Side Effect – 50 most common

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

  1. Nausea
    1. Metformin (Glucophage, Diaformin)
    2. Antibiotics
    3. Opioid painkillers (e.g., Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone)
    4. Iron supplements (Ferro-Gradumet, Ferro-Liquid)
  2. Dizziness
    1. Amlodipine (Norvasc)
    2. Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
    3. Clonidine (Catapres)
    4. Sildenafil (Viagra)
    5. Vardenafil (Levitra)
  3. Drowsiness
    1. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
    2. Lorazepam (Ativan)
    3. Zolpidem (Ambien)
    4. Diazepam (Valium)
    5. Codeine (found in various combination analgesics)
  4. Dry Mouth
    1. Amitriptyline (Endep, Elavil)
    2. Atropine (used in certain medical procedures)
    3. Oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol)
    4. Clonidine (Catapres)
    5. Paroxetine (Paxil, Aropax)
  5. Insomnia
    1. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
    2. Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)
    3. Prednisone (Deltasone)
    4. Theophylline (Theo-24, Theolair)
    5. Sertraline (Zoloft)
  6. Diarrhea
    1. Metformin (Glucophage, Diaformin)
    2. Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
    3. Erythromycin (E-Mycin)
    4. Misoprostol (Cytotec)
    5. Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
  7. Constipation
    1. Oxycodone (OxyContin, Endone)
    2. Iron supplements (Ferro-Gradumet, Ferro-Liquid)
    3. Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
    4. Hydrocodone (found in Vicodin, Norco)
    5. Anticholinergics (e.g., Oxybutynin – Ditropan)
  8. Headache
    1. Sildenafil (Viagra)
    2. Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur)
    3. Monoclonal Antibodies (e.g., Infliximab – Remicade)
    4. Birth control pills (Various brands)
    5. Caffeine (in withdrawal)
  9. Fatigue
    1. Citalopram (Celexa)
    2. Atenolol (Tenormin)
    3. Propranolol (Inderal)
    4. Gabapentin (Neurontin)
    5. Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
  10. Weight Gain
    1. Mirtazapine (Avanza, Remeron)
    2. Prednisolone (Panafcortelone)
    3. Insulin (Various brands)
    4. Quetiapine (Seroquel)
    5. Amitriptyline (Endep, Elavil)
  11. Weight Loss
    1. Topiramate (Topamax)
    2. Metformin (Glucophage, Diaformin)
    3. Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
    4. Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)
    5. ADHD Stimulants (e.g., Methylphenidate – Ritalin, Concerta)
  12. Abdominal Pain
    1. Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil)
    2. Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
    3. Clindamycin (Cleocin)
    4. Metformin (Glucophage, Diaformin)
    5. Erythromycin (E-Mycin)
  13. Anxiety
    1. Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)
    2. Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Eutroxsig)
    3. Albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir)
    4. Prednisone (Deltasone)
    5. Decongestants (e.g., Pseudoephedrine – Sudafed)
  14. Depression
    1. Interferons (used in Hepatitis C and MS treatments)
    2. Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)
    3. Isotretinoin (Accutane, Roaccutane)
    4. Beta-Blockers (e.g., Propranolol – Inderal)
    5. Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone)
  15. Rash
    1. Penicillin (various brands)
    2. Allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim)
    3. Sulfonamides (e.g., Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim – Bactrim)
    4. Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
    5. Chemotherapy drugs (various)
  16. Itching
    1. Codeine (found in various combination analgesics)
    2. Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
    3. Morphine (various brands)
    4. Oxycodone (OxyContin, Endone)
    5. Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin – Lipitor)
  17. Appetite Changes
    1. Prednisone (Deltasone)
    2. SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine – Prozac)
    3. Chemotherapy drugs (various)
    4. Anticonvulsants (e.g., Topiramate – Topamax)
    5. Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
  18. Muscle Cramps/Weakness
    1. Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin – Lipitor)
    2. Furosemide (Lasix)
    3. ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril – Zestril)
    4. Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide – Microzide)
