Top 200 Drugs Study Guide

Editor: Dr. Emmel
Last Updated: October 28, 2025

Top 200 Drugs Study Guide Summary

For the PTCE, focus on each drug’s brand and generic names, therapeutic class, primary indication, and a red‑flag adverse effect/contraindication. Use the suffix cheat sheet and the tables below to study faster and spend more time on the rest of the exam.

Disclaimer: This post is informational only and intended to guide students in studying for the PTCE. It is not meant to represent comprehensive drug information and should not be used as a reference for patient care or decision-making.

On this page

What the “Top 200 drugs” means for the PTCE
PTCE exam weight: how many medication questions?
How to memorize the Top 200 (step-by-step)
Suffix cheat sheet
Quick‑study tables by class
Class‑by‑class overview (uses & gotchas)
High‑risk side effects & interactions
Mini self-test
FAQs
Resources
Abbreviations Used in this Guide

What the “Top 200 drugs” means for the PTCE

The Top 200 drugs are the most commonly prescribed outpatient medications in the U.S. There is no single “official” PTCB list. This study convention is drawn from prescribing data and teaching curricula. For the exam, you should be comfortable with each drug’s brand and generic names, class, primary use, and one or two high-yield adverse effects/contraindications. Verify clinical specifics in label sources like DailyMed or FDALabel.

PTCE exam weight: how many medication questions?

Through 2025, the Medications domain is 40% of the PTCE.
Effective January 2026: it becomes 35% with small shifts across other domains. Medications remain the most significant single portion of the exam. See the PTCB content outlines: current guidebook and effective‑Jan‑2026 PDF.

How to memorize the Top 200 (step‑by‑step)

Group by class. Learn common effects and uses once; apply to all members.
Learn the suffix patterns. E.g., –pril (ACE inhibitors), –sartan (ARBs), –olol (β‑blockers), –statin (statins).
Drill brand and generic names daily. Use spaced‑repetition flashcards and mix look-alike/sound-alike pairs.
Attach one primary use + one red‑flag effect to each drug as you go.
Spiral review. Re-test older material at increasing intervals; shuffle classes.

Tip: Keep your flashcards in a 3-column format—Brand → Generic → Class—to speed class recognition during the exam.

Suffix cheat sheet

Suffix	Class	Common examples	Primary use	Red‑flag effect
‑pril	ACE inhibitors	lisinopril	HTN/HF	cough, hyperkalemia
‑sartan	ARBs	losartan, valsartan	HTN/HF	hyperkalemia
‑olol	β‑blockers	metoprolol, atenolol	HTN/angina/HF	bradycardia
‑dipine	DHP CCBs	amlodipine, nifedipine	HTN	edema
‑statin	HMG‑CoA reductase inhibitors	atorvastatin, rosuvastatin	hyperlipidemia	myopathy
‑prazole	PPIs	omeprazole, pantoprazole	GERD	↓Mg, infection risk (long‑term)
‑tidine	H2 blockers	famotidine	GERD	confusion (elderly)
‑gliptin	DPP‑4 inhibitors	sitagliptin	T2DM	nasopharyngitis
‑gliflozin	SGLT2 inhibitors	empagliflozin	T2DM/HF	genital infections
‑cillin	Penicillins	amoxicillin	infections	allergy/rash
‑floxacin	Fluoroquinolones	ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin	infections	tendon rupture
‑azole	Azole antifungals	fluconazole	fungal infections	hepatotoxicity
‑zosin	α₁‑blockers	tamsulosin	BPH	orthostasis
‑oxetine / ‑pram	SSRIs	fluoxetine, citalopram	depression/anxiety	sexual dysfunction

Quick‑study tables: brand↔generic, class, primary use, key effect

The entries below cover the most frequently tested classes. Use them to build your deck. For complete clinical information, check labels on DailyMed or FDALabel. For macro context, see the University of Arizona’s annual Top 200 posters.

Cardiovascular (hypertension, lipids, heart failure)

Brand	Generic	Class	Primary use	Key red‑flag
Zestril / Prinivil	lisinopril	ACE inhibitor	HTN/HF	cough, hyperkalemia
Cozaar	losartan	ARB	HTN/HF	hyperkalemia
Diovan	valsartan	ARB	HTN/HF	hyperkalemia
Norvasc	amlodipine	DHP CCB	HTN	edema
Toprol‑XL / Lopressor	metoprolol	β‑blocker	HTN/angina/HF	bradycardia
Tenormin	atenolol	β‑blocker	HTN	bradycardia
Coreg	carvedilol	β‑blocker	HF/HTN	dizziness
Microzide	hydrochlorothiazide	thiazide diuretic	HTN	hypokalemia
Lasix	furosemide	loop diuretic	edema/HF	hypokalemia, ototoxicity
Aldactone	spironolactone	K‑sparing diuretic	HF/HTN	hyperkalemia, gynecomastia
Lipitor	atorvastatin	statin	hyperlipidemia	myopathy
Crestor	rosuvastatin	statin	hyperlipidemia	myopathy
Zocor	simvastatin	statin	hyperlipidemia	myopathy
Plavix	clopidogrel	antiplatelet	ASCVD	bleeding
Eliquis	apixaban	Anticoagulant	AF/VTE	bleeding
Xarelto	rivaroxaban	Anticoagulant	AF/VTE	bleeding
Coumadin	warfarin	Anticoagulant	AF/VTE	bleeding; many interactions

