Top 200 drugs quiz

20 questions on commonly prescribed drugs: brand and generic names, drug classes, what they treat and the side effects to know.

Brand and generic names, indications and side effects fall under Medications, the largest section of the PTCB exam at 35% under PTCB’s PTCE Content Outline (in effect since January 6, 2026).

Pick an answer to check it. The answer and explanation are under each question.

1. Question 1

   What is the generic name for Lipitor?

   1. Arosuvastatin
   2. Batorvastatin
   3. Cpravastatin
   4. Dsimvastatin
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: B. atorvastatin

   Atorvastatin. It is a statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) used to lower cholesterol.

   From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

2. Question 2

   What is the brand name for metformin?

   1. AVictoza
   2. BInvokana
   3. CGlucophage
   4. DJanuvia
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: C. Glucophage

   Glucophage. It is a biguanide used as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes.

   From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

3. Question 3

   What is the generic name for Synthroid?

   1. Aliothyronine
   2. Bpropylthiouracil
   3. Clevothyroxine
   4. Dmethimazole
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: C. levothyroxine

   Levothyroxine. It is a thyroid hormone replacement used to treat hypothyroidism.

   From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

4. Question 4

   What is the brand name for amlodipine?

   1. ACardizem
   2. BNorvasc
   3. CCozaar
   4. DProcardia
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: B. Norvasc

   Norvasc. It is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina.

   From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

5. Question 5

   What is the generic name for Zithromax?

   1. Aerythromycin
   2. Bclindamycin
   3. Cazithromycin
   4. Dclarithromycin
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: C. azithromycin

   Azithromycin. It is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia and sinusitis.

   From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

6. Question 6

   What is the brand name for omeprazole?

   1. APepcid
   2. BZantac
   3. CPrilosec
   4. DNexium
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: C. Prilosec

   Prilosec. It is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat GERD and peptic ulcer disease.

   From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

7. Question 7

   What is the generic name for Plavix?

   1. Aticagrelor
   2. Bclopidogrel
   3. Cdipyridamole
   4. Dprasugrel
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: B. clopidogrel

   Clopidogrel. It is an antiplatelet agent used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

   From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

8. Question 8

   What is the brand name for sertraline?

   1. ALexapro
   2. BPaxil
   3. CProzac
   4. DZoloft
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: D. Zoloft

   Zoloft. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.

   From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

9. Question 9

   What is the generic name for Neurontin?

   1. Alamotrigine
   2. Btopiramate
   3. Cpregabalin
   4. Dgabapentin
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: D. gabapentin

   Gabapentin. It is an anticonvulsant also used to treat neuropathic pain and postherpetic neuralgia.

   From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

10. Question 10

    What is the brand name for lisinopril?

    1. AAltace or Vasotec
    2. BPrinivil or Zestril
    3. CCapoten or Monopril
    4. DLotensin or Accupril
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: B. Prinivil or Zestril

    Prinivil or Zestril. It is an ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension and heart failure.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

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12. Question 11

    Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL) belongs to which drug class?

    1. ADihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
    2. BAngiotensin II receptor blocker
    3. CBeta-1 selective adrenergic blocker
    4. DAlpha-1 selective adrenergic blocker
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: C. Beta-1 selective adrenergic blocker

    Beta-1 selective adrenergic blocker (beta-blocker). It is used to treat hypertension, angina, and heart failure.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

13. Question 12

    What drug class does furosemide (Lasix) belong to?

    1. APotassium-sparing diuretic
    2. BOsmotic diuretic
    3. CLoop diuretic
    4. DThiazide diuretic
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: C. Loop diuretic

    Loop diuretic. It inhibits the Na-K-2Cl transporter in the loop of Henle to increase urine output.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

14. Question 13

    Warfarin (Coumadin) works by inhibiting which vitamin?

    1. AVitamin C
    2. BVitamin K
    3. CVitamin B12
    4. DVitamin D
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: B. Vitamin K

    Vitamin K. Warfarin blocks vitamin K epoxide reductase, preventing the activation of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

15. Question 14

    What drug class does losartan (Cozaar) belong to?

    1. AAngiotensin II receptor blocker
    2. BAngiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
    3. CDihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
    4. DBeta-1 selective adrenergic blocker
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: A. Angiotensin II receptor blocker

    Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It blocks the AT1 receptor to lower blood pressure without causing the cough associated with ACE inhibitors.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

16. Question 15

    What condition is tamsulosin (Flomax) used to treat?

    1. AHypertensive urgency
    2. BOveractive bladder syndrome
    3. CErectile dysfunction
    4. DBenign prostatic hyperplasia
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: D. Benign prostatic hyperplasia

    Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is an alpha-1 blocker that relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

17. Question 16

    What is the primary use of ondansetron (Zofran)?

    1. APrevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting
    2. BPrevention and treatment of peptic ulcer disease
    3. CPrevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis
    4. DPrevention and treatment of opioid constipation
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: A. Prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting

    Prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting. It is a 5-HT3 serotonin receptor antagonist commonly used for chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

18. Question 17

    What is the most serious adverse effect associated with statins (e.g., atorvastatin) that patients should report immediately?

    1. ASevere immune system suppression
    2. BSerious peptic ulcer bleeding
    3. CMyopathy or rhabdomyolysis
    4. DAcute kidney stone formation
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: C. Myopathy or rhabdomyolysis

    Myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Patients should immediately report unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or dark (cola-colored) urine.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

19. Question 18

    What is the most common side effect of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril that often leads to discontinuation?

    1. APhotosensitivity rash
    2. BSevere leg edema
    3. CSudden severe headache
    4. DPersistent dry cough
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: D. Persistent dry cough

    A persistent dry cough. It is caused by the accumulation of bradykinin and affects up to 20% of patients, often requiring a switch to an ARB.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

20. Question 19

    Why should levothyroxine (Synthroid) be taken on an empty stomach in the morning?

    1. ATo avoid food-related changes in distribution
    2. BTo avoid food-related increases in clearance
    3. CTo avoid food-related increases in metabolism
    4. DTo avoid food-related loss of absorption
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: D. To avoid food-related loss of absorption

    Food, coffee, and several medications (e.g., calcium, iron, antacids) significantly reduce its absorption. Taking it 30–60 minutes before breakfast ensures consistent absorption.

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

21. Question 20

    Patients taking metformin (Glucophage) should be monitored for which rare but serious adverse effect?

    1. ARisk of severe hearing loss
    2. BRisk of acute glaucoma
    3. CRisk of lactic acidosis
    4. DRisk of tendon rupture
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: C. Risk of lactic acidosis

    Lactic acidosis. Risk increases with renal impairment, which is why metformin is contraindicated in patients with significantly reduced kidney function (eGFR <30 mL/min).

    From the Top 200 Drugs flashcards.

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