    5. Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol – Lopressor)
  19. Joint Pain
    1. Letrozole (Femara)
    2. Anastrozole (Arimidex)
    3. Statins (e.g., Simvastatin – Zocor)
    4. Isotretinoin (Accutane, Roaccutane)
    5. Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Ciprofloxacin – Cipro)
  20. Increased Sweating
    1. Venlafaxine (Effexor)
    2. Tramadol (Ultram)
    3. SSRIs (e.g., Sertraline – Zoloft)
    4. Tamsulosin (Flomax)
    5. Morphine (various brands)
  21. Photosensitivity
    1. Doxycycline (Vibramycin, Doryx)
    2. Tetracycline (Sumycin)
    3. Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
    4. Sulfonamides (e.g., Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim – Bactrim)
    5. Thiazide diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide)
  22. Heartburn
    1. Aspirin (Bayer, Ecotrin)
    2. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
    3. Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
    4. Oral bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate – Fosamax)
    5. Certain antibiotics (e.g., Doxycycline)
  23. Cough
    1. ACE inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril – Vasotec, Lisinopril – Zestril)
    2. Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol – Lopressor)
    3. Aspirin (in sensitive individuals)
    4. ARBs (e.g., Losartan – Cozaar)
    5. Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., Fluticasone – Flovent)
  24. Shortness of Breath
    1. Beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol – Inderal)
    2. NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen – Advil, Motrin)
    3. ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril – Zestril)
    4. Aspirin (in sensitive individuals)
    5. Opioids (e.g., Morphine)
  25. Palpitations
    1. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
    2. Albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir)
    3. Caffeine (in high doses)
    4. Thyroid medication (e.g., Levothyroxine – Synthroid)
    5. Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs like Sertraline – Zoloft)
  26. Blurred Vision
    1. Amitriptyline (Endep, Tryptanol)
    2. Atropine (Atropt, Atropen)
    3. Cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl, Mydrilate)
    4. Prednisolone (Predmix, Sone)
    5. Tropicamide (Mydriacyl, Tropicacyl)
  27. Tinnitus
    1. Aspirin (Disprin, Solprin)
    2. Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil)
    3. Naproxen (Naprosyn, Inza)
    4. Quinine (Qualaquin, Quinbisul)
    5. Cisplatin (Platinol, Platamine)
  28. Dry Skin
    1. Isotretinoin (Roaccutane, Accutane)
    2. Clonidine (Catapres, Dixarit)
    3. Atorvastatin (Lipitor, Atorva)
    4. Retinoids (Differin, Tretinoin)
    5. Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL, Esidrix)
  29. Sexual Dysfunction
    1. Sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio)
    2. Tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca)
    3. Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
    4. Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)
    5. Sertraline (Zoloft, Eleva)
  30. Blood Pressure Changes
    1. Amlodipine (Norvasc, Amodip)
    2. Lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil)
    3. Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol)
    4. Losartan (Cozaar, Cartia)
    5. Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide, HydroDIURIL)
  31. Mood Swings
    1. Prednisone (Predsolone, Panafcort)
    2. Levetiracetam (Keppra, Epilim)
    3. Fluoxetine (Prozac, Lovan)
    4. Lamotrigine (Lamictal, Lamidus)
    5. Lithium (Lithicarb, Quilonum)
  32. Memory Impairment
    1. Diazepam (Valium, Ducene)
    2. Lorazepam (Ativan, Loraz)
    3. Alprazolam (Xanax, Alprax)
    4. Zolpidem (Stilnox, Ambien)
    5. Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gantin)
  33. Increased Urination
    1. Furosemide (Lasix, Frusenex)
    2. Bumetanide (Burinex, Bumex)
    3. Hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, HydroDIURIL)
    4. Spironolactone (Aldactone, Spiractin)
    5. Torsemide (Demadex, Diuver)
  34. Decreased Libido
    1. Escitalopram (Lexapro, Esipram)
    2. Paroxetine (Paxil, Aropax)
    3. Sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral)
    4. Fluoxetine (Prozac, Lovan)
    5. Citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil)
  35. Tremors
    1. Propranolol (Inderal, Deralin)
    2. Metoprolol (Lopressor, Betaloc)
