Medicine Reference Library

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)

Analgesic / antipyretic

Panadol, Tylenol, Calpol

Paracetamol is the world's most widely used pain reliever and fever reducer. It is safe at recommended doses for most people — including pregnant women, children, and the elderly — but overdose is a leading cause of liver failure.

Ibuprofen

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Brufen, Nurofen, Advil

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves pain, reduces fever, and lowers inflammation. It is particularly effective for musculoskeletal pain, period pain, and dental pain, but requires caution in patients with stomach, kidney, or heart issues.

Naproxen

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox

Naproxen is a long-acting NSAID with a longer dosing interval than ibuprofen — twice daily rather than three times daily. It has a slightly more favourable cardiovascular profile among NSAIDs and is particularly useful for conditions requiring sustained anti-inflammatory coverage.

Amoxicillin

Aminopenicillin (beta-lactam antibiotic)

Amoxil, Trimox, Ospamox

Amoxicillin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics worldwide — a broad-spectrum penicillin used for respiratory, ear, urinary, and dental infections. It is safe in pregnancy and widely available as both tablets and syrup.

Azithromycin

Macrolide antibiotic

Zithromax, Azitrocin, Sumamed

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic with a long tissue half-life, allowing short 3–5 day courses. It is widely used for respiratory infections, atypical pneumonia, and sexually transmitted infections, and is an important alternative for penicillin-allergic patients.

Atorvastatin

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)

Lipitor, Atorlip, Storvas

Atorvastatin is the world's best-selling medicine by prescription volume. It lowers LDL cholesterol by up to 50–60% and reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people at risk.

Amlodipine

Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker

Norvasc, Istin, Amlovasc

Amlodipine is one of the most widely prescribed blood pressure medications in the world. A calcium channel blocker taken once daily, it effectively lowers blood pressure, treats angina, and has a very long half-life that makes missed doses less problematic.

Lisinopril

ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor)

Zestril, Prinivil, Carace

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor widely used for high blood pressure, heart failure, and to protect the kidneys in diabetic patients. Its most common side effect — a persistent dry cough — affects up to 20% of patients and is the leading reason for switching to an ARB.

Metformin

Biguanide antihyperglycaemic agent

Glucophage, Fortamet, Riomet

Metformin is the first-line medicine for type 2 diabetes and one of the most studied drugs in medicine. It lowers blood sugar without causing hypoglycaemia and is associated with cardiovascular benefit. Its main drawback is GI intolerance, which can be managed with gradual dose escalation.

Salbutamol (Albuterol)

Short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA)

Ventolin, ProAir, Salamol

Salbutamol is the world's most widely used reliever inhaler for asthma and COPD. It rapidly opens narrowed airways within minutes and is the cornerstone of emergency asthma management.

Sertraline

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Zoloft, Lustral, Serlain

Sertraline is one of the most prescribed antidepressants worldwide and a first-line treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. It typically takes 4–6 weeks to show full effect and should not be stopped abruptly.

Omeprazole

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)

Losec, Prilosec, Omez

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) — the most effective class of drug for reducing stomach acid. It treats GERD (acid reflux), peptic ulcers, and is used to protect the stomach during NSAID therapy.

Vitamin D (Supplement)

Fat-soluble vitamin / hormone precursor

D-Vit, Devit, Vitamine D3

Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies globally, particularly in Gulf countries where sun avoidance is common. Supplementation restores bone health, supports immune function, and corrects documented deficiency.

Vitamin B12 (Supplement)

Water-soluble vitamin

Neurobion, Methycobal, B12 Inject

Vitamin B12 deficiency causes anaemia and irreversible nerve damage. It is common in vegans, elderly individuals, and patients on long-term metformin or PPIs. Supplementation is straightforward — but the route (oral vs injection) depends on the cause.