Endocrine & metabolic

Brand	Generic	Class	Primary use	Key red‑flag
Glucophage	metformin	biguanide	Diabetes	GI upset; rare lactic acidosis
Amaryl	glimepiride	sulfonylurea	Diabetes	hypoglycemia
Glucotrol	glipizide	sulfonylurea	Diabetes	hypoglycemia
Jardiance	empagliflozin	SGLT2 inhibitor	Diabetes	genital infections
Ozempic	semaglutide	GLP‑1 RA	Diabetes/weight loss	GI effects (class warning for thyroid C‑cell tumors)
Lantus	insulin glargine	basal insulin	Diabetes	hypoglycemia
Humalog	insulin lispro	rapid insulin	Diabetes	hypoglycemia
Levemir	insulin detemir	basal insulin	Diabetes	hypoglycemia
Synthroid	levothyroxine	thyroid hormone	hypothyroidism	over‑replacement → palpitations
Zyloprim	allopurinol	xanthine oxidase inhibitor	gout	rash (SJS/TEN)
Uloric	febuxostat	xanthine oxidase inhibitor	gout	CV risk warning

CNS & psychiatric

Brand	Generic	Class	Primary use	Key red‑flag
Zoloft	sertraline	SSRI	depression/anxiety	sexual dysfunction
Lexapro	escitalopram	SSRI	depression/anxiety	QT risk at high dose
Prozac	fluoxetine	SSRI	depression	activating/insomnia
Cymbalta	duloxetine	SNRI	depression/neuropathic pain	↑BP
Effexor XR	venlafaxine	SNRI	depression/anxiety	↑BP, withdrawal
Elavil	amitriptyline	TCA	neuropathic pain	anticholinergic effects
Wellbutrin SR/XL	bupropion	NDRI	depression/smoking	seizures (dose-related)
Xanax	alprazolam	benzodiazepine	anxiety	sedation, dependence
Ativan	lorazepam	benzodiazepine	anxiety	sedation
Ambien	zolpidem	hypnotic	insomnia	complex sleep behaviors
Seroquel	quetiapine	atypical antipsychotic	schizophrenia	metabolic effects
Risperdal	risperidone	atypical antipsychotic	schizophrenia	hyperprolactinemia
Aricept	donepezil	acetylcholinesterase inhibitor	Alzheimer’s	bradycardia, GI

Respiratory & allergy

Brand	Generic	Class	Primary use	Key red‑flag
ProAir / Proventil / Ventolin	albuterol	SABA	asthma	tachycardia
Advair	fluticasone/salmeterol	ICS/LABA	asthma/COPD	oral thrush (rinse)
Symbicort	budesonide/formoterol	ICS/LABA	asthma/COPD	oral thrush (rinse)
Spiriva	tiotropium	LAMA	COPD	dry mouth
Singulair	montelukast	leukotriene antagonist	asthma/allergy	neuropsychiatric warnings
Flonase	fluticasone (intranasal)	corticosteroid	allergic rhinitis	epistaxis
Claritin	loratadine	2nd‑gen antihistamine	allergy	minimal sedation
Zyrtec	cetirizine	2nd‑gen antihistamine	allergy	drowsiness (some)

Anti‑infectives

Brand	Generic	Class	Primary use	Key red‑flag
Amoxil	amoxicillin	penicillin	bacterial infections	rash/allergy
Augmentin	amoxicillin/clavulanate	penicillin + β-lactamase inhibitor	bacterial infections	GI upset
Keflex	cephalexin	1st‑gen cephalosporin	bacterial infections	cross‑allergy (PCN)
Omnicef	cefdinir	3rd‑gen cephalosporin	bacterial infections	diarrhea
Zithromax	azithromycin	macrolide	bacterial infections	QT prolongation
Levaquin	levofloxacin	fluoroquinolone	bacterial infections	tendon rupture
Cipro	ciprofloxacin	fluoroquinolone	bacterial infections	tendon rupture
Vibramycin	doxycycline	tetracycline	bacterial infections/ acne	photosensitivity; separate from cations
Bactrim / Septra	sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim	sulfonamide	bacterial infections	rash, hyperkalemia
Flagyl	metronidazole	nitroimidazole	bacterial infections	Avoid alcohol (disulfiram‑like)
Macrobid	nitrofurantoin	urinary antiseptic	UTI	rare pulmonary/hepatic toxicity
Diflucan	fluconazole	azole antifungal	Fungal infections	hepatotoxicity
Valtrex	valacyclovir	antiviral	Herpes / Shingles	renal dosing

