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.
You're at the store to buy Pepto-Bismol to help an upset stomach, but they're sold out of the brand name. What should you buy instead?
Can't find Pepto? Bismuth subsalicylate's got you covered -- it's the same thing.
Which of these is a brand name for the popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen?
The brands Advil, Midol and Motrin are the same as the generic pain reliever, ibuprofen.
The antihistamine loratadine can be, as are a lot of generics, cheaper than brand names. Which brand name allergy med is the same thing?
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.
You ask for two Tylenol but you've given two acetaminophen. Did you get the wrong medication?
Tylenol and acetaminophen are pain relievers and fever reducers -- and they're the same thing.
Which brand name is also the common anti-diabetic medication metformin?
Metformin, a commonly-prescribed anti-diabetic medication, has several brand names, including these three.
Which is the brand name for the pain reliever, naproxen?
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.
Tums is calcium carbonate. And milk of magnesia is magnesium hydroxide. What heartburn and indigestion med is a combination of the two?
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.
Which analgesic musle rub does not contain a combination of methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil) and menthol?
Bengay, Deep Heat and IcyHot all contain methyl salicylate and menthol, but Vicks VapoSteam's active ingredient is camphor.
If you're taking Prilosec for your chronic acid reflux and run out, which generic's got you covered?
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).
The generic laxative bisacodyl is the same as which brand name?
Bisacodyl USP is the same active ingredient as the brand name laxative Dulcolax.
Tylenol PM is part Tylenol, which is acetaminophen, and part what?
Tylenol PM is a combination of the pain reliever acetaminophen and the sleep-inducing diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine.
Valium is often prescribed to treat anxiety. What's its generic name?
Valium is an often-prescribed benzodiazepine that can ease the symptoms of short-term anxiety caused by anxiety disorders.
Oxymetazoline can help relieve nasal congestion from upper respiratory infections, like the common cold. What brand name is it known by?
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.
Which is not a brand name for the expectorant guaifenesin?
Robitussin, Mucinex and Guaifenex, among others, are expectorants, but Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral used to treat influenza.
Ranitidine is both an antacid (surprise!) and an antihistamine. What brand name antacid is it sold as?
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.
Dimenhydrinate is the generic form of which motion sickness medicine?
Dimenhydrinate is the generic form of the antiemetic Dramamine, taken for treating or preventing the dizziness, nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders. What brand name is it known by?
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.
The blood thinner, Coumadin, is often called by its generic name, which is what?
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.
Fluoxetine is a well-known, well-used antidepressant known by which brand name?
Fluoxetine is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), known as the commonly-prescribed brand name Prozac.
The over-the-counter adhesive patch Lidoderm is a commonly-used local painkiller that's also available under which generic name?
The Lidoderm transdermal patch delivers the same analgesic as the generic lidocaine transdermal patch 5 percent.
Chloraseptic spray is used to get relief from sore throat and mouth pain, and it works by numbing the area. What's its generic equivalent?
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.
The laxative milk of magnesia can usually be counted on for overnight relief from constipation. Which is its generic name?
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's often found in topical pain relievers, especially for mouth pain, like canker sores. What's its brand name?
Benzocaine is the same as the brand names Anbesol, Blistex and Orajel, as well as an ingredient in other topical analgesics, like Cēpacol.
Which is not a brand name for the topical skin cream tretinoin in the U.S.?
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.
Benadryl can treat itching, sneezing, rashes, hives and other symptoms of an allergic reaction. If you can't find it, what generic is the same?
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 generics. Which is not one of them?
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 used to treat itching, redness and other symptoms of various skin problems. It's sold under which brand name?
Topical hydrocortisone creams are sold under the brand names Caldecort, Cortaid and Cortizone, among many others.
If your doctor prescribes you the cholesterol-lowering medicine Crestor, but your pharmacy fills it with the generic, what pills will the pharmacist give you?
If your cholesterol-lowering prescription is refilled with rosuvastatin, you're taking the same active ingredient as the brand name Crestor.
Psyllium is a soluble fiber that's made from the husk of psyllium plant seeds. It's known as which laxative brand?
Psyllium is known as the bulk-forming laxative Metamucil. It works by absorbing liquids in your intestines, which bulks up your stool.
Zyban is often prescribed to help people stop smoking. What's the generic form of this drug?
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.
What is the brand name of the over-the-counter cold sore treatment docosanol?
Docosanol is the common over-the-counter cold sore treatment Abreva, used to shorten healing time.
Alendronate is used to treat bone loss. What's its brand name?
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.
What is the brand name of the generic antifungal medicine terbinafine?
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.
What's the brand name for the migraine treatment sumatriptan?
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 the generic equivalent of what common thyroid medication?
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.
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