Pharmacology of Common Medications

Study Notes

Thyroid Hormone Medications

Levothyroxine is available under the brand names Levoxyl, Levothroid, and Synthroid.
Dosages range from 25 mcg to 300 mcg, administered orally once daily.

Antihyperlipidemic Medications

Atorvastatin, marketed as Lipitor, comes in dosages of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg.
Recommended daily dosage varies from 10 mg to 80 mg.

Gastric Antisecretory Agents

Omeprazole is sold as Prilosec, with available dosages of 10, 20, and 40 mg.
A common dosage is 20 mg taken once daily.

Antihypertensive Drugs

Losartan, branded as Cozaar, is offered in 25, 50, and 100 mg doses.
Initiate treatment with 50 mg taken once daily.
Amlodipine (Norvasc) is available in 2.5, 5, and 10 mg, with a maximum daily dosage of 10 mg.

Anticonvulsant and Antineuralgic Medications

Gabapentin, marketed as Neurontin and Gralise, is available in 100, 300, 400, 600, and 800 mg.
Effective dosage ranges from 900 mg to 1800 mg, divided into three doses.

Antidiabetic Medication

Metformin is found under the brands Glucophage, Glumetza, and Riomet, and comes in 500, 850, and 1000 mg tablets.
A typical starting dose is one 500 mg tablet twice daily with meals.

Antidepressants

Sertraline, known as Zoloft, is available in 25, 50, and 100 mg, with initiation at 50 mg daily.
Escitalopram (Lexapro) is prescribed in 5, 10, and 20 mg, with a starting dose of 10 mg once daily.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is offered in 20, 30, and 60 mg, with a normal daily dose ranging from 40 mg to 60 mg.

Diuretic

Furosemide is sold as Lasix and comes in 20, 40, and 80 mg.
Daily dosage can range from 20 to 80 mg, taken in one or two doses.

Pain Management

Trazodone, branded as Desyrel and Oleptro, has dosages of 50, 100, 150, and 300 mg, with an initial dose of 150 mg per day.

CNS Agents for ADHD

Amphetamine with Dextroamphetamine, sold as Adderall, is available in multiple strengths including 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mg.
Recommended dosages include 20 mg for XR capsules and up to 10 mg for tablets daily.

Opioid Analgesics

Hydrocodone combined with Acetaminophen is sold as Lortab, Vicodin, and Norco, with dosages of 5/325, 7.5/325, and 10/325 mg.
Dosing typically involves one to two tablets every four to six hours as necessary for pain control.

Additional Gastric Antisecretory Agent

Famotidine (Pepcid) is available in 20 and 40 mg, with dosing specified as 20 to 40 mg twice daily over 6 to 12 weeks.

Antihyperlipidemic - Simvastatin

Simvastatin (Zocor) is available in dosages of 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg.
Usual dosage ranges from 10 mg to 40 mg per day.

Bupropion Antidepressant

Bupropion, branded as Wellbutrin, Forfivo XL, and Zyban, comes in various forms including 75, 100, and 150 to 300 mg.
Usual dosing is 150 to 300 mg given once daily.

Description

This quiz covers the essential pharmacology of various medications, including thyroid hormones, antihyperlipidemics, gastric antisecretory agents, antihypertensives, and anticonvulsants. Test your knowledge on dosages, brand names, and therapeutic uses of these drugs. Ideal for students of pharmacology or healthcare professionals.