List of Brand Names & Generic Names for Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are used to treat symptoms of illness or disease. They are distributed with brand names and generic names. Both forms of drugs are tested for efficacy by the Federal Drug Administration. The big difference is that generic drugs are less expensive.

Obesity

Obesity is a condition characterized by having an excessive amount of fat on your body. The generic drug orlistat is used to treat obesity. Two brand names of this drug are Xenical and Alli. Xenical is the lower dose of the two. This drug prevents your body from absorbing fat.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced naturally in your liver. When it becomes elevated, plaque can form in your arteries and compromise your blood flow. This can increase your risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack. Statins are drugs that are often prescribed to help lower cholesterol. Examples of brand names and their generic forms are Lescol/fluvastatin sodium, Crestor/rosuvastatin calcium, Zocor/simvastatin and Lipitor/atorvastatin calcium.

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is known medically as hypertension. This is indicated by having a blood pressure that is 140/90 or higher. Diuretics are often the first lines of defense that doctors prescribe to treat hypertension. Examples of the brand names and generic names are Lasix/furosemide, Hygroton/chlorthalidone, Mykrox/metolazone and Lozol/indapamide.

Diabetes

When you eat carbohydrates, they get converted to glucose which is immediately used for energy or stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. Insulin is a hormone released from the pancreas to stabilize blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a disease where the pancreas releases insufficient insulin or it does not release it at all. The brand name drug Glucophage is prescribed for diabetes. The generic name of this is metformin.

Nervous System

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition where you have a hard time concentrating and you can become restless. Narcolepsy is a condition where you fall asleep really easy at inopportune times and locations. The brand name drug Adderall is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Its generic equivalent is dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.

Transplants

The immune systems of people who receive organ transplants have a tendency to reject the organ. Immunosuppressive agents are often prescribed to help prevent this from happening. The generic name drug cyclosporine is one of these. Two brand name equivalents are Sandimmune and Neoral.

Depression

Everyone suffers from mild depression some time in their lives. But when it gets severe and daily functioning becomes difficult, antidepressants might need to be taken. The brand name drug Wellbutrin is one of these. Its generic name is bupropion.