Top 200 Drugs (2026): Brand & Generic Names, With a Memory Hook for Each
Flashcards alone don't make 224 names stick. Every drug below comes with the tricks pharmacy techs actually use: the name stem, a hook that makes the brand tell you what it does, a mash word that holds both names, and the look-alikes to watch for. Drill them free, no sign-up.
Learned 0 of 224
20 cards a round. Get one right and it drops out; miss it and it comes back until the pile is empty.
How to memorize brand and generic names
- Learn the stems before the names. -pril is an ACE inhibitor, -sartan an ARB, -olol a beta-blocker, -statin lowers cholesterol, -prazole is a PPI. One stem sorts dozens of drugs.
- Make the brand tell you what it does. Lopressor lowers pressure. Glucophage eats glucose. Flomax maxes the flow. Singulair: single air.
- Mash the two names into one word. Flomaxsulosin, Glucophageformin, neurontinapentin. Saying the mash out loud pulls both names back together.
- Drill the look-alikes on purpose. Celebrex vs Celexa and hydroxyzine vs hydralazine are where people lose points, so practice them side by side.
- Use a waterfall drill. Go through the pile; drugs you get right drop out, misses go back in, and you stop when the pile is empty. The trainer above works this way.
Drug name stems cheat sheet
| Stem | Class | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -pril | ACE inhibitor | lisinopril |
| -sartan | ARB | losartan |
| -olol | beta-blocker | metoprolol |
| -dipine | calcium channel blocker | amlodipine |
| -statin | cholesterol (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) | atorvastatin |
| -prazole | proton pump inhibitor | omeprazole |
| -tidine | H2 blocker | famotidine |
| -azepam / -azolam | benzodiazepine | lorazepam |
| -cillin | penicillin | amoxicillin |
| cef- / ceph- | cephalosporin | cephalexin |
| -cycline | tetracycline | doxycycline |
| -floxacin | fluoroquinolone | ciprofloxacin |
| -thromycin | macrolide | azithromycin |
| -conazole | azole antifungal | fluconazole |
| -vir | antiviral | valacyclovir |
| -gliptin | DPP-4 inhibitor (diabetes) | sitagliptin |
| -gliflozin | SGLT2 inhibitor (diabetes) | empagliflozin |
| -glutide | GLP-1 agonist (diabetes, weight) | semaglutide |
| -dronate | bisphosphonate (bone) | alendronate |
| -lukast | leukotriene blocker | montelukast |
| -triptan | migraine | sumatriptan |
| -setron | antiemetic | ondansetron |
| -terol | beta-2 agonist (inhaler) | albuterol |
| -sone / -olone | corticosteroid | prednisone |
| -afil | PDE-5 inhibitor | sildenafil |
| -osin | alpha-1 blocker | tamsulosin |
| -parin | heparin | enoxaparin |
| -xaban | factor Xa inhibitor | apixaban |
| -mab | monoclonal antibody | adalimumab |
Watch the exceptions: metronidazole ends in -azole but is an antibiotic, not an antifungal.
The full list by class: 224 brand and generic drugs
ACE inhibitors
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zestril, Prinivil | lisinopril | high blood pressure, heart failure | Zestril puts the zest back in your heart by easing high blood pressure. |
| Vasotec | enalapril | high blood pressure, heart failure | Vasotec relaxes the vessels (vaso-): enalapril widens them to lower pressure. |
| Altace | ramipril | high blood pressure, heart attack prevention | Altace alters ACE: ramipril blocks the ACE enzyme. |
| Lotensin | benazepril | high blood pressure | Lotensin lowers tension: benazepril brings hypertension down. |
| Accupril | quinapril | high blood pressure, heart failure | Accupril: accurate pressure control, as quinapril quiets the ACE enzyme. |
ARBs
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cozaar | losartan | high blood pressure | Cozaar gives cozy arteries: losartan lets blood vessels relax and pressure drop. |
| Micardis | telmisartan | high blood pressure | Micardis sounds like 'my cardio': telmisartan tells blood pressure to drop. |
| Diovan | valsartan | high blood pressure | Diovan is a van hauling valsartan to ease blood pressure. |
| Atacand | candesartan | high blood pressure, heart failure | Atacand and candesartan share CAND: the 'can-do' ARB for pressure. |
| Entresto | sacubitril/valsartan | heart failure | Entresto: ENTER to the RESCUE of a weak heart with sacubitril plus valsartan. |
| Benicar | olmesartan | high blood pressure | Benicar is a beneficial car carrying olmesartan to lower blood pressure. |
| Avapro | irbesartan | high blood pressure | Avapro is the pro at irbesartan: an ARB that brings pressure down. |
Beta-blockers
