The 50 most-filled prescriptions of 2022

Each year, SingleCare helps users save on thousands of prescription medications ranging from beta blockers, to antidepressants, to anti-seizure medications. Here’s a look at the 50 most-filled prescriptions of 2022.

50 most prescribed drugs of 2022

The following are the most popular drugs based on the most filled scripts through SingleCare from Jan. 1, 2022 through Oct. 31, 2022, excluding opioids and weight-loss drugs.

1. Vitamin D (Drisdol, Calciferol)
2. Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Biomox, Polymox)
3. Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Euthyrox, Levoxyl, Unithroid)
4. Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
5. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
6. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR)
7. Amlodipine (Norvasc)
8. Albuterol HFA (Ventolin HFA, Proair HFA, Proventil HFA)
9. Prednisone (Deltasone, Rayos, Prednisone Intensol)
10. Gabapentin (Neurontin)
11. Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
12. Alprazolam (Xanax)
13. Cyclobenzaprine (Fexmid)
14. Azithromycin (Zithromax Z-Pak)
15. Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
16. Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
17. Losartan (Cozaar)
18. Amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (Augmentin)
19. Cephalexin (Keflex)
20. Metformin (Riomet)
21. Metoprolol succinate ER (Toprol XL)
22. Folic acid (Folvite)
23. Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
24. Sildenafil citrate (Viagra, Revatio)
25. Trazodone (Desyrel, Oleptro)
26. Zolpidem tartrate (Ambien)
27. Escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro) 
28. Clonazepam (Klonopin)
29. Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
30. Tadalafil (Cialis)
31. Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
32. Fluconazole (Diflucan)
33. Sertraline (Zoloft)
34. Doxycycline hyclate (Vibramycin, Acticlate, Targadox)
35. Furosemide (Lasix)
36. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
37. Metronidazole (Vandazole, Metrogel, Flagyl)
38. Freestyle Libre
39. Omeprazole (Prilosec)
40. FeroSul (ferrous sulfate)
41. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim)
42. Phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
43. Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)
44. Bromphen/pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan (Bromfed DM)
45. Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
46. Meloxicam (Mobic)
47. Pantoprazole sodium (Protonix)
48. Lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide (Zestoretic)
49. Estradiol (Estrace, Climara, Minivelle)
50. Famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC, Zantac 360)

See the most prescribed drugs of 2021 here. Read on to learn more about the top 10 drugs of 2022. 

1. Vitamin D

Brand names: Drisdol, Calciferol
Used for: Rickets, osteomalacia, hypophosphatemia, hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D is important for the development and maintenance of healthy bones. It not only helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health, it also helps the immune system fight off bacteria and viruses. Despite its importance, nearly 40% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. Severe deficiency can lead to a variety of issues, including loss of bone density and softening of the bones.

“It’s very difficult to get vitamin D from diet alone, so supplementation is very important and common,“ says Suzanne Soliman, Pharm.D., a board-certified pharmacist and founder of Pharmacist Moms Group.

“Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it should be taken after a fatty meal for optimal absorption,” adds Stella Bard, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist located in McKinney, Texas.

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More about vitamin D: What is Vitamin D? | Dosage

2. Amoxicillin

Brand names: Amoxil, Biomox, Polymox
Used for: Bacterial infections

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that is commonly used to treat different types of bacterial infections, including strep throat, ear infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. It’s considered a first-line treatment due to its effectiveness and low cost.

While it doesn’t treat RSV or the flu, which have experienced a surge during recent months, it’s often prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections that result from these illnesses. Symptoms of bacterial infections can also resemble those of RSV and the flu, so a healthcare provider may prescribe this medication as a precautionary measure.

“It’s crucial that patients always remember to finish taking their antibiotic—even if they begin to feel better,” urges Dr. Soliman. But with that, it’s also important that patients only take amoxicillin when necessary to avoid antibiotic resistance.

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More about amoxicillin: What is amoxicillin? | Dosage

3. Levothyroxine 

Brand names: Synthroid, Euthyrox, Levoxyl, Unithroid
Used for: Hypothyroidism, pituitary thyrotropin (TSH) suppression

Levothyroxine is a thyroid replacement hormone that is generally used to treat an under-active thyroid. This condition, known as hypothyroidism, affects nearly 5% of Americans aged 12 years and older. As the most commonly prescribed medication for hypothyroidism, levothyroxine helps to increase the amount of thyroid hormone in the body, thereby managing symptoms such as fatigue, poor memory, weight gain, and depression.

Although it’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hypothyroidism, Dr. Soliman explains that it’s often used for off-label issues like low energy and goiter. 

“It’s important to take levothyroxine sodium on an empty stomach and take it at the same time each day,” she says. “It can interact with some vitamins so it is very important to space it appropriately.”

