Top 10 Prescription Medications: Most Commonly Prescribed Drugs in the U.S. - GoodRx (2024)

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

_{Drug Class: Statins}

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin used to treat high cholesterol. Prior to its release as generic atorvastatin in 2011, it was considered the top drug by sales for most of the previous decade. It is still one of the most commonly prescribed statins, and though not as inexpensive as simvastatin (Zocor), the generic price has continued to drop.

Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)

_{Drug Class: ACE Inhibitors}

Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure, and in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Lisinopril was the third ACE inhibitor to become available. It may be more convenient than some of the other options because it is longer-acting, meaning you only need to take one tablet per day rather than two or three.

Albuterol (Accuneb, Ventolin, Proair, Proventil)

_{Drug Class: Short-Acting Beta Agonists}

Albuterol is used to treat and prevent bronchospasm. It is a short-acting beta agonist and works by relaxing muscles in the lungs.

Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, Levoxyl, Levo-T, Euthyrox)

_{Drug Class: Thyroxines}

Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid) is a synthetically prepared thyroid hormone that can improve symptoms of thyroid deficiency. There are several brand and generic levothyroxine choices available; however, they aren't interchangeable. Generic levothyroxine is very inexpensive, though most of the brands available are also affordable.

Amlodipine (Norvasc, Amvaz)

_{Drug Class: Calcium Channel Blockers}

Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). It is one of the most common heart meds, and is on the WHO list of essential medicines for basic health care. It became available as generic amlodipine in 2007, and is one of the most inexpensive generics in the US — even available for free at some pharmacies.

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

_{Drug Class: Anti-Epileptics}

Gabapentin is used to treat seizures in adults with epilepsy and nerve pain. While it is not an opioid, it has recently been linked to misuse and can lead to overdose deaths.

Omeprazole (Prilosec)

_{Drug Class: Proton Pump Inhibitors}

Omeprazole (Prilosec) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat certain conditions where there is too much acid in the stomach, like ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It's the most commonly used — and least expensive — compared to other PPIs like Nexium or Prevacid. Omeprazole is also available without a prescription, both as a generic and branded Prilosec OTC.

Metformin (Glucophage)

_{Drug Class: Biguanides}

Metformin (Glucophage) is a biguanide used in combination with diet and exercise to help control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. It is a first-line drug, meaning it is often tried before other treatment options, and it may be used alone or with other medications. Metformin is believed to be the most widely prescribed diabetes medication in the world and it is available as a very inexpensive generic in the US. Many pharmacies offer it for free or at a reduced cost under their discount generic programs.

Losartan (Cozaar)

_{Drug Class: ARBs}

Losartan (Cozaar) is an ARB used to treat high blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, and slow the progression of kidney disease in patients with diabetes. Losartan is also available in a combination pill with diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. Generic losartan is affordable and covered by most insurance companies.

Hydrocodone / Acetaminophen (Zolvit, Lorcet, Vicodin, Hycet, Xodol, Norco, Lortab, Maxidone)

_{Drug Class: Opioid / Acetaminophen Combinations}

The combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Vicodin, Norco, Xodol, Lorcet, Lortab) is used to treat moderate to severe pain, from a variety of causes. Hydrocodone is an opiate and is considered a narcotic pain medicine, while acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also sold over the counter for pain.

The 20 Most Expensive Prescription Drugs in the U.S.A.

See our full list of drugs by letter from A to Z.