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lopressor | metoprolol tartrate | high blood pressure, heart protection | Lopressor lowers pressure: metoprolol tartrate is the immediate-release twin. |
| Toprol-XL | metoprolol succinate | high blood pressure, heart protection | Toprol-XL is the eXtra-Long one: succinate stretches metoprolol out all day. |
| Coreg | carvedilol | high blood pressure, heart failure | Coreg covers the core: carvedilol blocks both alpha and beta receptors. |
| Bystolic | nebivolol | high blood pressure | Bystolic says bye to high systolic pressure: nebivolol. |
| Tenormin | atenolol | high blood pressure | Tenormin tones the heart down to a calm, normal beat: atenolol. |
| Inderal LA | propranolol | high blood pressure, heart rate control | Inderal LA stays 'in there all' day, calming heart rate and blood pressure. |
| Zebeta | bisoprolol | high blood pressure | Zebeta sounds like 'the beta': bisoprolol is a beta-blocker. |
Calcium channel blockers
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norvasc | amlodipine | high blood pressure | Norvasc normalizes vascular pressure, but picture puffy ankles as the classic side effect. |
| Calan, Verelan | verapamil | high blood pressure, slows heart rate | Calan calms a racing heart, and Verelan starts with V-E-R just like verapamil. |
| Cardizem, Cartia XT | diltiazem | high blood pressure, slows heart rate | Cardizem calms the cardiac rhythm: diltiazem slows the heart rate. |
| Procardia XL, Adalat CC | nifedipine | high blood pressure, angina | Procardia XL: 'pro' heart and eXtra Long, so one nifedipine tablet relaxes vessels all day. |
Diuretics
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aldactone | spironolactone | heart failure, high blood pressure, fluid buildup | Aldactone is aldosterone's opponent, so potassium stays aboard. |
| Lasix | furosemide | fluid buildup (edema), high blood pressure | Lasix lasts six hours: six hours of extra trips to the restroom. |
| Bumex | bumetanide | fluid buildup (edema), heart failure | Bumex bumps extra fluid out of the body through the urine. |
| Maxzide, Dyazide | triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide | high blood pressure, fluid buildup | Maxzide has 'zide' for the thiazide, and triamterene keeps the potassium in. |
Other BP and heart
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catapres | clonidine | high blood pressure | Catapres caps the pressure, but stop it suddenly and BP bounces back like a startled cat. |
| Imdur | isosorbide mononitrate | preventing chest pain (angina) | Imdur says "I'm durable": a long-acting nitrate that keeps chest pain away. |
| Nitrostat | nitroglycerin | fast relief of chest pain (angina) | Nitrostat works stat: it dissolves under the tongue for fast chest pain relief. |
| Cardura | doxazosin | enlarged prostate (BPH), high blood pressure | Cardura: picture a car cruising easily through wide-open, relaxed blood vessels. |
| Lanoxin | digoxin | heart failure, irregular heart rhythm | Lanoxin: a weak heart can lean on digoxin to beat stronger and steadier. |
| Pacerone | amiodarone | irregular heart rhythms | Pacerone sets the pace: it helps keep an irregular heartbeat in rhythm. |
Lipids
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lipitor | atorvastatin | high cholesterol | Lipitor limits lipids: atorvastatin tears cholesterol down. |
| Crestor | rosuvastatin | high cholesterol | Crestor sends cholesterol over the crest and down: rosy rosuvastatin. |
| Zocor | simvastatin | high cholesterol | Zocor zaps cholesterol at bedtime: simvastatin is taken in the evening. |
| Pravachol | pravastatin | high cholesterol | Pravachol has 'chol' inside: pravastatin bravely fights cholesterol. |
| Livalo | pitavastatin | high cholesterol | Livalo: live a lower-cholesterol life with pitavastatin. |
| Zetia | ezetimibe | high cholesterol | Zetia zeroes in on cholesterol: e-Z ezetimibe, a lipid pill with no -statin. |
| Tricor | fenofibrate | high triglycerides, high cholesterol | Tricor tackles triglycerides: fenofibrate fends off fats. |
| Lopid | gemfibrozil | high triglycerides, high cholesterol | Lopid lops off lipids: gemfibrozil is a gem against fats. |
| Vascepa | icosapent ethyl | high triglycerides | Vascepa sounds like 'vascular escape': fish-oil EPA helps lower triglycerides. |
Anticoagulants and antiplatelets
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eliquis | apixaban | prevents and treats blood clots | Eliquis keeps blood liquid: apiXaban blocks factor Xa. |
