Broken Hearts
This class of medications, also called HMG-CoA inhibitors, is used to prevent heart attack and stroke by lowering serum cholesterol.
Statins:
Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin
This over-the counter sleep aide is a naturally occurring hormone released by the brain in response to darkness.
Melatonin
By drawing fluid into the bowel, this oral powder is effective for acute or chronic constipation as long as the patient is drinking adequate water.
Polyethylene glycol (miralax, GoLytely)
This OTC pain reliever is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US and UK.
This bubblegum-flavored oral suspension is the preferred first-line therapy for ear infections in children.
Amoxicillin
By slowing down the heart rate these medications can reduce blood pressure and prevent progression of heart failure.
Beta blockers
Metoprolol, carvedilol, atenolol, bisoprolol
Post-mortem blood samples from Michael Jackson contained this medication, which is approved for general anesthesia but not insomnia.
Propofol (diprivan)
Through an unknown mechanism this medication acts as an anesthetic on mucosa of the urinary tract, incidentally turning urine orange and interfering with common urine dipstick tests.
Phenazopyridine (azo, phenazo)
These medications block an inflammation pathway that leads to pain, but overuse can lead to kidney or gastric injury.
NSAIDs
Ibuprofen (advil, midol), naproxen (aleve, naprosyn), aspirin, diclofenac (voltaren), ketorolac (toradol), meloxicam (mobic), celecoxib (celebrex)
Active against lice, scabies, mites, and worms, this medication or class of medications has seen a recent surge in off-label use for a variety of indications without evidence of efficacy, including COVID and cancer.
Antihelminthics
Ivermectin, albendazole, mebendazole
Commonly given orally or IV for fluid overload in heart failure, these medications can lead to low potassium.
Loop diuretics
Furosemide (lasix), bumetanide (bumex), torsemide (demadex)
These sedative-hypnotics are contraindicated in anyone who sleepwalks.
Z-type drugs, or nonbenzodiazepine BZD receptor agonists
Eszopiclone (lunesta), zolpidem (ambien)
By relaxing the bladder neck this medication helps people with enlarged prostates urinate more efficiently and less frequently.
Tamsulosin (flomax)
Primarily used for neuropathic pain, this medication is also used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal, panic attacks, and menopausal hot flashes.
Gabapentin (neurontin)
These are the most commonly prescribed medications for fungal infections.
Azoles
Fluconazole (diflucan), clotrimazole (lotrimin), ketoconazole (ketoderm, nizoral)
By relaxing smooth muscle cells, this dissolving tablet or topical paste is used as needed for angina or cardiac chest pain.
Nitroglycerine (nitro paste, nitrolingual, trinipatch)
Commonly prescribed for panic attacks, this antihistamine can also be used as a sleep aide.
Hydroxyzine (atarax, vistaril)
Occasionally used for constipation, this oral medication reduces ammonia levels in patients with liver failure and usually produces diarrhea.
Lactulose
Falsely marketed as non-addictive beginning in 1996, this medication became the leading drug of abuse in the US in 2004.
Oxycodone (oxycontin, roxycodone)
This antibiotic is applied to the eyes of most newborns to prevent gonococcal conjunctivitis. Used orally it promotes gastric motility and can treat gastroparesis.
Erythromycin
These IV medicines can be given during a heart attack prior to transferring them to a center capable of performing a PCI or heart cath. Beyond just thinning the blood they can break apart clots.
Thrombolytics
Alteplase, tenecteplase
Initially developed as an antidepressant, this medication is more commonly prescribed for insomnia and can cause priapism, or prolonged erections.
Trazodone
Name 5 different therapies for hemorrhoids!
Anesthetics (lidocaine)
Astringents (witch hazel, Tucks pads)
Steroids (proctofoam, preparation H)
Antispasmotics (nitroglycerin)
Topical heat/moisture (Sitz baths)
Laxative/stool softener (fiber, miralax)
Phlebotonics (hydroxyethylrutoside)
Surgery (excision)
This injectable, first synthesized in 1943, prevents action potential propagation by inactivating voltage-gated sodium channels, inducing local anesthesia in minutes.
Lidocaine (xylocaine)
This antibiotic is effective against anaerobic bacteria, is the treatment of choice for bacterial vaginosis, and takes its brand name from the hair-like filament some bacteria use for locomotion.