Prescription Medication
Alendronic Acid
- Slows bone breakdown by inhibiting osteoclast activity
- Increases bone mineral density over time
- Reduces risk of spinal, hip and wrist fractures
- Used for postmenopausal, male and steroid-induced osteoporosis
- Taken once weekly to aid adherence
Strength
70mg
Allopurinol
- Inhibits xanthine oxidase to reduce uric acid synthesis
- Prevents recurrent gout attacks with regular use
- Also used to manage uric acid kidney stones
- Takes 2–3 months to reach full therapeutic effect
- Blood and kidney function monitoring recommended during treatment
Strength
100mg
Amitriptyline
- Increases serotonin and noradrenaline levels in the brain
- Used at low doses (10–30mg) for chronic and neuropathic pain
- Effective for migraine prevention at low doses
- Sedative effect makes it useful for sleep-onset difficulties
- Higher doses used for clinical depression
Strength
10mg
Amlodipine
- Relaxes blood vessel walls to reduce blood pressure
- Provides 24-hour blood pressure control with once-daily dosing
- Effective for both hypertension and stable angina
- May be used alone or combined with other antihypertensives
- Does not affect heart rate significantly
Strength
5mg
Apixaban (Eliquis)
- Directly inhibits Factor Xa to prevent blood clot formation
- Used for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation
- Treats and prevents deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism
- Does not require routine blood monitoring unlike warfarin
- Taken twice daily with or without food
Strength
2.5mg
Aspirin
- Irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation to prevent clotting
- Reduces risk of recurrent heart attack and ischaemic stroke
- Used in patients with established cardiovascular disease
- Taken once daily with or after food to reduce stomach irritation
- Dispersible tablets dissolve in water for easier swallowing
Strength
75mg
Atorvastatin
- Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase to reduce cholesterol synthesis
- Lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides
- Raises HDL (good) cholesterol levels
- Reduces risk of heart attack, stroke and arterial disease
- Taken at any time of day — no need to take at night
Strength
20mg
Beclometasone Dipropionate
- Reduces airway inflammation and mucus production
- Must be used daily — not for immediate symptom relief
- Available as pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI)
- Spacer device recommended for improved lung delivery
- Full benefits seen after regular use for several weeks
Strength
100mcg
Bendroflumethiazide
- Promotes sodium and water excretion via the kidneys
- Effectively lowers blood pressure as a first-line treatment
- May be combined with other antihypertensives
- Can also treat mild fluid retention (oedema)
- Regular monitoring of potassium and electrolytes required
Strength
2.5mg
Bisoprolol Fumarate
- Selectively blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart
- Reduces heart rate and blood pressure
- Proven to reduce mortality in chronic heart failure
- Used for stable angina and hypertension
- Dose is titrated gradually — never stopped abruptly
Strength
2.5mg
Carbocisteine
- Breaks down disulphide bonds in mucus glycoproteins
- Reduces mucus viscosity to improve airway clearance
- Used in COPD, chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis
- Reduces frequency and severity of acute exacerbations
- Available as capsules and oral syrup
Strength
375mg
Citalopram
- Increases serotonin availability in the brain
- Effective for major depression and panic disorder
- Takes 2–4 weeks to show full antidepressant effect
- Maximum dose of 40mg daily (20mg in over-65s) due to QT concerns
- Should not be stopped abruptly — taper under GP guidance
Strength
10mg