Important Note
Medications themselves are rarely the deciding factor in life insurance underwriting. The underlying condition being treated is what matters most. A person on one medication for well-controlled condition may approve while another on multiple medications for poorly controlled conditions may face challenges. Always disclose all medications taken during the application process.
Cardiovascular Medications
Statins (Cholesterol-Lowering)
Examples: Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Simvastatin, Pravastatin, Lovastatin, Ezetimibe (Zetia). HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are used to reduce cholesterol levels and lower cardiovascular risk.
ACE Inhibitors
Examples: Lisinopril, Enalapril, Benazepril
Lower blood pressure and reduce heart strain by blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Examples: Losartan (Cozaar), Valsartan (Diovan), Olmesartan (Olmesartan), Irbesartan (Avapro), Telmisartan
Lower blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II receptors, an alternative to ACE inhibitors.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Examples: Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil
Relax blood vessels and slow heart rate to lower blood pressure and treat angina.
Beta Blockers
Examples: Metoprolol, Atenolol (Tenormin), Carvedilol (Coreg CR), Propranolol, Timolol, Nebivolol
Reduce heart rate and blood pressure; used for hypertension, angina, and heart failure.
Thiazide Diuretics
Examples: Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone
Reduce fluid volume and lower blood pressure; commonly used for hypertension.
Loop Diuretics
Examples: Furosemide, Torsemide
Remove excess fluid from the body; used for heart failure, edema, and hypertension.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Examples: Spironolactone
Remove excess fluid while preserving potassium; used for heart failure and hypertension.
Nitrates
Examples: Isosorbide
Relax blood vessels to improve blood flow; used for angina and heart failure.
Vasodilators
Examples: Hydralazine
Directly relax blood vessel muscles to lower blood pressure.
Alpha Blockers
Examples: Doxazosin, Tamsulosin
Relax blood vessels and prostate muscles; used for hypertension and prostate problems.
Central Alpha Agonists
Examples: Clonidine
Reduce nerve signals that constrict blood vessels; used for hypertension.
Vasopeptidase Inhibitors
Examples: Sacubitril/Valsartan
Dual action medication for heart failure combining two mechanisms.
PCSK9 Inhibitors
Examples: Evolocumab
Newer cholesterol-lowering medications for high-risk patients.
Diabetes & Metabolic Medications
Biguanides
Examples: Metformin
First-line diabetes medication that reduces glucose production in the liver.
Sulfonylureas
Examples: Glipizide, Glimepiride
Stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin; an older class of diabetes medications.
SGLT2 Inhibitors
Examples: Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin
Help kidneys remove glucose through urine; newer diabetes medications with cardiovascular benefits.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Examples: Semaglutide (Ozempic), Dulaglutide
Increase insulin release and reduce appetite; newer medications with cardiovascular benefits.
Thiazolidinediones
Examples: Pioglitazone
Improve insulin sensitivity; used for Type 2 diabetes management.
GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonists
Examples: Tirzepatide
Newer dual-action diabetes and weight loss medication.
Insulin
Examples: Insulin Glargine, Insulin Lispro, Insulin Aspart, Insulin Detemir, Insulin Degludec
Replace or supplement body’s natural insulin for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Weight Loss Medications
Examples: Phentermine, Semaglutide (Ozempic)
Appetite suppressants are used for weight management in obesity.
Psychiatric & Neurological Medications
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
Examples: Sertraline, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Citalopram, Paroxetine
First-line antidepressants for depression and anxiety disorders.
SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
Examples: Duloxetine, Venlafaxine, Desvenlafaxine
Antidepressants affect both serotonin and norepinephrine; they are used for depression and anxiety.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Examples: Amitriptyline, Doxepin
Older class of antidepressants; now often used for pain and sleep.
Atypical Antidepressants
Examples: Bupropion, Trazodone, Mirtazapine
Antidepressants with unique mechanisms; used for depression and sleep.
Benzodiazepines
Examples: Alprazolam, Clonazepam, Lorazepam, Diazepam
Anti-anxiety medications with sedative effects; used short-term for anxiety and seizures.
Buspirone
Non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic for generalized anxiety disorder.
Antipsychotics
Examples: Quetiapine, Aripiprazole, Olanzapine, Risperidone
Treat psychosis and bipolar disorder; also used off-label for other conditions.
Mood Stabilizers
Examples: Lithium, Valproate, Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine
Used primarily for bipolar disorder and mood stabilization.
Stimulants
Examples: Dextroamphetamine, Methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine, Dexmethylphenidate, Atomoxetine
Used for ADHD and narcolepsy; increases attention and alertness.
Sedative-Hypnotics
Examples: Zolpidem, Melatonin
Sleep aids are used for insomnia and sleep disturbances.
Anti-Seizure Medications
Examples: Levetiracetam, Topiramate, Pregabalin, Gabapentin
Prevent seizures; also used for nerve pain and mood disorders.
Alzheimer’s Medications
Examples: Donepezil, Memantine
Slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
Respiratory Medications
Bronchodilators – Beta-2 Agonists
Examples: Albuterol
Quick-relief inhalers that open airways during asthma attacks.
Inhaled Corticosteroids
Examples: Fluticasone, Budesonide, Triamcinolone
Controller medications for asthma that reduce airway inflammation.
Combination Inhalers
Examples: Fluticasone/Salmeterol, Budesonide/Formoterol, Fluticasone/Umeclidinium/Vilanterol, Fluticasone/Vilanterol
Combine corticosteroids with long-acting beta-agonists for maintenance therapy.
