Top 10 Most Prescribed Medications in Australia and Their Uses
In the ever-changing world of healthcare, staying informed about the most commonly prescribed medications can empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health.
Rosuvastatin
Prescriptions in 2020-21:
In this period, Rosuvastatin was the most prescribed, with a total of 14.2 million prescriptions being dispensed across Australia.
Primary Uses:
Rosuvastatin is prominently used for the treatment of high cholesterol. Additionally, it plays a significant role in the prevention of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. It becomes a common prescription when patients do not show adequate response to lifestyle modifications, including changes in diet and exercise regimes.
How it Works:
Rosuvastatin works byreducing cholesterol production within the body. By doing this, it minimises the accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the artery walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This ensures improved blood and oxygen flow to the heart, brain, and other vital parts of the body, reducing the risk factors that commonly lead to heart disease and other cardiovascular complications.
Administration and Side Effects:
Rosuvastatin is typically administered orally and can be taken as a tablet or capsule. While taking this medication, patients need to avoid grapefruit, as it can aggravate certain side effect. Patients may also experience some common, mild side effects like constipation, headache, muscle pain, and nausea. Although rare, there are severe side effects to be aware of, such as allergic reactions, intense muscle pain, and the presence of dark urine. In any case, the advice and supervision of a healthcare professional are essential to manage dosage and monitor potential interactions with other medications or health conditions.
Atorvastatin
Prescriptions in 2020-21:
Atorvastatin was one of the most prescribed medications, with 11.7 of prescriptions dispensed throughout Australia.
Primary Uses:
Atorvastatin is chiefly used to lower high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of good cholesterol (HDL). It plays a pivotal role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, making it a common prescription for individuals at risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How it Works:
Atorvastatin functions by inhibiting an enzyme crucial for cholesterol production in the liver. By blocking this enzyme, the medication effectively reduces overall cholesterol levels. This reduction mitigates the risk of atherosclerosis—the hardening or narrowing of arteries—thereby lowering the incidence of cardiovascular complications.
Administration and Side Effects:
Patients typically take Atorvastatin orally, most often in the form of a once-daily tablet.Some individuals may experience mild side effects like headaches, stomach pain, or nasal congestion. Grapefruit needs to be avoided while on this medication. There are also more severe but rare side effects, such as muscle pain, liver problems, or allergic reactions characterised by swelling, rash, or breathing difficulties. It is always recommended for patients to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and to be informed of potential interactions with other medications or existing health conditions.
Pantoprazole
Prescriptions in 2020-21:
Pantoprazole was the third most frequently prescribed in this period, with a total of 9.3 million prescriptions dispensed across Australia.
Primary Uses:
Pantoprazole is often prescribed to treat conditions associated with excessive stomach acid production, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and other inflammatory conditions of the oesophagus. It provides relief from symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and persistent cough caused by acid reflux.
How it Works:
This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It works by inhibiting the action of the proton pumps in the stomach lining that produce acid, effectively reducing the amount of stomach acid produced. This action not only provides symptomatic relief but also allows healing of the damaged oesophagus lining caused by acid reflux.
Administration and Side Effects:
Pantoprazole is usually administered orally and can be taken as a tablet or granules mixed with water,half an hour before food. Patients may experience mild side effects like diarrhoea, stomach pain, or headache. Rarer yet more severe side effects include kidney issues, lupus-like symptoms, and bone fractures. As with all medications, consulting a healthcare professional is essential for personalised advice on dosage, and to understand potential interactions with other drugs or underlying health conditions.
Esomeprazole
Prescriptions in 2020-21:
In this period, Esomeprazole prescriptions were dispensed 8.4 million times in Australia, ranking fourth in total prescription dispensed.
Primary Uses:
Esomeprazole is predominantly used to treat conditions resulting from excessive stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It's also prescribed for the healing of erosive oesophagitis and the prevention of gastric ulcers caused by infections or the prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
How it Works:
As a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), Esomeprazole works by reducing the production of stomach acid, providing relief from acid-related symptoms and allowing the oesophagus to heal from acid damage. It also helps in preventing the occurrence of gastric ulcers.
Administration and Side Effects:
Esomeprazole is typically taken orally30 minutes before food, available in tablet or capsule form. Common mild side effects can include headache, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea, nausea, or abdominal pain. More severe, albeit rare side effects, encompass kidney disease, severe diarrhoea caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria, and bone fractures. As with any medication, it’s important for patients to seek advice from a healthcare professional for appropriate dosage instructions and potential drug interactions or contraindications based on individual health profiles.
Perindopril
Prescriptions in 2020-21:
In this timeframe, Perindopril was dispensed 6.9 million times in Australia.
Primary Uses:
Perindopril is primarily prescribed to individuals suffering from high blood pressure (hypertension). Additionally, it's utilised in treating heart failure and is often recommended for patients who have experienced a heart attack to improve survival and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events
How it Works:
Perindopril belongs to the class of medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing the strain on the heart. It also helps enhance the heart's ability to pump blood in patients with heart failure.
Administration and Side Effects:
The medication is administered orally, often in tablet form. Common side effects of Perindopril may include cough, dizziness, and headache. However, some patients might experience more severe side effects, such as kidney problems, high potassium levels, or severe allergic reactions. It’s always advisable to be under the care of a healthcare professional who can provide personalised dosage recommendations and monitor for potential interactions with other medications or underlying health conditions.