    3. Albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)
    4. Amiodarone (Cordarone, Aratac)
    5. Lithium (Lithicarb, Quilonum)
  36. Swelling of Extremities
    1. Amlodipine (Norvasc, Amlodip)
    2. Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilzem)
    3. Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
    4. Pregabalin (Lyrica, Pregalin)
    5. Pioglitazone (Actos, Glidipion)
  37. Nosebleeds
    1. Warfarin (Coumadin, Marevan)
    2. Clopidogrel (Plavix, Iscover)
    3. Aspirin (Aspro, Disprin)
    4. Rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Roxalia)
    5. Apixaban (Eliquis, Apixtra)
  38. Gastrointestinal Bleeding
    1. Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil)
    2. Naproxen (Naprosyn, Synflex)
    3. Aspirin (Solprin, Disprin)
    4. Warfarin (Coumadin, Marevan)
    5. Clopidogrel (Plavix, Iscover)
  39. Easy Bruising
    1. Prednisone (Panafcort, Predsolone)
    2. Warfarin (Coumadin, Marevan)
    3. Clopidogrel (Plavix, Iscover)
    4. Aspirin (Aspro, Disprin)
    5. Dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexameth)
  40. Sore Throat
    1. ACE Inhibitors (Lisinopril, Enalapril)
    2. Albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)
    3. Amiodarone (Cordarone, Nexterone)
    4. Chlorhexidine (Peridex, Hibiclens)
    5. Clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo)
  41. Flu-like Symptoms
    1. Interferon (Intron A, Pegasys)
    2. Ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol)
    3. Zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT)
    4. Sunitinib (Sutent, Suninat)
    5. Docetaxel (Taxotere, Docecad)
  42. Chest Pain
    1. Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur)
    2. Isosorbide Mononitrate (Imdur, Monodur)
    3. Ranolazine (Ranexa, Ranozex)
    4. Albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)
    5. Clopidogrel (Plavix, Iscover)
  43. Confusion
    1. Lorazepam (Ativan, Loraz)
    2. Oxycodone (OxyContin, Endone)
    3. Tramadol (Ultram, Tramal)
    4. Fentanyl (Duragesic, Actiq)
    5. Haloperidol (Haldol, Serenace)
  44. Hallucinations
    1. Amantadine (Symmetrel, Amanta)
    2. Levodopa (Sinemet, Madopar)
    3. Zolpidem (Ambien, Stilnox)
    4. Clonidine (Catapres, Arkamin)
    5. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril, Amrix)
  45. Hypersensitivity Reactions
    1. Penicillin (Penicillin V, Bicillin)
    2. Sulfonamides (Bactrim, Septra)
    3. Aspirin (Disprin, Solprin)
    4. Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil)
    5. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Ciloxan)
  46. Blood Glucose Changes
    1. Metformin (Glucophage, Diaformin)
    2. Insulin (Lantus, NovoRapid)
    3. Glipizide (Glucotrol, Minodiab)
    4. Glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase)
    5. Pioglitazone (Actos, Glidipion)
  47. Breast Enlargement in Men
    1. Spironolactone (Aldactone, Spiractin)
    2. Ketoconazole (Nizoral, Ketozoe)
    3. Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)
    4. Digoxin (Lanoxin, Cardoxin)
    5. Cimetidine (Tagamet, Cimetag)
  48. Menstrual Changes
    1. Oral Contraceptives (Levlen, Yasmin)
    2. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Tamoxen)
    3. Clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene)
    4. Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone, Depo-Ralovera)
    5. SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline)
  49. Urinary Retention
    1. 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).
    2. 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).
    3. 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).
    4. 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).
    5. Antihistamines
      • First-generation antihistamines with anticholinergic properties can cause urinary retention.
      • Examples: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton).
    6. Muscle Relaxants
      • Certain muscle relaxants can lead to urinary retention by inhibiting bladder contraction.
      • Examples: Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), Methocarbamol (Robaxin).
    7. 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).
    8. 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).
    9. Beta-3 Agonists
      • While used to treat overactive bladder, these drugs can paradoxically cause urinary retention in some individuals.
      • Example: Mirabegron (Myrbetriq).
    10. 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).