Active ingredients, brands, and availability by category
A reference of widely used medications grouped by category, listing the active ingredient, common international brand names, main function, and general prescription and online availability.
General reference information, not medical advice. Brand names, prescription rules, and online availability vary by country and change over time. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional and follow local regulations.
Analgesics (Pain Relievers)
Active Ingredient
Popular Brands
Main Function
Availability
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Tylenol (US), Panadol (UK, AUS)
Pain reliever, fever reducer
Over-the-counter; available online
Ibuprofen
Advil, Motrin (US), Nurofen (UK)
Pain reliever, anti-inflammatory
Over-the-counter; available online
Naproxen
Aleve (US), Naprosyn (UK)
Pain reliever, anti-inflammatory
Over-the-counter in some countries; prescription required in others; availability online varies
Antibiotics
Active Ingredient
Popular Brands
Main Function
Availability
Amoxicillin
Amoxil (US), Clamoxyl (FR)
Treats bacterial infections
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Azithromycin
Zithromax (US), Azithrocin (IN)
Treats bacterial infections
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Ciprofloxacin
Cipro (US), Ciprobay (DE)
Treats bacterial infections
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Antihistamines (Allergy Relief)
Active Ingredient
Popular Brands
Main Function
Availability
Cetirizine
Zyrtec (US), Reactine (CA)
Relieves allergy symptoms
Over-the-counter; available online
Loratadine
Claritin (US), Clarityn (UK)
Relieves allergy symptoms
Over-the-counter; available online
Fexofenadine
Allegra (US), Telfast (UK)
Relieves allergy symptoms
Over-the-counter; available online
Decongestants
Active Ingredient
Popular Brands
Main Function
Availability
Pseudoephedrine
Sudafed (US), Sudafed (UK)
Relieves nasal congestion
Over-the-counter in some countries; may require in-person purchase due to regulations; availability online varies
Oxymetazoline
Afrin (US), Dristan (CA)
Nasal decongestant
Over-the-counter; available online
Phenylephrine
Sudafed PE (US), Lemsip (UK)
Relieves nasal congestion
Over-the-counter; available online
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Acid Reflux)
Active Ingredient
Popular Brands
Main Function
Availability
Omeprazole
Prilosec (US), Losec (UK)
Reduces stomach acid
Over-the-counter and prescription forms; available online
Esomeprazole
Nexium (US), Nexium Control (UK)
Reduces stomach acid
Over-the-counter and prescription forms; available online
Pantoprazole
Protonix (US), Pantoloc (CA)
Reduces stomach acid
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Statins (Cholesterol-Lowering Agents)
Active Ingredient
Popular Brands
Main Function
Availability
Atorvastatin
Lipitor (US), Sortis (DE)
Lowers cholesterol
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Simvastatin
Zocor (US), Lipex (NZ)
Lowers cholesterol
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Rosuvastatin
Crestor (US), Crestor (AU)
Lowers cholesterol
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Antihypertensives (Blood Pressure Medications)
Active Ingredient
Popular Brands
Main Function
Availability
Lisinopril
Zestril (US), Zestoretic (UK)
Lowers blood pressure
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Amlodipine
Norvasc (US), Istin (UK)
Lowers blood pressure
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Losartan
Cozaar (US), Losartan (UK)
Lowers blood pressure
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Antidiabetics
Active Ingredient
Popular Brands
Main Function
Availability
Metformin
Glucophage (US), Glucophage (UK)
Lowers blood sugar levels
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Glipizide
Glucotrol (US), Minodiab (UK)
Lowers blood sugar levels
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Sitagliptin
Januvia (US), Januvia (UK)
Lowers blood sugar levels
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Antidepressants
Active Ingredient
Popular Brands
Main Function
Availability
Sertraline
Zoloft (US), Lustral (UK)
Treats depression and anxiety
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Fluoxetine
Prozac (US), Prozac (UK)
Treats depression and anxiety
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Citalopram
Celexa (US), Cipramil (UK)
Treats depression and anxiety
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Bronchodilators (Asthma Relief)
Active Ingredient
Popular Brands
Main Function
Availability
Albuterol (Salbutamol)
Ventolin (US, UK), ProAir (US)
Relieves asthma symptoms
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Ipratropium
Atrovent (US, UK)
Relieves asthma symptoms
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Tiotropium
Spiriva (US, UK)
Relieves asthma symptoms
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Corticosteroids
Active Ingredient
Popular Brands
Main Function
Availability
Prednisone
Deltasone (US), Prednicot (US)
Reduces inflammation
Prescription required; available online with prescription
Hydrocortisone
Cortef (US), Hydrocortone (UK)
Reduces inflammation
Over-the-counter in low-strength forms; prescription for stronger forms; availability online varies