GI & other high‑yield

Brand	Generic	Class	Primary use	Key red‑flag
Prilosec	omeprazole	PPI	GERD	low Mg, fracture risk (long‑term)
Protonix	pantoprazole	PPI	GERD	low Mg
Pepcid	famotidine	H2 blocker	GERD	confusion (elderly)
Zofran	ondansetron	5‑HT₃ antagonist	N/V	QT prolongation
Reglan	metoclopramide	prokinetic	gastroparesis	EPS/tardive dyskinesia
Colace	docusate	stool softener	constipation	cramping
MiraLAX	polyethylene glycol	osmotic laxative	constipation	diarrhea
Fosamax	alendronate	bisphosphonate	osteoporosis	esophagitis (empty stomach; upright)
Flomax	tamsulosin	α₁‑blocker	BPH	orthostasis
Proscar	finasteride	5‑α‑reductase inhibitor	BPH	teratogenic; avoid handling in pregnancy
Ditropan	oxybutynin	antimuscarinic	OAB	dry mouth, constipation
(no brand)	prednisone	corticosteroid	inflammation	hyperglycemia, infection risk
Medrol	methylprednisolone	corticosteroid	inflammation	class effects
Neurontin	gabapentin	anticonvulsant	neuropathic pain	dizziness/sedation
Tylenol	acetaminophen	analgesic	pain/fever	hepatotoxicity (dose limits)
Motrin / Advil	ibuprofen	NSAID	pain	GI bleed, renal risk
Naprosyn / Aleve	naproxen	NSAID	pain	GI bleed, renal risk
Norco / Vicodin	hydrocodone/acetaminophen	opioid combo	pain	sedation, constipation
Percocet	oxycodone/acetaminophen	opioid combo	pain	sedation, constipation
Narcan	naloxone	opioid antagonist	overdose	acute withdrawal

Note: Some legacy brand names are no longer marketed but still appear in study resources: know the mapping.

Class‑by‑class overview: what each group treats (+ gotchas)

ACE inhibitors (‑pril): HTN/HF/nephroprotection; avoid in pregnancy; monitor K⁺.
ARBs (‑sartan): HTN/HF; avoid in pregnancy; monitor K⁺.
DHP CCBs (‑dipine): HTN; edema; possible gingival hyperplasia.
β‑blockers (‑olol): HTN/angina/AF/HF; bradycardia; avoid abrupt stop.
Thiazides: HTN; hypokalemia; photosensitivity.
Loops: edema/HF; hypokalemia; ototoxicity (high dose/rapid IV).
Statins (‑statin): dyslipidemia; myopathy; avoid in pregnancy.
Sulfonylureas: T2DM; hypoglycemia; weight gain.
SGLT2 inhibitors (‑gliflozin): T2DM/HF; genital infections; volume depletion.
GLP‑1 RAs: T2DM/weight; GI effects; class boxed warning for thyroid C‑cell tumors.
SSRIs/SNRIs: depression/anxiety; sexual dysfunction (SSRIs), ↑BP (SNRIs).
Atypical antipsychotics: schizophrenia/bipolar; metabolic effects.
Opioids: sedation, constipation, respiratory depression; combine with naloxone education.
Macrolides: QT risk; CYP interactions.
Fluoroquinolones: tendinopathy, QT risk; reserve when appropriate.
Tetracyclines: photosensitivity; separate from cations.
PPIs: infection/nutrient effects with long-term use.

High-risk side effects & interactions to know cold

Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (warfarin, DOACs, clopidogrel) → bleeding risks
Insulins & sulfonylureas → hypoglycemia
ACEi/ARB/K‑sparing diuretics → hyperkalemia
Fluoroquinolones, macrolides, ondansetron → QT prolongation.
Metronidazole + alcohol → disulfiram‑like reaction
Statins + strong CYP inhibitors → myopathy risk.
Benzodiazepines + opioids → additive respiratory depression.

Mini Top 200 Drugs self-test: 10 quick questions

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FAQs

What is the best way to memorize the Top 200 drugs?

Break the list into classes, memorize suffixes, and drill brand↔generic with spaced‑repetition flashcards. Tie one primary use and one red‑flag effect to each drug. Practice daily in 10–15 minute sets.

Do I need to memorize both brand and generic names?

