Classification and function of common prescription drugs
1. Antibiotics
Representative drugs: amoxicillin, cefixime, etc.
Uses: Treatment of bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia, urinary tract infections). Abuse may lead to drug resistance and need to be taken according to a regimen.
2. Cardiovascular drugs
Antihypertensive drugs: amlodipine, valsartan, etc. Used to control high blood pressure.
Lipid-lowering drugs: Atorvastatin, to regulate blood lipid and prevent atherosclerosis.
3. Glucose-lowering drugs
Oral drugs: metformin, glimepiride, for type 2 diabetes.
Insulin: injection required, for type 1 or severe type 2 diabetes.
4. Antidepressants/anxiety medications
SSRIs: sertraline, fluoxetine, regulates neurotransmitters to relieve mood disorders.
Benzodiazepines: diazepam, short-term relief of anxiety or insomnia.
Precautions for use
Follow doctor’s instructions for medication: dosage and course of treatment should be according to doctor’s instructions, and should not be stopped or increased arbitrarily.
Monitor for side effects: e.g. antibiotics may cause allergies, hypoglycemic drugs may cause hypoglycemia.
Drug interactions: some drugs are contraindicated with other drugs and food (e.g. warfarin and vitamin K)