About This Quiz
If you've ever wondered whether or not the generic is as good as or the same as the name brand, good news; it is. The FDA requires that all generic drugs be what's called "chemically identical" to the matching brand name. And making the switch from brand to generic can have big savings -- as much as 73% for over-the-counter drugs, according to Consumer Reports. See if you can make the right matches.Can't find Pepto? Bismuth subsalicylate's got you covered -- it's the same thing.
The brands Advil, Midol and Motrin are the same as the generic pain reliever, ibuprofen.
Claritin was the prescription your doctor gave you for an antihistamine before the drug -- loratadine -- began being sold over the counter. Alavert and Dimetapp ND are also loratadine.
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Tylenol and acetaminophen are pain relievers and fever reducers -- and they're the same thing.
Metformin, a commonly-prescribed anti-diabetic medication, has several brand names, including these three.
The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen, which is brand name Aleve, can help reduce pain, stiffness and swelling associated with arthritis and gout, as well as general aches and pains such as headaches and menstrual cramps.
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There's a selection of over-the-counter indigestion medications, including Mi-Acid Double Strength, Mylanta Ultra and Rolaids, that contain a combination of calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide.
Bengay, Deep Heat and IcyHot all contain methyl salicylate and menthol, but Vicks VapoSteam's active ingredient is camphor.
Omeprazole is the generic form of the popular proton pump inhibitor Prilosec. Omeprazole reduces the amount of acid in your stomach and is commonly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
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Bisacodyl USP is the same active ingredient as the brand name laxative Dulcolax.
Tylenol PM is a combination of the pain reliever acetaminophen and the sleep-inducing diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine.
Valium is an often-prescribed benzodiazepine that can ease the symptoms of short-term anxiety caused by anxiety disorders.
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Oxymetazoline is a topical decongestant sold under the brand name Afrin. This nasal congestion spray started out as a prescription medication back in 1966 before it became over-the-counter.
Robitussin, Mucinex and Guaifenex, among others, are expectorants, but Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral used to treat influenza.
Ranitidine is what's known as a histamine-2 blocker. When it comes to its antacid abilities, it's known as the heartburn-reliever Zantac. Pepcid, generic famotidine, is usually used to treat or prevent stomach ulcers, as well as heartburn. And Tagamet, generic cimetidine, can help stop or slow down stomach acid production.
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Dimenhydrinate is the generic form of the antiemetic Dramamine, taken for treating or preventing the dizziness, nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
Lorazepam, a type of benzodiazepine, is used to treat anxiety disorders, seizure disorders, among other conditions. It's the generic name for the anti-anxiety medication Ativan.
Coumadin is primarily used to treat and prevent blood clots. Many drugs -- and even some foods -- can interact with this blood thinner, so it's important to know it by all its names to avoid interaction. It's generic name? Warfarin.
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Fluoxetine is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), known as the commonly-prescribed brand name Prozac.
The Lidoderm transdermal patch delivers the same analgesic as the generic lidocaine transdermal patch 5 percent.
Phenol is often used in antiseptics and in disinfectants -- and its smell might remind you of a hospital. Additionally, it's used as a throat-numbing spray, as the generic form of Chloraseptic.
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It turns out that the suspension of magnesium hydroxide in water is a milky white color, which is where the name "milk of magnesia" comes from.
Benzocaine is the same as the brand names Anbesol, Blistex and Orajel, as well as an ingredient in other topical analgesics, like CÄ“pacol.
Tretinoin is also known as the brand names Retin-A, Renova and Refissa, among others. It's a vitamin A derivative that's used to reduce fine lines and pigmentation on aging faces. Metrocream, or metronidazole, is a topical antibiotic that's often used to treat rosacea.
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Diphenhydramine may best be known as the antihistamine, Benadryl, used to treat allergic reactions including seasonal allergies and hives.
TheraFlu Cold is a combination of three generic drugs: acetaminophen, pheniramine and phenylephrine. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant found in Robitussin.
Topical hydrocortisone creams are sold under the brand names Caldecort, Cortaid and Cortizone, among many others.
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If your cholesterol-lowering prescription is refilled with rosuvastatin, you're taking the same active ingredient as the brand name Crestor.
Psyllium is known as the bulk-forming laxative Metamucil. It works by absorbing liquids in your intestines, which bulks up your stool.
Zyban is actually a repackaging of the antidepressant Wellbutrin, also known by the generic name bupropion. Varenicline, the other medication approved to help you quit smoking, is known as Chantix.
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Docosanol is the common over-the-counter cold sore treatment Abreva, used to shorten healing time.
Alendronate, also known as the brand name Fosamax, is a class of medication used to treat thinning bones and to prevent bone loss caused by osteoporosis.
Terbinafine is also known as the over-the-counter antifungal medication, Lamisil. It's commonly used to treat athlete's foot, "jock itch" and ringworm.
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Sumatriptan, commonly known by its brand name Imitrex, relieves migraine pain as well as other associated symptoms, such as nausea and light sensitivity.
Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of T4, a hormone that's produced by your thyroid gland, and if you have a sluggish thyroid you may know it as the brand name Synthroid.