200 Common Medications
A curated recognizer for medications commonly encountered in British Columbia. This is not an official prescribing-frequency ranking; inclusion reflects common outpatient use and EMS relevance.
200 medications
Acamprosate
Campral
Renal function affects use; usually low acute EMS relevance.
Acetaminophen
Tylenol
Overdose can cause delayed severe liver injury; check combination products.
Acetaminophen/codeine/caffeine
Tylenol No. 3
Contains opioid; sedation/respiratory depression/constipation.
Acetylsalicylic acid
Aspirin · Entrophen
Antiplatelet; increases bleeding risk.
Adalimumab
Humira
Biologic immunosuppression increases infection concern.
Alendronate
Fosamax
History clue for fracture risk; esophageal irritation can occur.
Allopurinol
Zyloprim
Severe rash can indicate a serious hypersensitivity reaction.
Amiodarone
Cordarone
May cause bradycardia, QT effects, thyroid or pulmonary toxicity.
Amitriptyline
Elavil
Overdose can cause anticholinergic toxicity, hypotension, seizure and wide QRS.
Amlodipine
Norvasc
Calcium-channel blocker; may contribute to edema/hypotension.
Amoxicillin
Amoxil
Antibiotic; ask indication, start date, allergy/reaction.
Amoxicillin/clavulanate
Clavulin
Ask indication, start date and allergy; GI adverse effects are common.
Apixaban
Eliquis
Anticoagulant - major relevance to trauma/head strike/bleeding.
Aripiprazole
Abilify
May cause akathisia; consider metabolic and temperature effects.
Atenolol
Tenormin
Can blunt tachycardia and contribute to bradycardia.
Atorvastatin
Lipitor
Statin; history clue for CAD/stroke risk.
Azathioprine
Imuran
Infection and bone-marrow suppression are concerns.
Azithromycin
Zithromax
Can prolong QT and interact with other medications.
Baclofen
Lioresal
Overdose or withdrawal can cause altered LOC, respiratory depression or seizures.
Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide
Biktarvy
Do not infer disclosure needs beyond the clinical context; check interactions.
Bisoprolol
Monocor
Beta blocker; bradycardia/hypotension considerations.
Budesonide/formoterol
Symbicort
ICS/LABA; ask whether used as maintenance and/or reliever plan.
Buprenorphine/naloxone
Suboxone
Signals opioid-dependence treatment; abrupt full-agonist changes can precipitate withdrawal.
Bupropion
Wellbutrin · Zyban
Overdose raises seizure risk and may cause tachycardia.
Calcium carbonate
Tums
Large doses may contribute to constipation or electrolyte disturbance.
Canagliflozin
Invokana
Can be associated with dehydration or euglycemic ketoacidosis.
Candesartan
Atacand
ARB; hypotension/hyperkalemia considerations.
Carbamazepine
Tegretol
Toxicity can cause ataxia, altered LOC, hyponatremia or dysrhythmia.
Carvedilol
Coreg
May cause bradycardia, dizziness or hypotension.
Celecoxib
Celebrex
May increase cardiovascular, renal and GI risk.
Cephalexin
Keflex
Antibiotic; ask indication and allergy history.
Cetirizine
Reactine
May cause some sedation; not a substitute for epinephrine in anaphylaxis.
Chlorthalidone
Hygroton
May contribute to volume depletion or electrolyte abnormalities.
Cholecalciferol
Vitamin D3
Usually low acute EMS relevance; excess can cause hypercalcemia.
Ciprofloxacin
Cipro
May affect QT, tendons, CNS and glucose; ask indication.
Citalopram
Celexa
Dose-related QT prolongation and serotonin toxicity are considerations.
Clarithromycin
Biaxin
Can prolong QT and has important drug interactions.
Clindamycin
Dalacin C
Diarrhea may signal C. difficile infection.
Clobazam
Frisium
Sedation and respiratory depression can increase with other depressants.