| Xarelto | rivaroxaban | prevents and treats blood clots | Xarelto starts with X, and rivaroXaban blocks factor Xa. |
| Pradaxa | dabigatran | prevents and treats blood clots | Pradaxa is like a Prada bag: it stays in its original packaging, the original bottle. |
| Lovenox | enoxaparin | prevents and treats blood clots | Lovenox loves the heparin family: enoxa-PARIN shares the -parin ending. |
| Jantoven | warfarin | prevents and treats blood clots | Jantoven: no clot gets baked in this oven, because warfarin keeps blood from clotting. |
| Plavix | clopidogrel | prevents heart attack and stroke clots | Plavix fixes platelets so they don't stick together. |
| Brilinta | ticagrelor | prevents heart attack and stroke clots | Brilinta is brilliant at keeping platelets from clumping. |
| Effient | prasugrel | prevents heart attack and stroke clots | Effient efficiently stops platelets from sticking together. |
Diabetes
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glucophage | metformin | type 2 diabetes | Glucophage eats glucose: 'phage' means eater, so picture a sugar-gobbling Pac-Man. |
| Glucotrol | glipizide | type 2 diabetes | Glucotrol puts glucose under control, but too much control means low blood sugar. |
| Actos | pioglitazone | type 2 diabetes | Actos acts like a pioneer (pio-) leading the -glitazone TZD class. |
| Januvia | sitagliptin | type 2 diabetes | Januvia: a new January plan where sitagliptin sits at the DPP-4 door. |
| Jardiance | empagliflozin | type 2 diabetes | Jardiance: picture extra sugar poured into a jar and sent out in the urine. |
| Invokana | canagliflozin | type 2 diabetes | Invoke the 'kana' sound: InvoKANA hands off to CANAgliflozin. |
| Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus | semaglutide | type 2 diabetes, weight management | Oh-SEM-pic sounds like SEMaglutide: one molecule, three brands. |
| Victoza, Saxenda | liraglutide | type 2 diabetes, weight management | Victoza wins victory over sugar; Saxenda is the same liraglutide for weight. |
| Mounjaro, Zepbound | tirzepatide | type 2 diabetes, weight management | Mounjaro climbs sugar mountain; Zepbound is the same tirzepatide for weight. |
| Amaryl | glimepiride | type 2 diabetes | Amaryl gives a glimpse (glimepiride) of lower sugar, so watch for lows. |
| Trulicity | dulaglutide | type 2 diabetes | Trulicity: truly once a week, one dulaglutide shot for sugar. |
| Tradjenta | linagliptin | type 2 diabetes | Tradjenta lets you trade high sugar for lower sugar, as every -gliptin does. |
| Farxiga | dapagliflozin | type 2 diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease | Farxiga sends sugar far away: dapagliflozin flushes glucose out in the urine. |
Insulins
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humalog, Admelog | lispro | diabetes, mealtime blood sugar control | Humalog: lispro is a pro at speed, a rapid-acting insulin for mealtimes. |
| NovoLog, Fiasp | aspart | diabetes, mealtime blood sugar control | NovoLog darts off fast: aspart sets itself apart as a rapid-acting insulin. |
| Apidra | glulisine | diabetes, mealtime blood sugar control | Apidra sounds like rapid: glulisine is a rapid-acting mealtime insulin. |
| Humulin R, Novolin R | regular | diabetes, blood sugar control | Humulin R and Novolin R: R is for Regular, the short-acting human insulin. |
| Humulin N, Novolin N | nph | diabetes, blood sugar control | Humulin N and Novolin N: N is for NPH, the intermediate-acting insulin. |
| Tresiba | degludec | diabetes, all-day basal blood sugar control | Tresiba sounds like treasure that lasts: degludec is a long-acting insulin. |
| Lantus, Basaglar, Semglee, Toujeo | glargine | diabetes, all-day basal blood sugar control | Lantus lasts all day: glargine is the long-acting basal insulin. |
Thyroid and steroids
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid | levothyroxine | underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) | Synthroid synthesizes thyroid hormone: it replaces the hormone an underactive thyroid can't make. |
| Cytomel | liothyronine | underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) | Cytomel sets your cells' metabolism humming: it's a thyroid hormone for an underactive thyroid. |
| Medrol | methylprednisolone | inflammation, allergic reactions, swelling | Medrol makes inflammation mellow: a steroid that calms swelling but can raise blood sugar. |
Respiratory
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advair, Wixela | fluticasone/salmeterol | asthma and COPD maintenance | Advair adds air with two drugs in one inhaler: fluticasone plus salmeterol. |
