Rx Update: February 1999
Mary Ross, R.Ph., M.B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
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___ 1. Celexa[R] ___ 2. Cerebyx[R] ___ 3. Celebrex[R] ___ 4. Zyprexa[R] ___ 5. Zanaflex[R] ___ 6. Xanax[R] ___ 7. Zantac[R] ___ 8. Narcan[R] ___ 9. Norcurons[R] ___ 10. Viracept[R] ___ 11. Viramune[R] |
a) fosphenytoin is an injectable drug used to treat seizures b) alprazolam is a benzodiazepine anti-anxiety agent c) olanzapine is an antipsychotic d) citalopram is a SSRI antidepressant e) nelfinavir is a HIV- I protease inhibitor f) celecoxib is a new NSAID used to treat arthritis g) vecuronium is a nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocker h) nevirapine is an antiretroviral agent i) naloxone is a narcotic antagonist j) tizanidine is used to treat muscle spasicity k) ranitidine is an H2 receptor antagonist |
As manufacturers release new products, the similarity among names seem to increase. The likelihood of confusing similar sounding drugs is decreased when prescribers clearly print both brand and generic names. Synonyms and abbreviations should always be avoided. All health providers should ensure that the agents prescribed for patients conform to therapy consistent with the patient's diagnosis. Incorrect routes of administration or doses that seem relatively large or small as compared to commercially available strengths should also warrant investigation.