Clonazepam
Rivotril
Sedation and respiratory depression increase with opioids or alcohol.
Clopidogrel
Plavix
Antiplatelet - increases bleeding risk.
Clozapine
Clozaril
Fever may indicate neutropenia; myocarditis, seizure and severe constipation are concerns.
Colchicine
Colcrys
Toxicity can cause severe GI symptoms, weakness and organ injury.
Cyanocobalamin
Vitamin B12
History clue for anemia or malabsorption; low acute EMS relevance.
Cyclobenzaprine
Flexeril
Sedating and anticholinergic; can contribute to falls.
Dabigatran
Pradaxa
Anticoagulant; elevate concern after trauma or with bleeding.
Dapagliflozin
Forxiga
Can be associated with dehydration or euglycemic ketoacidosis.
Darbepoetin alfa
Aranesp
History clue for renal disease; hypertension and thrombosis are concerns.
Desmopressin
DDAVP
Excess water retention can contribute to hyponatremia or seizure.
Diazepam
Valium
Long-acting sedative; additive respiratory depression with opioids or alcohol.
Diclofenac
Voltaren
May worsen GI bleeding, renal injury or cardiovascular risk.
Digoxin
Lanoxin
Toxicity may cause nausea, confusion, bradycardia or dysrhythmia.
Diltiazem
Cardizem · Tiazac
Rate-limiting CCB; bradycardia/hypotension possible.
Dimenhydrinate
Gravol
Sedating and anticholinergic; may worsen confusion or falls.
Diphenhydramine
Benadryl
Sedating and anticholinergic; overdose can cause delirium or dysrhythmia.
Domperidone
Motilium
Associated with QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia risk.
Donepezil
Aricept
May contribute to bradycardia, syncope or GI symptoms.
Doxycycline
Vibramycin
Antibiotic; indication varies widely.
Dulaglutide
Trulicity
GI adverse effects may contribute to dehydration.
Duloxetine
Cymbalta
SNRI; may indicate chronic pain/neuropathy.
Dutasteride
Avodart
History clue for urinary obstruction; usually low acute relevance.
Edoxaban
Lixiana
Anticoagulant; elevate concern after trauma or with bleeding.
Empagliflozin
Jardiance
SGLT2 inhibitor - consider euglycemic DKA in an unwell diabetic.
Enalapril
Vasotec
Consider hypotension, renal dysfunction and hyperkalemia.
Epinephrine auto-injector
EpiPen · Allerject
Presence signals severe allergy history; note time of self-administration.
Escitalopram
Cipralex
SSRI; psychiatric history clue.
Esomeprazole
Nexium
History clue for reflux or ulcer disease; low acute EMS relevance.
Ezetimibe
Ezetrol
History clue for dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk.
Famotidine
Pepcid
Usually low acute EMS relevance; renal dose adjustment may apply.
Fenofibrate
Lipidil EZ
History clue for lipid disorder; myopathy risk rises with statins.
Fentanyl transdermal
Duragesic
Potent opioid; patch exposure can cause prolonged respiratory depression.
Ferrous fumarate
Palafer
Can darken stools and cause constipation; overdose is dangerous in children.
Finasteride
Proscar
History clue for urinary obstruction; usually low acute relevance.
Flecainide
Tambocor
Overdose or toxicity may cause wide-complex dysrhythmia.
Fluconazole
Diflucan
Can interact with many medications and prolong QT.
Fluoxetine
Prozac
SSRI; long half-life and serotonergic interactions.
Fluticasone nasal
Flonase
Low acute EMS relevance; helps identify allergic history.
Fluticasone/salmeterol
Advair
Maintenance inhaler, not a sole rescue treatment; LABA may cause tremor/tachycardia.
Fluticasone/vilanterol
Breo Ellipta
Maintenance inhaler; ask about rescue-inhaler use and adherence.