| Breo | fluticasone furoate/vilanterol | asthma and COPD maintenance | Breo helps you breathe: fluticasone furoate plus vilanterol in one inhaler. |
| Trelegy | fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol | COPD and asthma maintenance | Trelegy sounds like tri-legacy: three drugs packed into one inhaler. |
| Atrovent | ipratropium | COPD and bronchospasm | Atrovent opens the air vents: ipratropium helps air travel through the lungs. |
| Singulair | montelukast | asthma and allergies | Singulair: single air, one montelukast tablet a day keeps airways calm. |
| Tessalon | benzonatate | cough | Tessalon tells your cough so long, as long as you swallow the capsule whole. |
| ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin | albuterol | quick relief of asthma and wheezing | Ventolin vents the lungs, and ProAir and Proventil bring pro air fast when you need a rescue. |
| Xopenex | levalbuterol | quick relief of asthma and wheezing | Xopenex opens airways, a close cousin of albuterol hiding inside levalbuterol. |
| Spiriva | tiotropium | COPD and asthma maintenance | Spiriva lifts your spirit, from Latin spirare, to breathe, with tiotropium. |
| Flonase | fluticasone nasal | nasal allergies | Flonase stops the flow: fluticasone sprayed in the nose tames a runny, stuffy nose. |
| Symbicort | budesonide/formoterol | asthma and COPD maintenance | Symbicort is a symbiosis: budesonide and formoterol working together as a pair. |
| Pulmicort Respules | budesonide | asthma maintenance via nebulizer | Pulmicort sounds like pulmonary corticosteroid: budesonide for the lungs by nebulizer. |
Allergy and nausea
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zyrtec | cetirizine | seasonal allergies, hives, itching | Zyrtec zaps sneezes: cetirizine sets your allergies at ease. |
| Antivert | meclizine | vertigo, motion sickness | Antivert is anti-vertigo: meclizine stops the room from spinning. |
| Benadryl | diphenhydramine | allergies, itching, occasional sleeplessness | Benadryl gets you bed-ready: diphenhydramine is the classic drowsy antihistamine. |
| Phenergan | promethazine | nausea, vomiting, allergies, motion sickness | Phenergan fends off nausea, though promethazine also makes you sleepy. |
| Zofran | ondansetron | nausea and vomiting, including chemotherapy-related | Zofran sends nausea so far away: Zo-far from queasy. |
| Reglan | metoclopramide | nausea, reflux, diabetic gastroparesis | Reglan regulates the gut: metoclopramide keeps the stomach moving along. |
| Xyzal | levocetirizine | seasonal and year-round allergies, hives | Xyzal is Zyrtec's levo little sibling: levocetirizine is the left-handed half of cetirizine. |
| Claritin | loratadine | seasonal allergies, hives | Claritin brings clarity: a clear nose with loratadine, usually without the drowsy fog. |
| Allegra | fexofenadine | seasonal allergies, hives | Allegra says 'Allergy, go!' while fexofenadine fends off the sneezes. |
| Vistaril | hydroxyzine | itching, anxiety | Vistaril gives a calm vista: no itch, no jitters, just sleepy. |
GI
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protonix | pantoprazole | heartburn, GERD, stomach ulcers | Protonix nixes protons, so the stomach's acid pumps stop pushing acid. |
| Prevacid | lansoprazole | heartburn, GERD, stomach ulcers | Prevacid prevents acid. |
| Aciphex | rabeprazole | heartburn, GERD, stomach ulcers | Aciphex fixes acid. |
| Dexilant | dexlansoprazole | heartburn, GERD, erosive esophagitis | Dexilant = DEX + LANsoprazole: Prevacid's close cousin for acid control. |
| Pepcid, Zantac 360 | famotidine | heartburn, GERD, stomach ulcers | Pepcid gives the stomach a pep talk: calm down, acid! |
| Colace | docusate | constipation, softening hard stools | Colace = COLon + EASE: it softens stool so it passes easier. |
| Prilosec | omeprazole | heartburn, GERD, stomach ulcers | Prilosec lowers acid secretion: pri-LO-sec. |
| Nexium | esomeprazole | heartburn, GERD, stomach ulcers | Nexium is the NEXt omeprazole: es-omeprazole, same acid-blocking job. |
| Carafate | sucralfate | duodenal ulcers | Carafate coats with care, like a protective bandage over an ulcer. |
| Bentyl | dicyclomine | irritable bowel syndrome cramping | Bentyl unbends a cramping, bent-over gut by easing intestinal spasms. |
| Linzess | linaclotide | IBS with constipation, chronic constipation | Linzess leaves you less stuck: linaclotide gets slow bowels moving. |
