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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Guess the Drug Quiz: Identify Common Generic Drug Names

Quick, free quiz with medication trivia questions. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Pavandeep JandayUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of quiz on generic drug names, with pill icons score tracker fun facts on teal background

This quiz helps you practice generic drug names and connect them to common uses and brand names. Work at your own pace, check answers as you go, and see your score at the end. If you want more challenges, try our medication trivia questions or a broader drug knowledge quiz to keep building your recall.

Which of these is the generic name for Tylenol?
naproxen
acetaminophen
aspirin
ibuprofen
Acetaminophen is the generic name for Tylenol and is used as an analgesic and antipyretic. Unlike NSAIDs, it has minimal anti-inflammatory properties but effectively reduces fever and pain. It works centrally in the brain to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. .
Diphenhydramine is the generic name for which common over-the-counter allergy medication?
Allegra
Benadryl
Claritin
Zyrtec
Diphenhydramine is the first-generation antihistamine sold under the brand name Benadryl. It causes sedation due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making it effective for sleep as well. It blocks H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms like itching and sneezing. .
The suffix '-pril' in a generic drug name indicates which class of medication?
Calcium channel blockers
ACE inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors
Beta blockers
The suffix '-pril' identifies angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, used to lower blood pressure by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to II. Common examples include lisinopril and enalapril. ACE inhibitors also provide benefits in heart failure and diabetic nephropathy. .
Which of the following is the brand name for the generic drug albuterol?
Proventil
Flovent
Ventolin
Xopenex
Ventolin is a widely recognized brand name for albuterol, a short-acting beta-2 agonist used in asthma relief. Proventil is another brand, but Ventolin is the most globally known. Xopenex is levalbuterol, a related isomer, and Flovent is fluticasone, a corticosteroid. .
Which of the following is the generic name of Lipitor?
rosuvastatin
atorvastatin
simvastatin
pravastatin
Atorvastatin is the generic form of Lipitor and is used to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. It belongs to the statin class, which inhibits HMG-CoA reductase in cholesterol synthesis. Side effects may include muscle pain and liver enzyme elevation. .
Which of these is the generic name for Prozac?
sertraline
paroxetine
citalopram
fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sold under the brand name Prozac for depression and several anxiety disorders. It increases serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft. It was one of the first SSRIs introduced and remains widely prescribed. .
The generic name for Zantac is:
esomeprazole
omeprazole
ranitidine
famotidine
Ranitidine was the generic H2 receptor antagonist marketed as Zantac to reduce stomach acid. It was widely used for ulcers and GERD before being withdrawn due to impurity concerns. Famotidine remains available as Pepcid. .
The suffix '-olol' in a generic drug name indicates which class of medication?
Diuretics
Calcium channel blockers
Beta blockers
ACE inhibitors
The suffix '-olol' denotes beta-adrenergic blocking agents, commonly called beta blockers. These drugs slow heart rate and reduce blood pressure by blocking beta receptors. Examples include metoprolol and propranolol. .
Which drug belongs to the biguanide class used in type 2 diabetes?
metformin
insulin glargine
repaglinide
glipizide
Metformin is the only biguanide currently used in clinical practice for type 2 diabetes management, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing hepatic glucose production. Other options listed are sulfonylureas, insulin analogs, or meglitinides. It is first-line therapy due to its efficacy and safety profile. .
Clopidogrel is the generic name for which antiplatelet brand?
Plavix
Pletal
Brilinta
Effient
Clopidogrel is marketed under the brand name Plavix and works by irreversibly inhibiting the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelets to prevent aggregation. It is commonly used post-stent placement and in acute coronary syndromes. Effient and Brilinta are other P2Y12 inhibitors, while Pletal is cilostazol. .
Which of the following generic drugs is a proton pump inhibitor?
cimetidine
ranitidine
omeprazole
famotidine
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that irreversibly blocks the H+/K+ ATPase in gastric parietal cells, greatly reducing acid secretion. Ranitidine, famotidine, and cimetidine are H2 receptor antagonists, which are less potent. PPIs are first-line for GERD and peptic ulcer disease. .
Warfarin is the generic name for which anticoagulant brand?
Eliquis
Pradaxa
Coumadin
Xarelto
Warfarin is sold under the brand name Coumadin and is a vitamin K antagonist that inhibits synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. It requires regular INR monitoring due to its narrow therapeutic index. Newer DOACs like Xarelto and Pradaxa do not require monitoring. .
Sertraline is the generic for which antidepressant?
Lexapro
Celexa
Paxil
Zoloft
Sertraline is the active ingredient in Zoloft, an SSRI used for depression, OCD, and several anxiety disorders. It increases serotonin availability in the synaptic cleft. Paxil is paroxetine, Lexapro is escitalopram, and Celexa is citalopram. .
Which of the following generics is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety?
alprazolam
propranolol
sertraline
buspirone
Alprazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine indicated for anxiety and panic disorders by enhancing GABAergic inhibition. Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic, propranolol is a beta blocker, and sertraline is an SSRI. Benzodiazepines carry risks of dependence. .
Which generic medication is used as an H2 receptor antagonist?
loperamide
diphenhydramine
famotidine
omeprazole
Famotidine is an H2 receptor antagonist that reduces gastric acid secretion by blocking histamine at H2 receptors on parietal cells. It treats ulcers, GERD, and heartburn. Omeprazole is a PPI, loperamide is an antidiarrheal, and diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. .
Which generic drug ends with '-statin' and is used to lower cholesterol?
rosuvastatin
metformin
atenolol
lisinopril
Rosuvastatin is a statin that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, effectively lowering LDL levels. Metformin is an antidiabetic, lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor, and atenolol is a beta blocker. Statins all share the '-statin' suffix. .
Varenicline is the generic name for which smoking cessation aid?
Zyban
Nicolette
Nicoderm CQ
Chantix
Varenicline, marketed as Chantix, is a partial agonist at ?4?2 nicotinic receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Zyban is bupropion, an antidepressant used off-label for cessation. Nicoderm CQ and Nicolette are nicotine replacement therapies. .
Sildenafil is the generic for which erectile dysfunction drug?
Viagra
Cialis
Stendra
Levitra
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra and works by inhibiting PDE5 to increase blood flow to the penis. Cialis is tadalafil, Levitra is vardenafil, and Stendra is avanafil. Sildenafil was the first FDA-approved oral treatment for erectile dysfunction. .
Oxycodone is the generic name for which pain medication?
OxyContin
Vicodin
Norco
Percocet
OxyContin is the brand name for extended-release oxycodone, an opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain. Vicodin combines hydrocodone with acetaminophen, Percocet combines oxycodone with acetaminophen, and Norco is hydrocodone/acetaminophen. Oxycodone itself is a Schedule II opioid. .
Zolpidem is the generic name for which sleep aid?
Sonata
Lunesta
Ambien
Rozerem
Zolpidem is sold under the brand name Ambien and is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic that enhances GABA activity at the benzodiazepine receptor. Sonata is zaleplon, Lunesta is eszopiclone, and Rozerem is ramelteon, a melatonin receptor agonist. Ambien is often used for short-term insomnia. .
Celecoxib is the generic for which NSAID?
Celebrex
Voltaren
Mobic
Naprosyn
Celebrex is the brand name for celecoxib, a COX-2 selective NSAID that reduces inflammation and pain with less gastric toxicity than nonselective NSAIDs. Voltaren is diclofenac, Mobic is meloxicam, and Naprosyn is naproxen. It's often used for arthritis. .
Insulin glargine is the generic name for which long-acting insulin?
Novolin
Humulin
Levemir
Lantus
Lantus is the brand name for insulin glargine, a once-daily long-acting basal insulin analog. Levemir is insulin detemir, Humulin and Novolin are human insulins with shorter action profiles. Glargine provides a relatively peakless insulin level. .
Infliximab is the generic name for which biologic used in autoimmune diseases?
Remicade
Enbrel
Stelara
Humira
Remicade is the brand name for infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting TNF-alpha used in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Humira is adalimumab, Enbrel is etanercept, and Stelara is ustekinumab. Infliximab is given by infusion. .
Naproxen is the generic name for which over-the-counter pain reliever?
Motrin
Advil
Tylenol
Aleve
Aleve is the brand name for naproxen sodium, an NSAID that provides long-lasting pain and inflammation relief. Tylenol is acetaminophen, Motrin is ibuprofen, and Advil is also ibuprofen. Naproxen has a longer half-life, allowing twice-daily dosing. .
Eculizumab is the generic name for which monoclonal antibody drug?
Rituxan
Soliris
Humira
Keytruda
Soliris is the brand name for eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits terminal complement protein C5 to treat rare conditions like paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Rituxan targets CD20, Humira targets TNF-alpha, and Keytruda targets PD-1. Eculizumab requires biweekly infusions. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Generic Drug Names -