Furosemide
Lasix
Strong CHF/volume-management clue; dehydration/electrolyte issues possible.
Gabapentin
Neurontin
Sedation/falls; CNS depression can increase with opioids.
Gliclazide MR
Diamicron MR
Sulfonylurea - prolonged/recurrent hypoglycemia possible.
Glucagon
Baqsimi · GlucaGen
Presence suggests history of severe hypoglycemia; nausea/vomiting may follow.
Glyburide
Diabeta
Can cause prolonged hypoglycemia, especially in older adults or renal dysfunction.
Hydrochlorothiazide
HydroDIURIL · generic
Diuretic; dehydration/electrolyte disturbance possible.
Hydrocortisone
Cortef
Chronic steroid use and missed doses may be relevant in shock or illness.
Hydromorphone
Dilaudid
Potent opioid - respiratory/CNS depression; tolerance may vary.
Hydroxychloroquine
Plaquenil
Overdose can cause rapid cardiovascular collapse; QT effects possible.
Ibuprofen
Advil · Motrin
May worsen GI bleeding, renal injury or asthma in susceptible patients.
Indapamide
Lozide
May contribute to volume depletion or electrolyte abnormalities.
Infliximab
Remicade
Biologic immunosuppression and infusion reactions are relevant.
Insulin aspart
NovoRapid
Hypoglycemia risk; clarify timing and carbohydrate intake.
Insulin degludec
Tresiba
Insulin use raises concern for hypoglycemia.
Insulin detemir
Levemir
Insulin use raises concern for hypoglycemia; confirm dose and last intake.
Insulin glargine
Lantus · Basaglar
Hypoglycemia risk; clarify last dose/food intake.
Insulin lispro
Humalog
Rapid insulin can cause hypoglycemia, especially without food.
Ipratropium
Atrovent
May be used with salbutamol; anticholinergic effects possible.
Irbesartan
Avapro
May contribute to hypotension or hyperkalemia.
Isosorbide mononitrate
Imdur
Medication clue for coronary disease; may contribute to hypotension.
Lactulose
Cephulac
Use may indicate liver disease; diarrhea can affect volume status.
Lamotrigine
Lamictal
New rash can signal a serious cutaneous reaction.
Levetiracetam
Keppra
Antiseizure medication; ask about missed doses.
Levodopa/carbidopa
Sinemet
Missed doses can markedly worsen rigidity and mobility; may cause orthostasis.
Levofloxacin
Levaquin
May affect QT, tendons, CNS and glucose.
Levonorgestrel
Plan B
Time-sensitive contraceptive medication.
Levothyroxine
Synthroid · Eltroxin
Thyroid replacement; dose highly individualized.
Linagliptin
Trajenta
Usually low hypoglycemia risk alone.
Liraglutide
Victoza · Saxenda
Nausea and reduced intake can contribute to dehydration.
Lisdexamfetamine
Vyvanse
May increase heart rate, blood pressure and agitation.
Lisinopril
Zestril
May contribute to hypotension, hyperkalemia or angioedema.
Lithium carbonate
Carbolith
Dehydration and interactions can cause toxicity with tremor, ataxia or confusion.
Loperamide
Imodium
High-dose misuse can cause serious dysrhythmia.
Loratadine
Claritin
Usually minimally sedating; not a substitute for epinephrine in anaphylaxis.
Lorazepam
Ativan
Benzodiazepine - sedation/falls/respiratory depression with opioids/alcohol.
Losartan
Cozaar
ARB; hypotension/hyperkalemia considerations.
Lurasidone
Latuda
May cause akathisia, sedation or orthostasis.
Mesalamine
Mezavant
History clue for inflammatory bowel disease.
Metformin
Glucophage
Diabetes clue; dose often adjusted for renal function.
Methadone
Metadol · Methadose
Long, variable half-life; respiratory depression and QT prolongation are concerns.