| Lialda | mesalamine | ulcerative colitis | Lialda lets an inflamed colon lie down and calm: mesalamine soothes colitis. |
| MiraLAX | polyethylene glycol 3350 | occasional constipation | MiraLAX: a little miracle laxative that pulls water into stool. |
Antidepressants
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexapro | escitalopram | depression | Lexapro is the pro: escitalopram is citalopram with an extra 'es' up front. |
| Prozac | fluoxetine | depression | Prozac is a pro at lifting mood: picture a strong ox in flu-OX-etine pulling spirits up. |
| Pristiq | desvenlafaxine | depression | Pristiq keeps mood pristine: desvenlafaxine is venlafaxine's 'des' cousin. |
| Remeron | mirtazapine | depression | Remeron remedies the blues: picture a mirror in mir-TAZ-apine reflecting a smile. |
| Zoloft | sertraline | depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD | Zoloft lifts your mood aloft: sertraline sends spirits soaring. |
| Cymbalta | duloxetine | depression, anxiety, nerve pain, fibromyalgia | Cymbalta crashes the cymbals in a duet: du-loxetine is a dual-action SNRI. |
| Celexa | citalopram | depression | Celexa lets you celebrate a lifted mood, but Celebrex is for joints. |
| Paxil | paroxetine | depression | Paxil brings 'pax' (peace) to a stormy mood, and paroxetine starts with the same 'pa'. |
| Effexor XR | venlafaxine | depression, anxiety disorders | Effexor 'X'es out the blues, and XR means a once-daily extended-release capsule. |
| Wellbutrin | bupropion | depression, seasonal depression, quitting smoking | Wellbutrin helps you feel well; its 'but' matches the 'bu' in bupropion. |
| Trintellix | vortioxetine | depression | Trintellix, 'intelligent' mood help: vortioxetine swirls serotonin like a vortex. |
Anxiety and sleep
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| XanaxC-IV | alprazolam | anxiety and panic | Xanax relaxes: alprazolam calms the anxiety alarm. |
| AtivanC-IV | lorazepam | anxiety | Ativan activates calm: lorazepam lowers anxiety. |
| RestorilC-IV | temazepam | trouble sleeping (insomnia) | Restoril helps you rest: temazepam is for sleep. |
| AmbienC-IV | zolpidem | trouble sleeping (insomnia) | Ambien sets a sleepy ambience: zolpidem is for bedtime. |
| LunestaC-IV | eszopiclone | trouble sleeping (insomnia) | Lunesta sounds like luna, the moon: take it when it is time to sleep. |
| KlonopinC-IV | clonazepam | seizures, panic disorder | Klonopin and clonazepam share the same 'klon' sound, like twin clones. |
| ValiumC-IV | diazepam | anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures | Valium brings a peaceful valley of calm to anxious nerves. |
Antipsychotics and mood
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risperdal | risperidone | schizophrenia, bipolar disorder | Risperdal is risperidone with a short haircut: keep 'risper,' swap the ending for 'dal.' |
| Latuda | lurasidone | schizophrenia, bipolar depression | Latuda and lurasidone, two L-names that lure the mood back into line. |
| Clozaril | clozapine | treatment-resistant schizophrenia | CLOZaril and CLOZapine share the same first five letters, a close match. |
| Lithobid | lithium | bipolar disorder | Lithobid bids for balance: lithium is the classic metal mood stabilizer. |
| Depakote | divalproex | seizures, bipolar disorder, migraine prevention | Depakote: wrap a calm 'coat' of divalproex around seizures and mood swings. |
| Seroquel | quetiapine | schizophrenia, bipolar disorder | Say it 'quiet-iapine': Seroquel helps a racing, noisy mind get quiet. |
| Abilify | aripiprazole | schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, add-on for depression | Abilify = ability: it helps steady mood and thinking in schizophrenia. |
| Zyprexa | olanzapine | schizophrenia, bipolar disorder | Zyprexa zaps the noise: olanZAPine has 'zap' right in the middle. |
| Geodon | ziprasidone | schizophrenia, bipolar disorder | Geo the explorer rides a ZIP line: Geodon = ziprasidone. |
| Haldol | haloperidol | schizophrenia, psychosis, agitation | Haldol helps halt hallucinations, and HALoperidol starts with Hal too. |
| Lamictal | lamotrigine | seizures, bipolar disorder | Picture a lamb climbing stairs slowly: Lamictal is titrated slowly to avoid rash. |
Seizure and nerve pain
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neurontin | gabapentin | seizures, nerve pain | Neurontin tends the neurons: gabapentin calms nerve pain and seizures. |
| LyricaC-V | pregabalin | nerve pain, seizures | Lyrica sings a lullaby to buzzing nerves: pregabalin soothes nerve pain. |
