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There are over 20,000 prescription drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The number of medical prescriptions dispensed in the US has almost doubled from 2009 to 2022 (the latest year of available data). But which drugs are doctors prescribing the most?
We've compiled some data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and bring you a list of the 30 most prescribed drugs in the US. It should be noted that the survey data refers to the two years prior to publication. This means that the data published in 2024 is from 2022.
Click on to find out what are the most prescribed drugs in America.
Prednisone is a glucocorticoid used in the treatment of asthma and COPD, among other conditions. The total of Prednisone prescriptions in the US amount to 18,201,857.
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is often prescribed in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. A total of 18,859,721 prescriptions were dispensed in the US.
Insulin Glargine is a type of injected medical insulin. It's used to manage type I and type II diabetes. It was prescribed 18,983,905 times.
Apixaban is an anticoagulant used in the treatment and prevention of blood clots. American doctors prescribed it a total of 19,420,949 times.
Amoxicillin is a popular penicillin antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. The total of Amoxicillin prescriptions in the US amount to 20,465,164.
Fluticasone is a glucocorticoid used to treat rhinosinusitis and allergies. A total of 22,557,458 prescriptions were dispensed by American doctors.
Furosemide is a diuretic used in the treatment of edema caused by a number of conditions, including congestive heart failure and liver disease. It was prescribed 23,067,424 times.
Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol is a popular non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic drug. Hydrocodone, on the other hand, is an opioid painkiller. Prescriptions of both drugs amount to 23,521,228.
This antidepressant, sold under the brand name Prozac, was prescribed 24,014,263 times.
Bupropion is an antidepressant that is also used to support smoking cessation. The total of Bupropion prescriptions in the US amount to 25,197,923.
Tamsulosin is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and chronic prostatitis. This drug was prescribed 25,306,357 times.
Simvastatin is a statin used to lower lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels. A total of 26,459,069 prescriptions were dispensed by US doctors.
Trazodone is a popular antidepressant used to treat depressive and anxiety disorders. American doctors prescribed it 27,363,318 times.
Montelukast is a preventative drug used in the treatment of asthma. The total of Montelukast prescriptions in the US amount to 29,187,952.
Pantoprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor used to in the treatment of acid reflux, and gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and heartburn. Americans were prescribed this drug 30,670,528 times.
This popular antidepressant, sold under the band names Cipralex and Lexapro, was prescribed 30,750,612 times.
This central nervous system stimulant is used in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (sleep disorder). A total of 34,690,297 prescriptions were dispensed .
Rosuvastatin is a statin used in the prevention of cardiovascular disease by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides levels. The drug was prescribed 37,095,971 times.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic used to treat edema and hypertension. The total of Hydrochlorothiazide prescriptions amount to 38,153,288.
Sertraline is an antidepressant of the serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. A total of 39,891,990 prescriptions were dispensed .
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that is often used to treat seizures and neuropathic pain. Americans were prescribed Gabapentin 40,141,486 times.
Omeprazole is a popular proton pump inhibitor used to treat a number of gastric issues, including indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux. A total of 52,132,950 prescriptions were dispensed by doctors in the US.
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used to treat high blood pressure. The drug was prescribed 53,555,510 times.
Albuterol or Salbutamol, which is sold under the brand name Ventolin, is a bronchodilator used to treat asthma and other breathing issues. A total of 59,075,269 prescriptions were issued.
Metoprolol is a beta blocker used to regulate heart rate, often in people with angina and hypertension. It was prescribed by doctors 65,245,216 times.
This popular calcium channel blocker is used to treat high blood pressure. A total of 70,766,211 prescriptions were dispensed by doctors.
This drug, used in the treatment of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) was prescribed 82,431,914 times.
Lisinopril is popular drug used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension). The total of Lisinopril prescriptions amount to 82,513,967.
Metformin is usually prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar levels. This drug was prescribed a total of 86,747,907 times.
Atorvastatin is the most prescribed drug in the US. It's a statin, used to prevent cardiovascular disease by treating high blood cholesterol. A total of 27,935,702 people have been prescribed the drug 109,582,746 times.
Sources: (ClinCalc) (Statista) (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) (Insider Monkey) (SingleCare)
See also: Signs you might be taking too many meds
The 30 most prescribed drugs in the US
Thousands of Americans take these medications
HEALTH Medication
There are over 20,000 prescription drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The number of medical prescriptions dispensed in the US has almost doubled from 2009 to 2022 (the latest year of available data). But which drugs are doctors prescribing the most?
We've compiled some data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and bring you a list of the 30 most prescribed drugs in the US. It should be noted that the survey data refers to the two years prior to publication. This means that the data published in 2024 is from 2022.
Click on to find out what are the most prescribed drugs in America.