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More about levothyroxine: What is levothyroxine? | Dosage

4. Lisinopril

Brand names: Prinivil, Zestril
Used for: High blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack survival

High blood pressure is a common condition that affects approximately 90% of Americans at some point in their lifetime. Lisinopril is often prescribed as a treatment for high blood pressure in adults and children older than 6. 

It also can be used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure, which affects around 6.2 million adults in the United States. It works by blocking the production of a certain chemical that causes blood vessels to constrict, allowing blood to flow more easily and lowering a person’s overall blood pressure.

“It can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even a headache, especially when you are first starting treatment,” warns Dr. Soliman. “Inform your healthcare provider if you start to experience a dry cough, which is a common side effect of lisinopril.”

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More about lisinopril: What is lisinopril? | Dosage

5. Ibuprofen 

Brand names: Advil, Motrin
Used for: Pain, inflammation, fever

This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is a popular medication that can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by a doctor in higher doses. It’s often prescribed to relieve pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which affect over 32.5 million and 1.3 million Americans, respectively. Ibuprofen is also very commonly used for minor aches and pains, as well as fever.

But regardless of its ease of access and potential benefits, Dr. Soliman urges patients to use caution when taking ibuprofen. “Don’t take ibuprofen on an empty stomach because it can increase your risk of stomach upset or stomach ulcer,” she says. “Check other over-the-counter (OTC) medications that may also contain ibuprofen to ensure you aren’t taking too much of it each day.”

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More about ibuprofen: What is ibuprofen? | Dosage

6. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine

Brand names: Adderall, Adderall XR 
Used for: ADHD, narcolepsy

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine is a stimulant medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which affects approximately 11% of children in the United States, making it one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood disorders. It’s also prescribed in the treatment of narcolepsy, which is estimated to affect between up to 200,000 people in the United States.

Adderall is available in immediate-release and extended-release versions. It’s classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for misuse and dependence, explains Dr. Soliman. As a result, it’s crucial that patients follow the dosage and schedule information provided by their doctor exactly, as well as safely store the medication away from others.

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More about amphetamine/dextroamphetamine: What is amphetamine/dextroamphetamine? | Dosage

7. Amlodipine 

Brand names: Norvasc
Used for: High blood pressure, chest pain, coronary artery disease

“Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and relieve chronic chest pain,” explains Dr. Bard. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, which helps to reduce blood pressure and improve circulation. Although it can help control chest pain, it doesn’t stop chest pain that has already started, so it’s important that you take the medication as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

Amlodipine is often prescribed alongside recommendations for lifestyle changes, such as eating a low-fat and low-salt diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.

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More about amlodipine: What is amlodipine?

8. Albuterol HFA

Brand names: Ventolin HFA, Proair HFA, Proventil HFA
Used for: Bronchospasm

Albuterol HFA is commonly used to treat and prevent wheezing and shortness of breath in people who have asthma or other breathing disorders. These issues can affect people of any age, with more than 25 million people in the United States currently estimated to have asthma. 

Albuterol HFA is a quick-relief medication, meaning it’s typically used on an as-needed basis to relieve symptoms, so it is important to have it with you at all times in case of an asthma attack. This medication works by opening up the airways to provide immediate relief of acute symptoms. 

It comes in either an aerosol inhaler or as a nebulizer solution, and like all medications, must be used as directed by your healthcare provider.

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More about albuterol HFA: What is albuterol HFA?

9. Prednisone

Brand names: Deltasone, Rayos, Prednisone Intensol
Used for: Arthritis, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and other inflammatory conditions

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid, or steroid, used to treat a wide range of health concerns. “It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory drug that works rapidly to decrease inflammation in the body,” says Dr. Bard. “It’s commonly used to treat inflammatory joint conditions, as well as asthma, allergic reactions, and more.”

Due to its use in the treatment of such a wide range of medical issues, prednisone continues to be one of the most commonly filled prescription drugs. Your healthcare professional may prescribe it on its own or in combination with other medications. 

It’s usually prescribed for a short period of time and then tapered off gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. However, it can be used long-term in some cases. If you are taking prednisone, it is important to follow the directions given to you by your healthcare provider and report any unusual side effects that you experience.

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More about prednisone: What is prednisone? | Dosage

10. Gabapentin

Brand names: Neurontin
Used for: Seizures, nerve pain

“Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and nerve pain medication that is commonly used to treat seizures, as well as pain associated with shingles,” Dr. Bard says. “It’s also frequently prescribed as an off-label treatment for fibromyalgia.” 

With approximately 3.4 million people diagnosed with epilepsy and an additional 1 million who get shingles every year in the United States, gabapentin has become one of the most commonly filled prescriptions. 

This medication works by decreasing abnormal nerve activity in the brain and changing the way the body senses pain. But although it may offer some benefits with regard to controlling certain symptoms, it won’t ultimately cure the underlying issue. Talk to your healthcare provider before you stop taking gabapentin, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, nausea, or pain.

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More about gabapentin: What is gabapentin? | Dosage

Prescription drug use in 2022 vs. previous years