| Keppra | levetiracetam | seizures | Keppra keeps seizures away: levetiracetam. |
| Tegretol | carbamazepine | seizures, nerve pain | Tegretol takes control: carbamazepine helps keep seizures in check. |
| Trileptal | oxcarbazepine | seizures | Trileptal tries for zero seizures: oxcarbazepine is carbamazepine with an 'ox' in front. |
| VimpatC-V | lacosamide | seizures | Vimpat pats seizures down: lacosamide. |
| Topamax | topiramate | seizures, migraine prevention | Topamax tops seizures: Topamax and topiramate both start with 'top'. |
| Dilantin | phenytoin | seizures | Dilantin dials down seizures: phenytoin. |
ADHD
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| VyvanseC-II | lisdexamfetamine | ADHD | Vyvanse makes focus vivid: lisdexamfetamine is an amphetamine-family ADHD stimulant. |
| Ritalin, ConcertaC-II | methylphenidate | ADHD | Ritalin keeps focus right on track, and Concerta helps you conCENTRATE. |
| AdderallC-II | mixed amphetamine salts | ADHD, narcolepsy | Adderall ADDs attention back for ADHD, so don't mix it up with Inderal. |
| FocalinC-II | dexmethylphenidate | ADHD | Focalin brings back FOCus: dex + methylphenidate makes it Ritalin's close cousin. |
| Strattera | atomoxetine | ADHD | Strattera keeps attention STRAIGHT without being a stimulant. |
| Intuniv | guanfacine er | ADHD | Intuniv gets your attention IN TUNE, with guanfacine ER as a non-stimulant option. |
Neuro, other
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinemet | carbidopa/levodopa | Parkinson's disease | Sinemet sends levoDOPA to the brain, where it becomes DOPAmine for Parkinson's. |
| Requip | ropinirole | Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome | Requip re-equips restless legs and Parkinson's brains with dopamine power. |
| Aricept | donepezil | Alzheimer's dementia | Aricept: 'Air-I-kept' - helps keep thinking and memory steadier in Alzheimer's. |
| Namenda | memantine | moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's dementia | Namenda: don't forget a NAME; MEMantine is for MEMory loss in Alzheimer's. |
| Mirapex | pramipexole | Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome | Mirapex calms restless legs; MiraLAX is the laxative, so don't mix them up. |
| Maxalt | rizatriptan | acute migraine attacks | Maxalt puts a MAX HALT on migraines. |
| Imitrex | sumatriptan | acute migraine attacks | Imitrex: 'I'm a T. rex' stomping out migraine attacks. |
Muscle relaxants
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robaxin | methocarbamol | muscle spasms | Robaxin robs a muscle of its spasm so it can relax. |
| Zanaflex | tizanidine | muscle spasticity | Zanaflex zaps spasms: ZANaflex and tiZANidine share the same ZAN sound. |
| SomaC-IV | carisoprodol | muscle spasms | Soma soothes sore muscles: say cariSOprodol and you hear the start of SOma. |
| Amrix | cyclobenzaprine | muscle spasms | Amrix: 'arm-fix' for a stiff, spasming muscle. |
Pain
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| OxyContin, RoxicodoneC-II | oxycodone | moderate to severe pain | OxyContin is oxycodone in CONTINuous release; Roxicodone is the regular oxycodone. |
| MS ContinC-II | morphine | severe, long-lasting pain | MS Contin: Morphine Sulfate, CONTINuous extended release. |
| DuragesicC-II | fentanyl | severe, ongoing pain | Duragesic = DURAble anALGESIC: a fentanyl patch that keeps working for days. |
| Tylenol #3C-III | acetaminophen/codeine | mild to moderate pain | Tylenol #3 is Tylenol plus codeine; the 3 stands for 30 mg of codeine. |
| SuboxoneC-III | buprenorphine/naloxone | opioid use disorder treatment | Suboxone: SUBlingual dose with naloxONE riding along with buprenorphine. |
| Narcan | naloxone | emergency reversal of opioid overdose | Narcan = NARCotic ANtagonist: naloxone reverses an opioid overdose. |
| Mobic | meloxicam | arthritis pain and inflammation | Mobic keeps joints MOBILE: meloxicam eases arthritis stiffness. |
| Celebrex | celecoxib | arthritis pain and inflammation | Celebrex: CELEBRATE easier joints with celecoxib, the COX-2 NSAID. |
| NorcoC-II | hydrocodone/acetaminophen | moderate to severe pain | Norco says 'NO' to pain: hydrocodone and acetaminophen (APAP) in one tablet. |
| PercocetC-II | oxycodone/acetaminophen | moderate to severe pain | Percocet's 'cet' hides in aCETaminophen: oxycodone's partner in this pill. |
| NucyntaC-II | tapentadol | moderate to severe pain | Nucynta is a NU (new) pain option: tapentadol taps pain down. |
| UltramC-IV | tramadol | moderate to moderately severe pain | Ultram rides the TRAM in TRAMadol: all aboard for moderate pain relief. |