Long-Acting Anticholinergics
Examples: Tiotropium
Controller medication for COPD maintenance therapy.
Anticholinergic Combinations
Examples: Albuterol/Ipratropium
Combine different bronchodilator classes for COPD treatment.
Cough Suppressants
Examples: Benzonatate
Reduce cough reflex in respiratory conditions.
Gastrointestinal Medications
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Examples: Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Esomeprazole
H2 Receptor Antagonists
Examples: Famotidine
Reduce stomach acid production for heartburn and ulcers.
Antiemetics (Anti-Nausea)
Examples: Ondansetron
Prevent and treat nausea and vomiting.
Antispasmodics
Examples: Dicyclomine, Meclizine
Relax GI muscles to reduce cramping and spasms.
Laxatives & Stool Softeners
Examples: Polyethylene Glycol 3350, Docusate
Promote bowel movements and treat constipation.
Bowel Motility Agents
Examples: Linaclotide
Stimulate bowel movement for IBS-C and chronic constipation.
Pain & Inflammation Medications
Acetaminophen & Combinations
Examples: Acetaminophen, Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone, Acetaminophen/Oxycodone
Mild pain reliever; often combined with opioids for moderate pain.
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
Examples: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Meloxicam, Diclofenac, Celecoxib
Reduce pain and inflammation; commonly used for arthritis and general pain.
Opioids
Examples: Oxycodone, Tramadol, Morphine
Strong pain relievers for moderate to severe pain; higher abuse potential.
Muscle Relaxants
Examples: Cyclobenzaprine, Tizanidine, Baclofen, Methocarbamol
Reduce muscle tension and spasms.
Neuropathic Pain Medications
Examples: Gabapentin, Pregabalin
Treat nerve pain and neuropathy.
Corticosteroids (Oral)
Examples: Prednisone, Prednisolone, Methylprednisolone, Hydrocortisone
Reduce inflammation and suppress immune response.
Topical Pain Relievers
Examples: Tretinoin, Mupirocin, Ketoconazole, Azelastine
Applied to the skin for localized pain and inflammation relief.
Anti-Gout Medications
Examples: Allopurinol, Fenofibrate
Prevent and manage gout attacks by reducing uric acid.
Antibiotics & Antivirals
Penicillins
Examples: Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin/Clavulanate
Treat bacterial infections; common first-line antibiotics.
Cephalosporins
Examples: Cephalexin, Cefdinir
Treat bacterial infections; similar to penicillins but with a different spectrum.
Macrolides
Examples: Azithromycin
Treat various bacterial infections; also used for respiratory infections.
Fluoroquinolones
Examples: Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin
Treat various bacterial infections; broad-spectrum activity.
Tetracyclines
Examples: Doxycycline
Treat bacterial infections; also used for acne and certain parasites.
Sulfonamides
Examples: Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim
Treat various bacterial infections; often used for Urinary tract Infections (UTIs).
Nitrofurans
Examples: Nitrofurantoin
Treat urinary tract infections.
Clindamycin
Treat bacterial infections; often used for anaerobes.
Antivirals
Examples: Valacyclovir, Acyclovir, Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir
Treat viral infections; includes herpes and COVID-19 treatments.
Antifungals
Examples: Ketoconazole, Fluconazole
Treat fungal infections.
Hormones & Endocrine Medications
Estrogen Replacement
Examples: Estradiol
Hormone replacement therapy for menopause and hormone deficiency.
Progesterone
Hormone replacement and cycle regulation.
Testosterone
Testosterone replacement in testosterone deficiency.
Oral Contraceptives
Birth control medications containing hormones.
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
Examples: Finasteride
Treat male pattern baldness and enlarged prostate.
Anticoagulants & Antiplatelet Medications
Warfarin
Vitamin K antagonist; classic oral anticoagulant.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs)
Examples: Apixaban, Rivaroxaban
Newer oral anticoagulants for thrombosis prevention.
Aspirin
Antiplatelet medication for cardiovascular protection.
Other Antiplatelets
Examples: Clopidogrel
Prevent blood clots after cardiac events.
Ophthalmic & Topical Medications
Erectile Dysfunction Medications
Examples: Sildenafil, Tadalafil
Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors for ED treatment.
Topical Steroids
Examples: Clobetasol, Triamcinolone
Applied to the skin for inflammation and eczema.
Topical Antihistamines
Examples: Azelastine
Applied to the nose for allergic reactions.
Retinoids
Examples: Tretinoin
Applied to the skin for acne and aging.
Topical Antibiotics
Examples: Mupirocin
Applied to the skin for bacterial infections.
Other Medications
Immunosuppressants & Biologics
Examples: Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, Adalimumab
Suppress immune response for autoimmune conditions.
Bone Health Medications
Examples: Alendronate, Calcium, Cholecalciferol, Ergocalciferol
Prevent and treat osteoporosis; include vitamin D and calcium supplements.
Antihistamines
Examples: Cetirizine, Loratadine, Levocetirizine, Hydroxyzine
Treat allergies and allergic reactions.
Supplements
Examples: Potassium Chloride, Folic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Ferrous Sulfate, Magnesium Salts, Melatonin
Vitamin and mineral supplements.
Medications Are Just One Factor
The medications a person takes matter far less in life insurance underwriting than the conditions being treated. Underwriters focus on the underlying diagnosis, how well it’s controlled, and the overall health status. A person on one blood pressure medication might be approved, while someone on multiple diabetes medications with poor control might face higher rates or denial. Always disclose all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter medications during the application process.
Complete Honesty Required
Never omit or minimize medications on a life insurance application. Misrepresentation about medical history or medications can void policies years later.