Yes. Brand↔generic matching is frequently tested and speeds up class-based questions that reference only one of the two.

How many drugs are on the PTCE?

There isn’t an official list; “Top 200” is a study convention. Expect many medication questions—Medications are 40% through 2025 and 35% beginning January 2026. See PTCB’s outline and the 2026 outline.

Which suffixes should I know first?

Start with –pril (ACEi), –sartan (ARB), –olol (β‑blocker), –dipine (DHP CCB), –statin (statins), –prazole (PPIs), –gliflozin (SGLT2), –gliptin (DPP‑4), –cillin (penicillins), –floxacin (FQs).

Are posters helpful study aids?

Yes. The University of Arizona’s Njardarson Lab publishes free Top 200 posters (by sales or prescriptions). They’re great for context alongside your flashcards.

Resources

PTCE Study Guide (Pharmacy Tech Scholar℠) — complete exam blueprint, tips, and practice.
PTCB: PTCE Content Outline (current) and Effective Jan 2026.
DailyMed and FDALabel — label‑verified indications and safety.
Njardarson Top 200 Posters (University of Arizona) — annual context.

Abbreviations Used in this Guide

Abbreviation	Meaning
5‑HT₃	5‑hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) type‑3 receptor
ACEi	Angiotensin‑converting enzyme inhibitor
AF	Atrial fibrillation
ARB	Angiotensin II receptor blocker
ASCVD	Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
BPH	Benign prostatic hyperplasia
BP	Blood pressure
CCB	Calcium channel blocker
C. difficile	Clostridioides difficile (bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea)
COPD	Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CV	Cardiovascular
CYP	Cytochrome P450 drug‑metabolizing enzyme system
DHP	Dihydropyridine (subclass of CCBs)
DOAC	Direct oral anticoagulant
DPP‑4	Dipeptidyl peptidase‑4
EPS	Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement‑related adverse effects)
GERD	Gastroesophageal reflux disease
GI	Gastrointestinal
GLP‑1 RA	Glucagon‑like peptide‑1 receptor agonist
HF	Heart failure
H₂ (blocker)	Histamine‑2 receptor antagonist
HTN	Hypertension
ICS	Inhaled corticosteroid
ICS/LABA	Combination of inhaled corticosteroid + long‑acting beta agonist
INR	International Normalized Ratio (measure of blood coagulation)
K⁺	Potassium (positively charged ion)
K‑sparing	Potassium‑sparing (typically refers to diuretics)
LABA	Long‑acting beta agonist
LAMA	Long‑acting muscarinic antagonist
Mg	Magnesium
NDRI	Norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor
N/V	Nausea and vomiting
NSAID	Nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drug
OAB	Overactive bladder
PCN	Penicillin
PPI	Proton pump inhibitor
PTCE	Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
PTCB	Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
QT (prolongation)	Heart’s QT interval (abnormal prolongation increases arrhythmia risk)
RA	Receptor agonist (as in GLP‑1 RA)
SABA	Short‑acting beta agonist
SGLT2	Sodium‑glucose cotransporter 2
SJS/TEN	Stevens‑Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis
SNRI	Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
SR	Sustained‑release (dosage form)
SSRI	Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
T1DM	Type 1 diabetes mellitus
T2DM	Type 2 diabetes mellitus
TCA	Tricyclic antidepressant
U.S.	United States
UTI	Urinary tract infection
VKA	Vitamin K antagonist
VTE	Venous thromboembolism
VZV	Varicella‑zoster virus
HSV	Herpes simplex virus
XR	Extended‑release (dosage form)
XL	Extended‑release (dosage form)
β‑blocker	Beta‑adrenergic receptor blocker
β₁	Beta‑1 (cardioselective) subtype
α₁	Alpha‑1 adrenergic receptor

Symbols Used

↑ = increase; ↓ = decrease
/ = combination (e.g., AF/VTE; ICS/LABA)
→ = “leads to” or “results in” (used in side‑effect callouts)

Dr. Emmel

Dr. Aaron Emmel is a Florida-licensed pharmacist and Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist. His vast pharmacy and education experience uniquely qualifies him to direct the pharmacy technician training program. He spent six years working in technician and pharmacist roles in community pharmacy, followed by ten years in clinical pharmacy roles within a hospital system. He served as the Director of Clinical Quality and also as the lead administrator for a Clinically Integrated Network, and also has experience in medical and leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry. He served as Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of Florida, precepting students on Pharmacy Practice Experiences and providing lectures for the Doctor of Pharmacy and Masters in Medication Therapy Management programs. Dr. Emmel earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Florida in 2007 and his Masters in Health Administration from the University of North Florida in 2015. When he steps away from the office, you can find Dr. Emmel spending time with his family, roasting coffee, playing the trombone, or trying to stay fit.

Top 200 Drugs Study Guide