| Advil, Motrin | ibuprofen | pain, fever, inflammation | Advil advances on aches and Motrin motors through them: ibuprofen, the classic NSAID. |
| Aleve, Naprosyn | naproxen | pain, inflammation, arthritis | Aleve helps ALLEVIATE aches; Naprosyn and naproxen share NAPRO. |
| Voltaren | diclofenac | pain and inflammation, arthritis | Voltaren zaps pain like a VOLT: diclofenac is an NSAID. |
| Fioricet | butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine | tension headaches | Fioricet fights FIERCE headaches with butalbital, acetaminophen and caffeine. |
Gout
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zyloprim | allopurinol | gout | Zyloprim zips uric acid down: allopurinol blocks its production. |
| Uloric | febuxostat | gout | Uloric lowers uric: the brand nearly spells uric, the acid behind gout. |
| Colcrys | colchicine | gout | Colcrys calms the crystals: gout flares come from uric acid crystals in joints. |
Anti-infectives
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augmentin | amoxicillin/clavulanate | bacterial infections like sinus and ear | Augmentin augments amoxicillin by adding clavulanate as a power-up. |
| Keflex | cephalexin | skin, bone, and urinary infections | Keflex flexes its 'ceph' muscle: cephalexin is a cephalosporin. |
| Zithromax, Z-Pak | azithromycin | respiratory and other bacterial infections | Zithromax zips through infections in a short Z-Pak. |
| Cipro | ciprofloxacin | urinary and other bacterial infections | Cipro is ciprofloxacin with the 'floxacin' trimmed off. |
| Flagyl | metronidazole | bacterial and parasitic infections | Flagyl flags a trick: metronidazole ends in -azole but fights bacteria, not fungus. |
| Lamisil | terbinafine | nail and foot fungal infections | Lamisil seals out fungus on toenails and feet. |
| Bactrim | sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim | urinary and other bacterial infections | Bactrim trims bacteria, and DS means double strength. |
| Macrobid | nitrofurantoin | bladder (urinary tract) infections | Macrobid is taken bid (twice daily) to clear bladder infections. |
| Cleocin | clindamycin | skin, bone, and dental infections | Cleocin cleans up bacteria; Cleocin and clindamycin both start with Cl. |
| Valtrex | valacyclovir | herpes, cold sores, and shingles | Valtrex and valacyclovir both start with 'Val' and battle herpes viruses. |
| Zovirax | acyclovir | herpes, cold sores, and shingles | Zovirax zaps viruses, and acyclovir ends in -vir. |
| Tamiflu | oseltamivir | influenza (the flu) | Tamiflu tames the flu. |
| Paxlovid | nirmatrelvir/ritonavir | COVID-19 | Paxlovid brings pax (peace) to COVID. |
| Amoxil | amoxicillin | bacterial infections like ear and throat | Amoxil is just AMOXicillin with its tail clipped short. |
| Bactroban | mupirocin | skin infections like impetigo | Bactroban bans bacteria from the skin. |
| Diflucan | fluconazole | yeast and fungal infections | Di-FLU-CAN: yes, fluconazole CAN clear yeast with one pill. |
| Biktarvy | bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide | HIV infection | Biktarvy sounds like Bic-tegravir: one pill, once a day, whole HIV regimen. |
Urology and men's/women's health
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flomax | tamsulosin | enlarged prostate (BPH) urinary symptoms | Flomax maximizes flow: tamsulosin relaxes the prostate area so urine flows more freely. |
| Proscar, Propecia | finasteride | enlarged prostate (BPH), hair loss | PROScar for the PROState, ProPECIA for the scalp: same finasteride, different strength. |
| Detrol | tolterodine | overactive bladder | Detrol deters extra restroom trips: tolterodine calms an overactive bladder. |
| Myrbetriq | mirabegron | overactive bladder | Myrbetriq's 'bet' hints beta-3: mirabegron is a little miracle for an overactive bladder. |
| Viagra, Revatio | sildenafil | erectile dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension | Viagra flows like Niagara through blood vessels; Revatio revs up blood flow in the lungs. |
| Cialis, Adcirca | tadalafil | erectile dysfunction, BPH, pulmonary hypertension | Cialis and Adcirca share tadalafil; Adcirca adds circulation to the lungs. |
| Estrace | estradiol | menopause symptoms, estrogen replacement | Estrace adds a trace of estrogen: estradiol replaces what the body is missing. |
| Premarin | conjugated estrogens | menopause symptoms | Premarin = PREgnant MARes' urINe, the natural source of these conjugated estrogens. |