    Recall the nonproprietary names of common medications and correctly select their generic equivalents in the quiz.

  2. Differentiate Brand and Generic Medications -

    Distinguish between brand names and generic counterparts to reinforce understanding of drug nomenclature.

  3. Classify Drugs by Therapeutic Class -

    Group medications according to their pharmacological classes based on generic trivia questions.

  4. Recall Key Mechanisms and Uses -

    Remember the primary indications and mechanisms of action associated with each generic drug.

  5. Analyze Fun Facts for Deeper Retention -

    Engage with interesting drugs trivia to enhance memory and connect additional context to generic names.

  6. Evaluate Quiz Performance -

    Track your score and identify areas for improvement to guide further study of generic trivia.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Decoding INN Stems for Drug Classes -

    Many generic drug names share International Nonproprietary Name (INN) stems, such as "-pril" for ACE inhibitors like lisinopril and enalapril. Spotting these stems turns generic trivia questions into a breeze - think "pril stops the squeeze" to recall the class effect of lowering blood pressure (WHO INN Programme).

  2. Identifying Beta-Blockers with "-olol" -

    Generic beta-blockers all end in "-olol," such as metoprolol and propranolol, which helps you breeze through drugs trivia on cardiovascular meds. A handy mnemonic is "LOL keeps you calm" to remember their role in reducing heart rate and blood pressure (American Heart Association).

  3. Distinguishing Generic vs Brand Names -

    Generic drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are bioequivalent to their brand counterparts Tylenol and Advil, offering the same therapeutic effect at lower cost. The FDA Orange Book is a reliable reference to confirm generics' equivalence and safety before answering any generic trivia questions (U.S. FDA).

  4. Applying Pharmacokinetics: Half-Life & Dosing -

    Knowing a drug's half-life (t½) clarifies dosing intervals; for instance, warfarin's ~40-hour half-life informs weekly INR monitoring schedules. This principle is often asked in drugs trivia, so linking half-life formulas (t½ = ln2/ke) to clinical examples boosts retention (Goodman & Gilman).

  5. Using Class-Specific Adverse Effect Mnemonics -

    Recognizing that statins end in "-statin," like simvastatin or atorvastatin, and can cause myopathy is key for quick recall during drug trivia rounds. Try the phrase "stains hurt muscles" to cement this adverse effect in memory (National Lipid Association).

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