support recovery after fever or illnessGingerHerbal supplement (culinary root extract) · Traditionally used to ease nausea and an upset stomachGliclazideSulfonylurea (oral diabetes medicine) · Type 2 diabetes blood sugar managementGlimepirideSulfonylurea (oral diabetes medicine) · Type 2 diabetes blood sugar managementGreen Tea ExtractHerbal supplement (concentrated plant extract) · Taken for weight-management supportHydralazineDirect-acting arterial vasodilator · Managing high blood pressure when other treatments aren't suitable or sufficientHydrochlorothiazideThiazide diuretic · High blood pressureHydroxychloroquineAntimalarial used as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) · Rheumatoid arthritisHydroxyzineFirst-generation antihistamine used for anxiety and itching · Short-term relief of anxiety symptomsHyoscine ButylbromideAntispasmodic (anticholinergic) · Abdominal cramping and spasm, including from irritable bowel syndromeIbuprofenNSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever) · Pain relief (headaches, muscle and joint pain, dental pain)Insulin AspartRapid-acting insulin analogue · Managing blood sugar in type 1 diabetesInsulin GlargineLong-acting (basal) insulin analog · Type 1 diabetes, as part of a full insulin regimenIron SupplementMineral supplement (ferrous salt) · Correcting iron-deficiency anemiaIsoniazidAntibiotic used specifically against tuberculosis · Treatment of active tuberculosis as part of combination therapyIsotretinoinOral retinoid · Severe nodular or cystic acne that hasn't responded to other treatmentsLatanoprost Eye DropsProstaglandin analog eye drop · Elevated pressure inside the eyeLetrozoleHormone therapy (aromatase inhibitor) · Treatment of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, mainly in postmenopausal womenLevetiracetamAnticonvulsant (antiepileptic) medicine · Management of certain types of seizuresLevocetirizineSecond-generation (non-drowsy) antihistamine · Seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes)Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraceptive PillProgestin-only emergency contraceptive · Preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failureLevothyroxineThyroid hormone replacement · Underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)LiraglutideGLP-1 receptor agonist · Managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetesLoperamideOpioid-receptor-acting anti-diarrheal medicine · Short-term relief of sudden diarrheaLoratadineSecond-generation antihistamine · Seasonal allergy symptoms (allergic rhinitis)LosartanARB, angiotensin receptor blocker (blood pressure medicine) · High blood pressureLow-Dose AspirinAntiplatelet agent (NSAID family) · Reducing risk of heart attack and stroke in people with cardiovascular diseaseMagnesiumMineral supplement · Correcting low dietary magnesium intakeMelatoninHormone supplement used as a sleep aid · Jet lagMesalamineAminosalicylate (gut-targeted anti-inflammatory) · Ulcerative colitis, both for flares and maintaining remissionMetforminBiguanide (blood sugar-lowering medicine for type 2 diabetes) · Managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetesMethotrexateDisease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and antifolate agent · Rheumatoid arthritis and certain other autoimmune joint and skin conditionsMethylprednisoloneSystemic corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) · Severe allergic reactions and swellingMetoprololBeta-blocker (cardioselective beta-1 blocker) · High blood pressureMetronidazoleAntibiotic and antiparasitic (nitroimidazole) · Bacterial vaginosisMinoxidilTopical hair growth stimulant (vasodilator) · Pattern hair thinning and loss in menMontelukastLeukotriene receptor antagonist · Long-term control of asthmaMupirocin OintmentTopical antibiotic ointment · Impetigo and other superficial bacterial skin infectionsNaproxenNSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever) · Arthritis pain and inflammationNifedipineDihydropyridine calcium channel blocker · High blood pressureNitrofurantoinNitrofuran-class antibacterial used for urinary tract infections · Treatment of uncomplicated bladder infectionsOfloxacin Ear DropsFluoroquinolone antibiotic ear drop · Bacterial outer ear infections (otitis externa)Omega-3 Fatty AcidsDietary fatty acid supplement · Supporting heart health as part of an overall dietOmeprazoleProton pump inhibitor (acid-reducing medicine) · Heartburn and acid reflux (GERD)Ondansetron5-HT3 receptor antagonist (antiemetic) · Nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy or radiotherapyOral Rehydration