Medications is the largest domain on the PTCE, 35% of the exam. Besides brand and generic names, you need to know what each drug class is used for. Grouping classes by condition makes them easier to remember. Here’s a reference, followed by free practice questions.
Heart and blood pressure
Class
Used for
Examples
ACE inhibitors (-pril)
High blood pressure, heart failure
lisinopril, enalapril
ARBs (-sartan)
High blood pressure
losartan, valsartan
Beta blockers (-olol)
High blood pressure, heart rhythm, angina
metoprolol, atenolol
Calcium channel blockers
High blood pressure, angina
amlodipine, diltiazem
Diuretics
Fluid retention, high blood pressure
furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
Statins (-statin)
High cholesterol
atorvastatin, rosuvastatin
Anticoagulants
Preventing blood clots
warfarin, apixaban
Diabetes and thyroid
Class
Examples
Biguanides
metformin
Insulins
insulin glargine, insulin lispro
GLP-1 receptor agonists
semaglutide, liraglutide
Thyroid hormone
levothyroxine
Mental health and the nervous system
Class
Used for
Examples
SSRIs
Depression, anxiety
sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety, seizures (controlled, C-IV)
alprazolam, lorazepam
Anticonvulsants
Seizures, some nerve pain
levetiracetam, gabapentin
Stimulants
ADHD (controlled, C-II)
methylphenidate, amphetamine salts
Infections, pain and breathing
Class
Examples
Penicillins
amoxicillin
Macrolides
azithromycin
NSAIDs
ibuprofen, naproxen
Opioid analgesics
oxycodone, hydrocodone
Bronchodilators
albuterol
Inhaled corticosteroids
fluticasone
Proton pump inhibitors
omeprazole, pantoprazole
Free drug class practice questions
Which drug class is used to lower cholesterol?
Answer: AStatins, such as atorvastatin, lower cholesterol.
Sertraline belongs to which drug class?
Answer: CSertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), used for depression and anxiety.
Which drug is a bronchodilator used for asthma?
Answer: AAlbuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that opens the airways during asthma attacks.
Furosemide is used mainly to:
Answer: BFurosemide is a loop diuretic that helps the body remove excess fluid, for example in heart failure and edema.
Which drug is a first-line oral medication for type 2 diabetes?
Answer: DMetformin, a biguanide, is a common first-line oral medication for type 2 diabetes.
Methylphenidate is used for ADHD and is in which controlled substance schedule?
Answer: AMethylphenidate is a Schedule II stimulant.