When a KFP question asks for (say) 6 side effects of a medication it’s important to select these from different groups to get full marks.
- Gastrointestinal System:
- Dry Mouth
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal Pain
- Heartburn
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Central Nervous System:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Muscle Cramps or Weakness
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Memory Impairment
- Mood Swings
- Dermatological System:
- Rash
- Itching
- Dry Skin
- Photosensitivity
- Increased Sweating
- Hypersensitivity
- Cardiovascular System:
- Palpitations
- Blood Pressure Changes
- Chest Pain
- Respiratory System:
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Sore Throat
- Flu-like Symptoms
- Endocrine/Metabolic System:
- Weight Gain
- Weight Loss
- Appetite Changes
- Blood Glucose Changes
- Breast Enlargement in Men
- Menstrual Changes
- Urinary System:
- Increased Urination
- Urinary Retention
- Sensory System:
- Blurred Vision
- Tinnitus (listed twice)
- Nosebleeds
- Musculoskeletal System:
- Joint Pain
- Muscle Pain
- Swelling of Extremities
- Easy Bruising
- Reproductive System/Sexual Health:
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Decreased Libido
Common symtoms and common drug causes
- Nausea
- Metformin (Glucophage, Diaformin)
- Antibiotics
- Opioid painkillers (e.g., Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone)
- Iron supplements (Ferro-Gradumet, Ferro-Liquid)
- Dizziness
- Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
- Clonidine (Catapres)
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Drowsiness
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Zolpidem (Ambien)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Codeine (found in various combination analgesics)
- Dry Mouth
- Amitriptyline (Endep, Elavil)
- Atropine (used in certain medical procedures)
- Oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol)
- Clonidine (Catapres)
- Paroxetine (Paxil, Aropax)
- Insomnia
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)
- Prednisone (Deltasone)
- Theophylline (Theo-24, Theolair)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Diarrhea
- Metformin (Glucophage, Diaformin)
- Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
- Erythromycin (E-Mycin)
- Misoprostol (Cytotec)
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Constipation
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Endone)
- Iron supplements (Ferro-Gradumet, Ferro-Liquid)
- Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
- Hydrocodone (found in Vicodin, Norco)
- Anticholinergics (e.g., Oxybutynin – Ditropan)
- Headache
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur)
- Monoclonal Antibodies (e.g., Infliximab – Remicade)
- Birth control pills (Various brands)
- Caffeine (in withdrawal)
- Fatigue
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Atenolol (Tenormin)
- Propranolol (Inderal)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
- Weight Gain
- Mirtazapine (Avanza, Remeron)
- Prednisolone (Panafcortelone)
- Insulin (Various brands)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Amitriptyline (Endep, Elavil)
- Weight Loss
- Topiramate (Topamax)
- Metformin (Glucophage, Diaformin)
- Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)
- ADHD Stimulants (e.g., Methylphenidate – Ritalin, Concerta)
- Abdominal Pain
- Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil)
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
- Clindamycin (Cleocin)
- Metformin (Glucophage, Diaformin)
- Erythromycin (E-Mycin)
- Anxiety
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Eutroxsig)
- Albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir)
- Prednisone (Deltasone)
- Decongestants (e.g., Pseudoephedrine – Sudafed)
- Depression
- Interferons (used in Hepatitis C and MS treatments)
- Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)
- Isotretinoin (Accutane, Roaccutane)
- Beta-Blockers (e.g., Propranolol – Inderal)
- Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone)
- Rash
- Penicillin (various brands)
- Allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim)
- Sulfonamides (e.g., Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim – Bactrim)
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- Chemotherapy drugs (various)
- Itching
- Codeine (found in various combination analgesics)
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
- Morphine (various brands)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Endone)
- Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin – Lipitor)
- Appetite Changes
- Prednisone (Deltasone)
- SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine – Prozac)
- Chemotherapy drugs (various)
- Anticonvulsants (e.g., Topiramate – Topamax)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
- Muscle Cramps/Weakness
- Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin – Lipitor)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril – Zestril)
- Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide – Microzide)
- Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol – Lopressor)
- Joint Pain
- Letrozole (Femara)
- Anastrozole (Arimidex)
- Statins (e.g., Simvastatin – Zocor)
- Isotretinoin (Accutane, Roaccutane)
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Ciprofloxacin – Cipro)
- Increased Sweating
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Tramadol (Ultram)
- SSRIs (e.g., Sertraline – Zoloft)
- Tamsulosin (Flomax)
- Morphine (various brands)
- Photosensitivity
- Doxycycline (Vibramycin, Doryx)
- Tetracycline (Sumycin)
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
- Sulfonamides (e.g., Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim – Bactrim)
- Thiazide diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide)
- Heartburn
- Aspirin (Bayer, Ecotrin)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
- Oral bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate – Fosamax)
- Certain antibiotics (e.g., Doxycycline)
- Cough
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril – Vasotec, Lisinopril – Zestril)
- Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol – Lopressor)
- Aspirin (in sensitive individuals)
- ARBs (e.g., Losartan – Cozaar)
- Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., Fluticasone – Flovent)
- Shortness of Breath
- Beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol – Inderal)
- NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen – Advil, Motrin)
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril – Zestril)
- Aspirin (in sensitive individuals)
- Opioids (e.g., Morphine)
- Palpitations
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
- Albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir)
- Caffeine (in high doses)
- Thyroid medication (e.g., Levothyroxine – Synthroid)
- Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs like Sertraline – Zoloft)
- Blurred Vision
- Amitriptyline (Endep, Tryptanol)
- Atropine (Atropt, Atropen)
- Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl, Mydrilate)
- Prednisolone (Predmix, Sone)
- Tropicamide (Mydriacyl, Tropicacyl)
- Tinnitus
- Aspirin (Disprin, Solprin)
- Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil)
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Inza)
- Quinine (Qualaquin, Quinbisul)
- Cisplatin (Platinol, Platamine)
- Dry Skin
- Isotretinoin (Roaccutane, Accutane)
- Clonidine (Catapres, Dixarit)
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor, Atorva)
- Retinoids (Differin, Tretinoin)
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL, Esidrix)
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio)
- Tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca)
- Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)
- Sertraline (Zoloft, Eleva)
- Blood Pressure Changes
- Amlodipine (Norvasc, Amodip)
- Lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil)
- Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol)
- Losartan (Cozaar, Cartia)
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide, HydroDIURIL)
- Mood Swings
- Prednisone (Predsolone, Panafcort)
- Levetiracetam (Keppra, Epilim)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac, Lovan)
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal, Lamidus)
- Lithium (Lithicarb, Quilonum)
- Memory Impairment
- Diazepam (Valium, Ducene)
- Lorazepam (Ativan, Loraz)
- Alprazolam (Xanax, Alprax)
- Zolpidem (Stilnox, Ambien)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gantin)
- Increased Urination
- Furosemide (Lasix, Frusenex)
- Bumetanide (Burinex, Bumex)
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, HydroDIURIL)
- Spironolactone (Aldactone, Spiractin)
- Torsemide (Demadex, Diuver)
- Decreased Libido
- Escitalopram (Lexapro, Esipram)
- Paroxetine (Paxil, Aropax)
- Sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac, Lovan)
- Citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil)
- Tremors
- Propranolol (Inderal, Deralin)
- Metoprolol (Lopressor, Betaloc)
- Albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)
- Amiodarone (Cordarone, Aratac)
- Lithium (Lithicarb, Quilonum)
- Swelling of Extremities
- Amlodipine (Norvasc, Amlodip)
- Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilzem)
- Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica, Pregalin)
- Pioglitazone (Actos, Glidipion)
- Nosebleeds
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Marevan)
- Clopidogrel (Plavix, Iscover)
- Aspirin (Aspro, Disprin)
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Roxalia)
- Apixaban (Eliquis, Apixtra)
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil)
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Synflex)
- Aspirin (Solprin, Disprin)
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Marevan)
- Clopidogrel (Plavix, Iscover)
- Easy Bruising
- Prednisone (Panafcort, Predsolone)