| Ditropan XL | oxybutynin | overactive bladder | Ditropan XL stops the drip-drop rush: oxybutynin calms an overactive bladder. |
| Vesicare | solifenacin | overactive bladder | Vesicare = vesica (Latin for bladder) + care: solifenacin takes care of the bladder. |
| Provera, Depo-Provera | medroxyprogesterone | abnormal uterine bleeding, contraception | Provera provides PROgesterone; Depo-Provera is the DEPOt shot given by injection. |
| Yaz, Yasmin | drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol | birth control | Yaz and Yasmin: two Y-names, one combo of drospirenone plus ethinyl estradiol. |
| Sprintec | norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol | birth control | Sprintec sprints through the cycle: a daily norgestimate/EE birth control pill. |
| NuvaRing | etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol | birth control | NuvaRing is literally a new ring: etonogestrel/EE delivered as a vaginal ring. |
Bone, immune, other
| Brand | Generic | Used for | Memory hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boniva | ibandronate | osteoporosis, bone loss | Boniva sounds like 'Bone-iva': ibandronate keeps bones strong. |
| Actonel | risedronate | osteoporosis, bone loss | Actonel acts on bone: risedronate helps bone density rise. |
| Trexall | methotrexate | rheumatoid arthritis | Trexall is methoTREXate: once a WEEK for RA, never every day. |
| Humira | adalimumab | rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune diseases | Humira is a human-style -mab: adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody. |
| Xalatan | latanoprost | glaucoma, high eye pressure | XaLATAN hides LATANoprost right inside its name. |
| Absorica, Claravis | isotretinoin | severe acne | Absorica absorbs acne, and Claravis clears skin, but only through iPLEDGE. |
| Adipex-PC-IV | phentermine | weight loss in obesity | Adipex-P targets adipose (body fat): phentermine curbs appetite for weight loss. |
| Fosamax | alendronate | osteoporosis, bone loss | Fosamax keeps bones from turning into fossils: take it upright with water. |
| Evista | raloxifene | osteoporosis, bone loss | Evista keeps bones 'ever' strong, but it's a SERM, not a -dronate. |
| Plaquenil | hydroxychloroquine | lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, malaria | Plaquenil: picture a plaque reading 'hydroxy-CHLORO-QUINE' hanging in the immune clinic. |
| Enbrel | etanercept | rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune diseases | Enbrel = 'end the swell': etanercept blocks TNF, the inflammation signal. |
| Klor-Con | potassium chloride | low potassium | Klor-Con = CHLORide CONtaining potassium: KCl in a tablet. |
Look-alike, sound-alike drugs to drill side by side
- Celebrex vs Celexa vs Cerebyx
- Zyrtec vs Zyprexa
- Lamictal vs Lamisil
- Klonopin (clonazepam) vs clonidine
- hydroxyzine vs hydralazine
- Adderall vs Inderal
- tramadol vs trazodone
- Brilinta vs Brintellix (now Trintellix)
- metformin vs metronidazole
- Lunesta vs Neulasta
Names down. Now test the rest of Medications.
Medications is 35% of the PTCE, and the exam asks about classes, interactions, side effects and storage too. Take the free 10-question Medications diagnostic and see your score by domain.
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FAQ
Is there an official PTCB top 200 drugs list?
No. PTCB does not publish a drug list. "Top 200" lists are built from the most-prescribed outpatient drugs in the US, so they overlap heavily. This one follows the drugs and classes in the 2026 PTCE Medications domain, grouped by class so the name stems do half the work.
What is the fastest way to memorize brand and generic names?
Learn the stems first (-pril, -sartan, -olol, -statin, -prazole), because one stem tells you the class of dozens of drugs. Then give each brand a hook that says what it does ("Lopressor lowers pressure"), mash the two names into one word ("Flomaxsulosin"), and drill the look-alike pairs. Use a waterfall drill: drugs you get right leave the pile, misses come back until the pile is empty.
How much of the PTCE is about medications?
Medications is the largest domain on the 2026 PTCE, at 35% of the exam. Brand and generic names are one part of it, next to drug classes, interactions, side effects, storage and look-alike/sound-alike safety.
Is this free?
Yes. The trainer, the hooks and the full list are free and need no account. Your progress is saved in your browser.
For exam study only, not medical advice. Brand availability changes; check current labeling in practice.