What are common medications and their side effects across various therapeutic classes?

Creating an Effective Medication List with Short Explanations

Short, concise medication information leads to better retention and attention from patients compared to lengthy explanations. Based on the available guidelines, creating medication lists with brief, focused explanations of common medications and their side effects is more effective for patient education and adherence 1.

Organizing Medications by Therapeutic Class

Cardiovascular Medications

Statins

• Atorvastatin (Lipitor): Reduces cholesterol production. Side effects: muscle pain, liver enzyme elevation 2.
• Rosuvastatin (Crestor): Potent cholesterol reducer. Side effects: muscle pain, increased blood sugar.
• Simvastatin (Zocor): Cholesterol reducer taken at night. Side effects: muscle pain, liver effects, drug interactions.

Antihypertensives

• ACE Inhibitors (Lisinopril, Ramipril): Lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Side effects: dry cough, dizziness, increased potassium 1.
• ARBs (Losartan, Valsartan): Similar to ACE inhibitors without cough side effect. Side effects: dizziness, increased potassium.
• Calcium Channel Blockers (Amlodipine): Relax blood vessels. Side effects: ankle swelling, headache, constipation 1.
• Beta-Blockers (Metoprolol): Slow heart rate, reduce blood pressure. Side effects: fatigue, cold extremities, sexual dysfunction 1.
• Diuretics (Hydrochlorothiazide): Remove excess fluid. Side effects: increased urination, electrolyte imbalances, gout.

Diabetes Medications

First-line

• Metformin: Reduces glucose production, improves insulin sensitivity. Side effects: GI upset, vitamin B12 deficiency 3.

Second-line

• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (Semaglutide, Liraglutide): Increase insulin, reduce appetite. Side effects: nausea, vomiting (usually temporary) 3, 1.
• SGLT2 Inhibitors (Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin): Increase glucose excretion in urine. Side effects: genital infections, urinary tract infections 3.
• DPP-4 Inhibitors (Sitagliptin): Increase insulin production. Side effects: joint pain, possible heart failure risk with some agents 3.
• Sulfonylureas (Glipizide, Glyburide): Stimulate insulin release. Side effects: hypoglycemia, weight gain 3.

Psychiatric Medications

Antidepressants

• SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Paroxetine): Increase serotonin. Side effects: sexual dysfunction, GI upset, insomnia 3.
• SNRIs (Duloxetine, Venlafaxine): Increase serotonin and norepinephrine. Side effects: increased blood pressure, nausea, sweating.
• Bupropion: Increases dopamine and norepinephrine. Side effects: insomnia, dry mouth, seizure risk at high doses 3.
• Mirtazapine: Increases serotonin and norepinephrine. Side effects: sedation, increased appetite, weight gain 3.

Anxiolytics

• Benzodiazepines (Alprazolam, Lorazepam): Enhance GABA effects. Side effects: sedation, dependence, memory impairment.
• Buspirone: Non-sedating anxiety reducer. Side effects: dizziness, headache, nausea.

Pain Medications

Non-opioid

• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen): Reduce inflammation and pain. Side effects: stomach irritation, kidney effects, increased cardiovascular risk.
• Acetaminophen: Pain and fever reducer. Side effects: liver damage at high doses.
• Gabapentin/Pregabalin: For neuropathic pain. Side effects: dizziness, sedation, swelling 1.

Opioids

• Tramadol: Mild opioid with additional mechanisms. Side effects: nausea, constipation, dizziness.
• Hydrocodone/Oxycodone: Strong pain relievers. Side effects: constipation, sedation, respiratory depression, addiction potential 3.

Gastrointestinal Medications

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (Omeprazole, Pantoprazole): Reduce stomach acid. Side effects: vitamin deficiencies with long-term use, kidney injury risk.
• H2 Blockers (Famotidine): Reduce stomach acid. Side effects: headache, constipation.
• Laxatives (Polyethylene glycol, Docusate): Relieve constipation. Side effects: cramping, electrolyte imbalances with overuse.

Weight Management Medications

• GLP-1 RAs (Semaglutide, Liraglutide): Reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying. Side effects: nausea, vomiting (usually temporary) 3.
• Phentermine/Topiramate: Reduces appetite. Side effects: increased heart rate, mood changes, cognitive effects 3.
• Naltrexone/Bupropion: Reduces cravings. Side effects: nausea, headache, insomnia 3.

Best Practices for Medication Lists

1. Use Simple Language: Avoid medical jargon when explaining mechanisms and side effects.
2. Prioritize Common Side Effects: List the most frequent side effects first, not the most severe.
3. Include Action Instructions: Add brief notes on when to take (with food, at bedtime) and what to do if a dose is missed.
4. Highlight Warning Signs: Include a separate section for symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
5. Use Visual Cues: Consider color-coding by therapeutic class or time of day.

Implementation Tips

• Keep Explanations Brief: Aim for 1-2 sentences per medication 1.
• Use Bullet Points: Makes information easier to scan and remember.
• Include Purpose: Clearly state what each medication treats.
• Update Regularly: Review and update the list at least annually as guidelines change.

By creating medication lists with concise, focused information organized by therapeutic class, healthcare providers can improve patient understanding and medication adherence while reducing the cognitive burden of processing complex medical information.