Methimazole
Tapazole
Fever or sore throat may signal rare agranulocytosis.
Methotrexate
Trexall
Weekly dosing errors can be dangerous; infection, marrow and liver toxicity are concerns.
Methylphenidate
Ritalin · Concerta
May increase heart rate and blood pressure; overdose can cause agitation or dysrhythmia.
Metoclopramide
Maxeran
Can cause dystonia, akathisia or other extrapyramidal symptoms.
Metoprolol
Lopresor
Beta blocker; may cause bradycardia and blunt tachycardia.
Metronidazole
Flagyl
GI effects and interactions are common; ask indication.
Mirabegron
Myrbetriq
May increase blood pressure or heart rate.
Mirtazapine
Remeron
Sedating; orthostasis possible.
Montelukast
Singulair
Maintenance medication; neuropsychiatric adverse effects are possible.
Morphine
MS Contin · Statex
Can cause respiratory depression, sedation and hypotension.
Mycophenolate mofetil
CellCept
Infection and bone-marrow suppression are concerns.
Naloxone
Narcan
Effect may wear off before the opioid; recurrent respiratory depression is possible.
Naltrexone
ReVia
Blocks opioid effects and may precipitate withdrawal if opioids are present.
Naproxen
Aleve · Naprosyn
May worsen GI bleeding, renal injury or fluid retention.
Nebivolol
Bystolic
May contribute to bradycardia or hypotension.
Nicotine replacement
Nicoderm · Nicorette
Excess nicotine can cause nausea, diaphoresis, tachycardia or hypertension.
Nifedipine XL
Adalat XL
May contribute to hypotension, flushing or edema.
Nitrofurantoin
Macrobid
Use suggests UTI; not suitable for systemic infection or some renal impairment.
Nitroglycerin
Nitro-Dur · Nitrolingual
May cause hypotension; ask about PDE-5 inhibitor use.
Nortriptyline
Pamelor
Overdose can cause anticholinergic toxicity and dysrhythmia.
Olanzapine
Zyprexa
Sedation/metabolic effects; psychiatric history clue.
Omeprazole
Losec
History clue for reflux or ulcer disease; low acute EMS relevance.
Ondansetron
Zofran
Can prolong QT; consider dehydration and underlying cause.
Oseltamivir
Tamiflu
Use suggests recent influenza; nausea is common.
Oxybutynin
Ditropan
Can cause urinary retention, dry mouth, delirium or heat intolerance.
Oxycodone
OxyIR · OxyNEO
Opioid - respiratory/CNS depression, constipation, falls.
Pancrelipase
Creon
History clue for pancreatic disease or cystic fibrosis.
Pantoprazole
Pantoloc
PPI; may signal ulcer/GI-bleed history.
Paroxetine
Paxil
Discontinuation symptoms and serotonin toxicity are considerations.
Perindopril
Coversyl
ACE-inhibitor history may explain cough, hypotension or angioedema.
Phenytoin
Dilantin
Toxicity may cause nystagmus, ataxia, altered LOC or dysrhythmia.
Pioglitazone
Actos
Can cause edema and worsen heart failure.
Polyethylene glycol 3350
RestoraLAX
Low acute EMS relevance; overuse can contribute to diarrhea/dehydration.
Pramipexole
Mirapex
Can cause somnolence, hallucinations or orthostatic hypotension.
Prasugrel
Effient
Raises bleeding risk after trauma or procedures.
Pravastatin
Pravachol
History clue for dyslipidemia or vascular disease.
Prednisone
Generic
Hyperglycemia; infection risk; chronic use may suppress adrenal function.
Pregabalin
Lyrica
Sedation and dizziness can contribute to falls; additive with opioids.
Propranolol
Inderal
Can blunt tachycardia and contribute to bradycardia or bronchospasm.
Quetiapine
Seroquel
Sedation, orthostasis; psychiatric history clue.