SolutionOral fluid and electrolyte replacement solution · Replacing fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhea or vomitingOseltamivirAntiviral medicine that targets influenza virus · Treatment of influenza (flu) in people with confirmed or suspected infectionPantoprazoleProton pump inhibitor, PPI (acid-reducing medicine) · Acid reflux and heartburn (GERD)ParacetamolPain reliever and fever reducer (analgesic/antipyretic) · Mild to moderate pain (headache, toothache, muscle aches)Permethrin CreamTopical antiparasitic (insecticide-derived cream) · Scabies (a skin infestation caused by a tiny mite)PioglitazoneThiazolidinedione (TZD) for type 2 diabetes · Type 2 diabetes, particularly when insulin resistance is a major factorPrednisoloneCorticosteroid (glucocorticoid) · Flares of autoimmune and inflammatory conditionsPregabalinAnticonvulsant used for nerve pain (gabapentinoid) · Nerve pain from diabetes-related nerve damage or shinglesProbiotics SupplementProbiotic (live microorganism supplement) · Supporting gut microbial balance, such as after antibiotic usePropranololNon-selective beta-blocker · High blood pressurePyrazinamideAntibiotic used specifically against tuberculosis · Treatment of active tuberculosis, usually during the initial intensive phaseRabeprazoleProton pump inhibitor (PPI) · Acid reflux and heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease)RamiprilACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) · High blood pressureRifampicinAntibiotic (rifamycin), used in tuberculosis and certain other infections · Treatment of tuberculosis as part of combination therapyRosuvastatinStatin (cholesterol-lowering medicine) · Lowering high LDL (bad) cholesterolSacubitril/ValsartanAngiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) · Treatment of certain types of chronic heart failureSalbutamolShort-acting beta-2 agonist (bronchodilator) · Quick relief of asthma symptoms and wheezingSemaglutideGLP-1 receptor agonist · Managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetesSertralineSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) · DepressionShilajitHerbal/mineral supplement (traditional mineral-resin tonic) · Traditionally taken to support vitality and staminaSildenafilPhosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor · Erectile dysfunctionSitagliptinDPP-4 inhibitor (oral diabetes medicine) · Type 2 diabetes blood sugar managementSpironolactonePotassium-sparing diuretic (aldosterone antagonist) · Fluid retention in heart failureSucralfateGastric mucosal protectant · Stomach and duodenal ulcersTacrolimus OintmentTopical calcineurin inhibitor · Moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis)TamoxifenHormone therapy (selective estrogen receptor modulator) · Treatment of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancerTamsulosinAlpha-1 blocker for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) · Urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)TelmisartanARB, angiotensin receptor blocker (blood pressure medicine) · High blood pressureTenofovir Disoproxil FumarateAntiretroviral / antiviral (nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor) · Treatment of HIV infection as part of combination therapyTerbinafineAllylamine-class antifungal medicine · Fungal infections of the skinTimolol Eye DropsNon-selective beta-blocker eye drop · Elevated eye pressureTramadolOpioid analgesic with additional serotonin and noradrenaline effects · Management of moderate to moderately severe painTriphalaHerbal supplement (traditional laxative blend) · Traditionally used to support regular bowel movementTulsi (Holy Basil)Herbal supplement (adaptogen tradition) · Traditionally taken for stress and mental clarityTurmeric (Curcumin extract)Herbal supplement (concentrated spice extract) · Traditionally used for joint comfort and general inflammationValacyclovirAntiviral (nucleoside analogue, prodrug of acyclovir) · Cold sores caused by herpes simplex virusValproateAnticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing medicine · Management of certain types of seizures and epilepsyVenlafaxineSerotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant · Treatment of depressionVildagliptinDPP-4 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes · Type 2 diabetes, usually combined with other glucose-lowering medicinesVitamin D3 SupplementFat-soluble vitamin supplement · Correcting or preventing vitamin D deficiencyWarfarinAnticoagulant (vitamin K antagonist, blood thinner) · Preventing blood clots in atrial fibrillationZinc SupplementEssential trace mineral supplement · Zinc deficiency