Popular Brand Name Drugs and Their Generic Versions
The pharmaceutical industry offers a large spectrum of medications similar in content but sold under different names and at different prices. Thus, medication consumers may find it difficult to understand generic and brand name drugs differences.
According to the FDA, the generic drugs must meet strict quality standards and contain the same active ingredient as their brand name counterparts. However, the generic medicines may look different than the brand name drugs due to the fact that the U.S. trademark laws do not allow generics look exactly as branded drugs. Any difference between generic and brand name medicines must not be medically important.
To help medication consumers make informed buying decisions, Top.md provides a comprehensive list of popular brand name drugs and their generic versions.
Popular Brand Name Drugs and Their Generic Versions
Cialis (tadalafil)
Brand name: Cialis (Tadalafil)
Generic name: tadalafil
Drug class: PDE5 inhibitor
Indicated treatment: Erectile dysfunction
CIALIS (tadalafil) is popular FDA approved erectile dysfunction (ED) drug. Cialis (Tadalafil) works by increasing blood flow to the penis. Cialis (Tadalafil) was introduced on the pharmaceutical market in 2003 as the third FDA approved erectile dysfunction medicine. Cialis (Tadalafil) is not an aphrodisiac and does not increase sexual desire. Sexual and mental stimulation is required for Cialis (Tadalafil) to be effective. Cialis (Tadalafil) gained the nick name "The weekend Pill" due to its 36 hour effectiveness.
Levitra (vardenafil)
Brand Name: Levitra (Vardenafil)
Generic name: vardenafil
Drug class: Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor
Indicated treatment: Erectile dysfunction
LEVITRA (vardenafil) is an orally administered medicine prescribed to treat male erectile dysfunction (ED). Levitra (Vardenafil) is not an aphrodisiac, and does not increase sexual desire. Levitra (Vardenafil) helps men achieve erection by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow into the penis during sexual stimulation. Levitra (Vardenafil) effectiveness lasts approximately 5 hours.
Modalert (modafinil)
Brand name: Modalert
Generic name: modafinil
Drug class: Anti Narcoleptic, Nonamphetamine CNS stimulant
Indicated treatment: Narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome
MODALERT (modafinil) is a stimulant drug used to treat narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome, shift work sleep disorder. Modalert is an oral medicine that has a similar effect to caffeine - it improves wakefulness by stimulating the brain. Modalert may be habit-forming and should be taken with extra caution and under doctor's advice.
Propecia (finasteride)
Brand name: Propecia (Finasteride)
Generic name: finasteride
Drug class: Androgen inhibitor
Indicated treatment: Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
PROPECIA (finasteride) is a drug approved by the FDA to treat male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area. Around 80% of men who used Propecia (Finasteride) had scalp hair increase. Propecia (Finasteride) effectiveness is usually seen after 3-months treatment.
Zithromax (azithromycin)
Brand name: Zithromax (Azithromycin)
Generic name: azithromycin
Drug class: Macrolide Antibiotic
Indicated treatment: Skin infections, nasal passages infections, middle ear infections, urinary tract infections, and many other infections caused by bacteria
ZITHROMAX (azithromycin) is a powerful broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Zithromax (Azithromycin) is indicated for treatment of middle ear infections, throat infections, laryngitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, chlamydia, and many other infections caused by bacteria. Azithromycin was first developed in 1980, and is currently one of the world's best-selling macrolide antibiotics.
Celexa (citalopram)
Brand name: Celexa (Citalopram)
Generic name: citalopram
Drug class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Indicated treatment: Depression, major depressive disorder, and other psychiatric disorders
CELEXA (citalopram) is an antidepressant medication approved for treatment of depression in adults. Celexa (Citalopram) is not approved to be taken by children. Citalopram affects neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers within the brain, and works by preventing the uptake of one neurotransmitter, serotonin, by nerve cells after it has been released. It is advised to take Celexa (Citalopram) with full glass of water at same time every day during treatment.
Cipro (Ciprofloxacin)
Brand name: Cipro (Ciprofloxacin)
Generic name: ciprofloxacin
Drug class: Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic
Indicated treatment: Acute uncomplicated cystitis, pyelonephritis, bacterial prostatitis
CIPRO (ciprofloxacin) is a broad-spectrum prescription antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) is used to treat urinary infections, infections of the airways, lungs, skin, bones, and joints that are caused by bacteria. Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) prevents bacteria from multiplying by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA). Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) can cause drug interactions and should be taken under doctor's advice.
Celebrex (celecoxib)
Brand name: Celebrex (Celecoxib)
Generic name: celecoxib
Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
Indicated treatment: Rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, menstrual cramps, and other conditions
CELEBREX (celecoxib) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea). Celebrex (Celecoxib) differs from traditional NSAIDs due to the fact that it causes less inflammation and ulceration of the stomach and intestine, and does not interfere with the clotting of blood.
Lipitor (atorvastatin)
Brand name: Lipitor
Generic name: Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Drug class: Statin drug (HMG CoA reductase inhibitor)
Indicated treatment: Primary hypercholesterolemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, strokes prevention
LIPITOR (atorvastatin) is a medication used to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood. Lipitor belongs to a class of drugs referred to as statins. All statins prevent the production of cholesterol in the liver by blocking the enzyme that makes cholesterol. Unlike other statins, Lipitor can also reduce the concentration of triglycerides in the blood. Lipitor has a variety of contraindications and drug and food interactions. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) should not be administered along with grapefruit juice or antacids.
Neurontin (gabapentin)
Brand name: Neurontin (Gabapentin)
Generic name: gabapentin
Drug class: Anticonvulsants
Indicated treatment: Partial seizures, anxiety, epilepsy, neuropathic pain in adults
NEURONTIN (gabapentin) is an anticonvulsant used to treat partial seizures, anxiety, epilepsy and herpes zoster. Neurontin (Gabapentin) is also used in the treatment of chronic pain disorders. Gabapentin works by stabilising electrical activity in the brain. Neurontin (Gabapentin) stabilizes cell membranes by altering sodium, calcium, and potassium transportation. Do not use Neurontin (Gabapentin) without consulting your doctor. This medicine can cause severe side effects and skin reactions. Neurontin (Gabapentin) should be used with extra caution and under doctor's advice only.
Whatever medication you choose to take, Top.md strongly recommends you follow your doctor's instructions in order to lower the risk of medication side effects and increase the benefits of the treatment.