What is the most commonly prescribed drug(s) in UK?
Atorvastatin.
But. The most common medications vary depending on various factors, such as geographical location, medical condition, and population demographic. Nonetheless, overall its atorvastatin.
However we will now describe what are the 10 most common drugs prescribed in the UK, starting with the commonest?
1. Atorvastatin – the most commonly prescribed drug in UK
An HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (or ‘statin’) used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, commonly prescribed for high cholesterol. Other drugs in the group include simvastatin and pravastatin.
2. Levothyroxine
A medication used to replace or supplement thyroid hormone in the body. It is commonly prescribed for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
3. Ramipril
An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Other ACEs include lisinopril and enalapril.
4. Metformin
An oral medication (in the biguanide group), used to treat type 2 diabetes, which lowers blood sugar levels.
5. Amlodipine
A calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). Others ij the group include felodipine and diltiazem.
6. Diuretics (water tablets)
Bendroflumethazide
A thiazide diuretic medication used to treat high blood pressure by increasing urine production, removing excess water and salt from the body.
Furosemide
A loop diuretic medication which also increases urine production, removing excess water and salt from the body. It is used to treat heart, kidney or liver failure, and nephrotic syndrome. Another loop diuretic is called Bumetanide.
7. Bisoprolol
A beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and angina. Others include atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol.
8. Salbutamol
A beta-agonist bronchodilator used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions by opening up airways.
9. Lansoprazole
A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid production, and treat conditions such as heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach and duodenal ulcers. Omeprazole is another tablet in this group.
10. Sertraline
An antidepressant in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group; used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. Others are citalopram and fluoxetine.
Other commonly used drugs
Aspirin, losartan (ARB); linagliptin, insulin, dapagliflozin (all for diabetes); digoxin, doxazosin, anti-epileptics, anti-Parkinsons, anti-coagulants and antibiotics.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and medicines vary according to prescribing practices. It is important to always follow your doctor’s advice and consult with them before starting or stopping any medication.
Summary
We have described what is the most commonly prescribed drug(s) in UK. Atorvastatin. We have added other common ones. We hope it has been helpful.