Escitalopram
Prescriptions in 2020-21:
During this period, Escitalopram was widely prescribed, with 5.5 million prescriptions dispensed.
Primary Uses:
Escitalopram is commonly used to treat depression and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). It aids in restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, leading to an improvement in energy levels, feelings of well-being, and a reduction in nervousness.
How it Works:
As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Escitalopram increases levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with mood, emotion, and sleep. By stabilising serotonin levels, the medication helps enhance mood, reduce anxiety, and improve the overall emotional state.
Administration and Side Effects:
Escitalopram is taken orally, typically as a once-daily tabletin the morning. Although some people can notice improvement in 2-3 weeks after commencing the tablet, it takes 4-6 weeks to reach its full effect.Patients might experience mild side effects like nausea, insomnia, or fatigue. There are also more severe, but less common side effects, such as serotonin syndrome (characterised by agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat), severe nausea, and unusual bleeding or bruising. It's essential for patients to work closely with a healthcare professional for appropriate dosage management and monitoring of potential side effects or interactions with other medications or conditions.
Metformin
Prescriptions in 2020-21:
Metformin saw a high prescription rate during this period, dispensed 5.4 million times in Australia.
Primary Uses:
Metformin is most commonly prescribed to individuals with type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar levels. It’s particularly beneficial for those who struggle to manage their blood sugar through diet and exercise alone.
How it Works:
Metformin works by decreasing the amount of sugar the liver releases into the bloodstream and increasing the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin. This dual action helps to control blood sugar levels and improve the body’s response to insulin.
Administration and Side Effects:
The medication is typically taken orally after meals and is available in tablet or liquid form. Common side effects include stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhoea, which typically subside as the body adjusts to the medication. More severe side effects, though rare, can include lactic acidosis, a build-up of lactic acid in the bloodstream. As always, it’s crucial for individuals to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the correct dosage and to monitor any potential side effects or interactions with other medications or health conditions.
Sertraline
Prescriptions in 2020-21:
In Australia, Sertraline prescriptions were dispensed 5.1 million times over this period.
Primary Uses:
Sertraline is primarily used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It helps improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may assist in restoring interest in daily living.
How it Works:
As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Sertraline increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with mood and emotion. This increase helps to balance mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.
Administration and Side Effects:
Sertraline is administered orally, typically in the form of a tablet or a liquid, once daily either in the morning or evening. Like escitalopram, it takes 4-6 weeks to achieve the full effect. Common side effects may include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, or change in appetite. More severe but rare side effects include easy bruising/bleeding, decreased interest in sex, or weight loss. Consulting a healthcare professional is always advised to get personalized dosage recommendations and to be made aware of potential interactions with other drugs or health conditions.
Cefalexin
Prescriptions in 2020-21:
During this period, Cefalexin was a commonly prescribed antibiotic, amounting to 4.6 million prescriptions dispensed.
Primary Uses:
Cefalexin is primarily used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including those affecting the skin, bone, respiratory tract, and urinary tract. It is particularly effective against infections caused by staphylococci and streptococci bacteria.
How it Works:
Cefalexin belongs to the class of drugs known as cephalosporin antibiotics. It operates by interfering with the bacteria's cell wall formation, causing the cell wall to rupture and lead to the death of the bacteria, effectively stopping the growth and multiplication of bacterial cells.
Administration and Side Effects:
Cefalexin is typically administered orally and is available in capsule, tablet, or liquid form. As cefalexin is an antibiotic, it is important to finish the whole course even if the symptoms have subsided. While taking this antibiotic, patients may experience side effects like diarrhoea, dizziness, or rash. In rare cases, more severe side effects like abdominal pain, unusual tiredness, or persistent nausea/vomiting can occur.Some of these side effects can be minimised by taking a probiotic concurrently, two hours apart from the antibiotic dose.It's essential for individuals to consult with their healthcare professional to receive appropriate dosage instructions and be made aware of potential drug interactions or underlying health concerns.
Amlodipine
Prescriptions in 2020-21:
Amlodipine prescriptions were dispensed 4.5 million times in Australia throughout this period.
Primary Uses:
Amlodipine is predominantly used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain caused by coronary heart disease). It aids in preventing strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems by lowering high blood pressure and relieving episodes of angina.
How it Works:
Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels, allowing for improved blood flow and reducing the heart's workload. The relaxation of coronary arteries also increases the oxygen supply to the heart, alleviating angina symptoms.
Administration and Side Effects:
This medication is administered orally and is typically taken once a day in tablet form. Common side effects associated with Amlodipine include swelling in the ankles or feet, flushing, and dizziness. Rare but more severe side effects can include a significant drop in blood pressure, allergic reactions, and increased or irregular heartbeats. As always, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to receive personalized dosage recommendations and to monitor potential interactions with other medications or underlying health conditions.
This rundown of top medications shows the variety of health issues they help manage. But remember, these are general insights. Every person is different, and that's why chatting with a doctor is so crucial. They’ll give advice that’s tailored just for you, making sure the medication is safe and works well. In a world full of information, a mix of being in the know and getting expert advice is key to the best health outcomes.
Source: AIHW analysis of PBS and RPBS data maintained by the Australian Government Department of Health. Data from 2020-2021
Written By
Zen Xiao