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Medications
Complete Reference Guide

Comprehensive Medication Database by Drug Class

A complete reference of commonly prescribed medications organized by drug class. Medications affect life insurance underwriting based on the condition being treated and the medication’s profile.

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.

DPP-4 Inhibitors

Examples: Sitagliptin

Increase incretin hormones to improve blood sugar control.

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.

Leukotriene Modifiers

Examples: Montelukast

Reduce inflammation and bronchoconstriction in asthma.

Cough Suppressants

Examples: Benzonatate

Reduce cough reflex in respiratory conditions.

Gastrointestinal Medications

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Examples: Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Esomeprazole

Reduce stomach acid for GERD, ulcers, and acid reflux.

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

Thyroid Replacement

Examples: Levothyroxine, Thyroid

Replace thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism.

Estrogen Replacement

Examples: Estradiol

Hormone replacement therapy for menopause and hormone deficiency.

Progesterone

Hormone replacement and cycle regulation.

Testosterone

Testosterone replacement in testosterone deficiency.

5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors

Examples: Finasteride

Treat male pattern baldness and enlarged prostate.

Aromatase Inhibitors

Examples: Anastrozole

Treat hormone-sensitive breast cancer.

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

Glaucoma Medications

Examples: Latanoprost, Dorzolamide

Lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma.

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.

Migraine Treatments

Examples: Sumatriptan

Treat acute migraine headaches.

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.