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Marevan)
- Clopidogrel (Plavix, Iscover)
- Aspirin (Aspro, Disprin)
- Dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexameth)
- Sore Throat
- ACE Inhibitors (Lisinopril, Enalapril)
- Albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)
- Amiodarone (Cordarone, Nexterone)
- Chlorhexidine (Peridex, Hibiclens)
- Clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo)
- Flu-like Symptoms
- Interferon (Intron A, Pegasys)
- Ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol)
- Zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT)
- Sunitinib (Sutent, Suninat)
- Docetaxel (Taxotere, Docecad)
- Chest Pain
- Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur)
- Isosorbide Mononitrate (Imdur, Monodur)
- Ranolazine (Ranexa, Ranozex)
- Albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)
- Clopidogrel (Plavix, Iscover)
- Confusion
- Lorazepam (Ativan, Loraz)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Endone)
- Tramadol (Ultram, Tramal)
- Fentanyl (Duragesic, Actiq)
- Haloperidol (Haldol, Serenace)
- Hallucinations
- Amantadine (Symmetrel, Amanta)
- Levodopa (Sinemet, Madopar)
- Zolpidem (Ambien, Stilnox)
- Clonidine (Catapres, Arkamin)
- Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril, Amrix)
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Penicillin (Penicillin V, Bicillin)
- Sulfonamides (Bactrim, Septra)
- Aspirin (Disprin, Solprin)
- Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil)
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Ciloxan)
- Blood Glucose Changes
- Metformin (Glucophage, Diaformin)
- Insulin (Lantus, NovoRapid)
- Glipizide (Glucotrol, Minodiab)
- Glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase)
- Pioglitazone (Actos, Glidipion)
- Breast Enlargement in Men
- Spironolactone (Aldactone, Spiractin)
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral, Ketozoe)
- Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)
- Digoxin (Lanoxin, Cardoxin)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet, Cimetag)
- Menstrual Changes
- Oral Contraceptives (Levlen, Yasmin)
- Tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Tamoxen)
- Clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene)
- Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone, Depo-Ralovera)
- SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline)
- Urinary Retention
- Anticholinergics/Antimuscarinics
- These medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory problems, and urinary incontinence. By inhibiting the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, they can lead to urinary retention.
- Examples: Oxybutynin (Ditropan), Tolterodine (Detrol), Solifenacin (Vesicare), Tiotropium (Spiriva).
- Antidepressants
- Certain antidepressants, especially older tricyclic antidepressants, can cause urinary retention. This is due to their anticholinergic effects.
- Examples: Amitriptyline (Elavil), Imipramine (Tofranil), Doxepin (Sinequan).
- Antipsychotics
- Some antipsychotic drugs, particularly the older ones, can lead to urinary retention. This is primarily due to their anticholinergic properties.
- Examples: Haloperidol (Haldol), Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Clozapine (Clozaril).
- Decongestants
- Oral decongestants containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine can cause urinary retention, especially in men with an enlarged prostate. These drugs stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors, which can tighten the muscles at the bladder neck.
- Examples: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), Phenylephrine (found in many over-the-counter cold and flu remedies).
- Antihistamines
- First-generation antihistamines with anticholinergic properties can cause urinary retention.
- Examples: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton).
- Muscle Relaxants
- Certain muscle relaxants can lead to urinary retention by inhibiting bladder contraction.
- Examples: Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), Methocarbamol (Robaxin).
- Opioid Pain Medications
- Opioids can increase the tone of the urinary sphincter and decrease the sensation of bladder fullness, leading to urinary retention.
- Examples: Morphine, Oxycodone (OxyContin), Hydrocodone (Vicodin).
- Calcium Channel Blockers
- Used primarily for treating high blood pressure and heart conditions, some calcium channel blockers can affect bladder function.
- Examples: Nifedipine (Procardia), Verapamil (Calan).
- Beta-3 Agonists
- While used to treat overactive bladder, these drugs can paradoxically cause urinary retention in some individuals.
- Example: Mirabegron (Myrbetriq).
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatments
- Some medications used to treat BPH can cause urinary retention, especially if taken inappropriately or in certain patient populations.
- Examples: Finasteride (Proscar), Dutasteride (Avodart).
- Anticholinergics/Antimuscarinics