Rabeprazole
Pariet
PPI; may signal GI history.
Ramipril
Altace
ACE inhibitor; consider hypotension, hyperkalemia, angioedema.
Repaglinide
GlucoNorm
Can cause hypoglycemia; timing relates to meals.
Risperidone
Risperdal
May cause orthostasis, sedation or extrapyramidal symptoms.
Rivaroxaban
Xarelto
Anticoagulant - dosing differs by indication/renal function.
Rivastigmine
Exelon
May contribute to bradycardia, syncope or vomiting.
Rosuvastatin
Crestor
Statin; history clue for dyslipidemia/CAD.
Sacubitril/valsartan
Entresto
May cause hypotension or hyperkalemia; do not combine closely with an ACE inhibitor.
Salbutamol
Ventolin
Short-acting beta agonist; tachycardia/tremor possible.
Semaglutide
Ozempic
GLP-1 agonist; nausea/vomiting/dehydration can occur.
Senna
Senokot
May cause cramping or diarrhea; often used with opioids.
Sertraline
Zoloft
SSRI; psychiatric history clue; serotonergic interactions.
Sildenafil
Viagra · Revatio
Important nitrate interaction can cause severe hypotension.
Sitagliptin
Januvia
Usually low hypoglycemia risk alone; renal dosing may apply.
Solifenacin
Vesicare
Anticholinergic effects may worsen retention or confusion.
Sotalol
Sotacor
Can cause bradycardia and QT prolongation.
Spironolactone
Aldactone
Potassium-sparing diuretic; hyperkalemia risk.
Sulfasalazine
Salazopyrin
May cause hypersensitivity or blood dyscrasias.
Sumatriptan
Imitrex
Can cause chest pressure; assess atypical or high-risk chest symptoms carefully.
Tacrolimus
Prograf
Narrow therapeutic index; toxicity may affect kidneys, neurologic status or electrolytes.
Tamsulosin
Flomax
Alpha blocker; can contribute to orthostatic hypotension/falls.
Telmisartan
Micardis
May contribute to hypotension or hyperkalemia.
Tenofovir disoproxil/emtricitabine
Truvada
Do not infer diagnosis from the medication; renal monitoring is relevant.
Ticagrelor
Brilinta
Raises bleeding risk; dyspnea can be an adverse effect.
Tiotropium
Spiriva
Long-acting anticholinergic; maintenance, not rescue.
Tirzepatide
Mounjaro
GI adverse effects and reduced intake may contribute to dehydration.
Topiramate
Topamax
Can cause cognitive slowing, metabolic acidosis or kidney stones.
Torsemide
Demadex
Diuretic history supports heart-failure context; consider dehydration/electrolytes.
Tramadol
Ultram
Can cause sedation, seizures and serotonin toxicity.
Tranexamic acid
Cyklokapron
Use indicates bleeding history; thrombosis risk context matters.
Trazodone
Desyrel
Sedation/orthostasis; fall risk.
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
Septra · Bactrim
Can cause hyperkalemia, allergy or interaction with warfarin.
Umeclidinium
Incruse Ellipta
Anticholinergic adverse effects can include dry mouth or urinary retention.
Valacyclovir
Valtrex
Renal dosing and hydration matter; neurotoxicity can occur in accumulation.
Valproic acid
Epival
Toxicity may cause CNS depression, hyperammonemia or liver injury.
Valsartan
Diovan
Medication history clue for hypertension or heart failure.
Venlafaxine XR
Effexor XR
SNRI; withdrawal if abruptly stopped; BP can increase.
Verapamil
Isoptin SR
May cause bradycardia, heart block or hypotension.
Vortioxetine
Trintellix
Nausea and serotonin toxicity are possible.
Warfarin
Coumadin
Anticoagulant with major bleeding and interaction risk; ask last INR.
Zopiclone
Imovane
Sedative-hypnotic; falls/confusion, especially in older adults.