Medication Side Effects
The information below will help you understand your new medications and common side effects you should know.
If you have any questions or concerns, please ask your physician, nurse or pharmacist.
Pain Relief
- Fentanyl (Duragesic®)
- Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (Norco®, Lortab®)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®)
- Morphine (MS Contin® , Kadian®)
- Oxycodone/Acetaminophen (Percocet®)
- Tramadol (Ultram®)
Common Side Effects
Dizziness, Drowsiness, Constipation, Stomach upset/vomiting, Confusion, Slow/no breathing – call 911
Antibiotics
- Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (Augmentin®)
- Cefalexin (Keflex®)
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin®)
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro®)
- Metronidazole (Flagyl®)
- Piperacillin-tazobactam (Zosyn®)
- Azithromycin (Zithromax®)
- Vancomycin (Vancocin®)
- Clindamycin (Cleocin®)
Common Side Effects
Stomach upset, Diarrhea, Rash/Flushing, Headache
Blood Thinner
To prevent or treat blood clots
- Enoxaparin (Lovenox®)
- Heparin
- Warfarin (Coumadin®)
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®)
- Apixaban (Eliquis®)
- Dabigatran (Pradaxa®)
Common Side Effects
Bruising, Black/Tarry Stools, Higher risk of Bleeding, Uncontrolled bleeding – call 911, Do not take with aspirin
Ask your pharmacist about drug interactions with some antibiotics and some heart medications.
Lower Blood Sugars
- Insulin
- Metformin (Glucophage®)
- Glipizide (Glucotrol®)
- Sitagliptin (Januvia®)
- Liraglutide (Victoza®)
Common Side Effects
Stomach Upset
If blood sugar too low, then:
Shakiness, Anxiety, Sweating, Clamminess, Increase Heart Rate
Help with Inflammation
- Celecoxib (Celebrex®)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin®)
- Ketorolac (Toradol®)
- Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol®)
- Hydrocortisone (Solu-cortef®)
- Prednisone (Deltasone®)
Common Side Effects
Stomach Upset, Dizziness, Possible risk of bleeding, Swelling of the legs
Help Breathing
- Albuterol (Proventil®)
- Albuterol/Ipratropium (DuoNeb®)
- Budesonide/Formoterol (Symbicort®)
- Fluticasone/Salmeterol (Advair®)
- Tiotropium (Spiriva®)
Common Side Effects
Dizziness, Headache, Shaking, Possible increased heart rate
Vaccines / Immunizations
- Influenza or Pneumococcal Vaccine
- Other Vaccines or Immunizations
Common Side Effects
Are you up to date with your vaccines? Please ask your doctor if you are up to date.
Lower Blood Pressure
Calcium Channel Blockers:
- Diltiazem (Cardizem®, Cartia XT®)
- Amlodipine (Norvasc®)
Beta Blockers:
- Metoprolol (Toprol XL®, Lopressor®)
- Atenolol (Tenormin®)
- Carvedilol (Coreg®)
ACE Inhibitors:
- Enalapril (Vasotec®)
- Lisinopril (Prinivil®)
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers:
- Valsartan (Diovan®)
- Losartan (Cozaar®)
- Olmesartan (Benicar®)
Diuretics (Water pill):
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide®)
- Furosemide (Lasix®)
Common Side Effects
Headache, Dizziness/Light headedness (especially when standing quickly), Drowsiness, Dry cough
Heartburn or Reflux
- Famotidine (Pepcid®)
- Pantoprazole (Protonix®)
- Ranitidine (Zantac®)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid®)
Common Side Effects
Headache, Abdominal cramping, Diarrhea
Lowers Cholesterol
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor®)
- Simvastatin (Zocor®)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol®)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor®)
Common Side Effects
Headache, Muscle Pain, Stomach Upset
Queasiness or Throwing Up
- Ondansetron (Zofran®)
- Promethazine (Phenergan®)
Common Side Effects
Headache, Constipation, Tiredness/Drowsiness
Heart Rhythm Problems
- Amiodarone (Pacerone®)
- Digoxin (Digitek®, Lanoxin®)
- Dronedarone (Multaq®)
Common Side Effects
Dizziness, Headache
Calm Nerves or Make You Sleepy
- Diazepam (Valium®)
- Alprazolam (Xanax®)
- Midazolam (Versed®)
- Temazepam (Restoril®)
- Zolpidem (Ambien®)
Common Side Effects
Dizziness/Drowsiness, Headache, Confusion
Stops Forming of Blood Clots
- Aspirin
- Clopidogrel (Plavix®)
- Prasugrel (Effient®)
- Ticagrelor (Brilinta®)
Common Side Effects
Stomach upset, Risk of Bleeding
Relieves Constipation
- PEG 3350 (Miralax®)
- Docusate (Colace®)
- Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®)
Common Side Effects
Bloating/Cramping Nausea, Diarrhea, Belching
Disclaimer: The information above is only a summary of the names of medications in each category and the possible side effects from each drug listed. More detailed information is available from your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or the manufacturer’s package insert from each medication.