Whenever a drug is created by pharmaceutical companies, they have a monopoly on the drug for a set period. The idea is to allow them to recoup their research funds, plus make a profit for the creation. The patent on any drug is 20 years, but since drug companies usually apply for the patent before they embark on required clinical trials, generic drugs may be available as soon as seven years after introduction.
Acetaminophen
Tylenol and Excedrin both are brand names for acetaminophen. This drug is common on drug and grocery store shelves, usually with the name of the store or a store-owned company name. It is a pain reliever and can reduce fevers. Under many different names, it is available as tablets, a liquid or suppositories. Side effects can include a yellowing of the skin or eyes. Overdose symptoms include diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain. Serious side effects that require a doctor's attention include a rash, weakness, sharp back pains and blood in the urine.
Loratadine
Claritin is an antihistamine used to combat allergy symptoms. These may include watery eyes and a runny nose. As with many over-the-counter drugs these days, there are two varieties, one with pseudophedrine and one without. The former type generally is kept behind the pharmacist's counter now because of its use in the creation of illegal methylamphetamine in meth labs. The generic form of Claritin, often under store names, is loratadine.
Ranitidine, Famotidine and Cimetidine
Zantac, Pepcid and Tagamet are used to reduce acid production in the stomach to relieve or prevent heartburn. All are available as generic drugs. Zantac is the generic ranitidine. Pepcid is the generic famotidine. Tagamet is the generic cimetidine. They all are histamine blockers. Side effects from cimetidine include headaches, confusion, psychosis, anxiety, depression and hallucinations. Most go away after you stop using the medicine. These side effects only occur in a small percentage of users. Side effects for famotidine include dizziness and diarrhea. Ranitidine may cause insomnia, dizziness and vertigo.
Naproxen Sodium
Aleve is known generically as naproxen sodium. It is a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) designed to help arthritis sufferers and others experiencing pain in the joints, stiffness, inflammation and swelling. Side effects may include headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing, constipation, trouble seeing, nausea and indigestion.
