The 50 most-filled prescriptions in 2023

Each year, SingleCare helps people save on prescriptions. Because we offer up to 80% off, people know they can come to us to help them save on medications for sudden illnesses, chronic conditions, skin flare-ups, and more. Thanks to our consistently low prices we tend to see trends in the medications that people fill at the pharmacy using our coupons. 

In 2023, the top medications with SingleCare customers included vitamin D supplements, inhalers, and anti-inflammatory drugs. We compiled prescription fill data from the year to discover the 50 most popular medications from around the country. Read on to see if any of your prescriptions made the list.

50 most popular drugs of 2023

The following are the most popular drugs based on the most filled scripts through SingleCare in 2023:

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

1. Levothyroxine 

Brand names: Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, Tirosint
Used for: Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough of the thyroid hormone. The condition, which affects close to 5% of Americans, is controlled with medications like levothyroxine.  

Levothyroxine is used as a thyroid hormone replacement drug, by supplementing or replacing the amount of thyroid hormone normally made by the body. For people with hypothyroidism, using levothyroxine can help address symptoms of an underactive thyroid such as low energy, weight gain, tiredness, and joint or muscle pain.

More about levothyroxine: What is levothyroxine? | Dosage | Levothyroxine coupons

2. Vitamin D

Brand names: Drisdol, Calciferol
Used for: Osteomalacia

Around 40% of the U.S. population is vitamin D deficient, with women, older adults, and non-Hispanic Black Americans most at risk. Vitamin D is crucial because, without it, the body can’t absorb calcium—it’s why the vitamin is associated with healthy teeth and bones. You can get vitamin D through sun exposure, through your diet, and through additional supplements or medication.

Vitamin D supplements are available over the counter, but a healthcare practitioner may prescribe vitamin D to treat severe vitamin D deficiency or osteomalacia, a bone disease where the bones soften. It’s often the result of a long-term vitamin D deficiency. Prescription-strength vitamin D is also used to treat rickets, which causes weak, soft bones in children. OTC vitamin D and prescription vitamin D are dosed differently, so be sure to read the directions for use before taking.

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

3. Amoxicillin

Brand names: Amoxil, Moxatag, Trimox
Used for: Bacterial infections 

Amoxicillin is one of the most widely prescribed medications among young people and adults alike. It’s a penicillin antibiotic, so it’s used to treat bacterial infections­, like ear, nose, or throat infections, pneumonia, or urinary tract infections. It does not treat viral infections such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19.

Because it’s so well-tolerated, comes in several different forms, and is safe for pregnant people and young children, amoxicillin is one of the more common antibiotics. If you are prescribed amoxicillin, it’s important to finish the entire course, even if you start feeling better, to ensure that the infection is completely gone and to ensure you don’t develop antibiotic resistance.

More about amoxicillin: What is amoxicillin? | Dosage | Amoxicillin coupons

4. Lisinopril

Brand names: Prinivil, Zestril
Used for: Heart failure, high blood pressure 

Nearly half of all American adults have hypertension, or high blood pressure. If hypertension goes untreated, it raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or kidney disease. 

Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE, inhibitor. It helps your blood vessels widen rather than constrict, which lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for blood to pump through your body.

Lisinopril can be taken by people ages 6 years and older to treat hypertension. It’s also used after a heart attack or heart failure. If you are taking lisinopril after a heart attack or failure, it’s likely that you’ll be on it for a set amount of time. If you’re taking it for high blood pressure, you may be on it longer term. It’s likely that your healthcare provider will gradually increase the dose to avoid dizziness, which can be a side effect of the medication.

More about lisinopril: What is lisinopril? | Dosage | Lisinopril coupons

5. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine

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

This stimulant drug combination is more commonly known as Adderall and is used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. About 6 million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD—it’s the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in American kids—and about 62% take medication to treat it. Adderall is also prescribed to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that can cause someone to fall asleep during the day or experience bouts of extreme sleepiness.

Adderall comes in two different formulas, including immediate release and slow release. This year, much of the nation has experienced an Adderall shortage, with demand outpacing supply by manufacturers and drug companies waiting to have production quotas increased by the Federal Drug Administration. If this shortage has affected you, work with your prescriber and pharmacist to locate stock or make appropriate decisions for therapy alternatives.

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

6. Amlodipine 

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

Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure. In a medication class known as calcium channel blockers, amlodipine works by allowing the blood vessels to relax, reducing pressure on the heart. When taken for chest pain, it works by allowing more blood to flow to the heart. It’s approved for use by adults and children ages 6 and older. 

While amlodipine helps control high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and chest pain, it’s important to note that it will not cure any of these conditions. It’s best to chat with your healthcare provider about combining the medication with other lifestyle changes, like a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, reduced alcohol intake, and reduced stress.

More about amlodipine: What is amlodipine? | Amlodipine dosage | Amlodipine coupons

7. Gabapentin

Brand names: Neurontin, Horizant
Used for: Seizures, neural pain, restless leg syndrome

This anti-convulsive medication is approved to treat seizures in both adults and children, but it’s also prescribed to help relieve the aches and pain that can linger after a bout of shingles. Extended-release gabapentin, known as Horizant, treats symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

The drug works by inhibiting the messages the brain sends nerves and muscles, slowing down their activity. It’s also often prescribed off-label—that is, for a use other than what it’s been approved for—as a treatment for fibromyalgia. The condition, which affects about 4 million adults or 2% of the U.S. population, causes pain throughout the body and can make people more sensitive to pain in general.

More about gabapentin: What is gabapentin? | Dosage | Gabapentin coupons

8. Atorvastatin 

Brand names: Lipitor
Used for: Cholesterol, cardiovascular disease 

Atorvastatin is a type of statin. This type of medication is often prescribed to people at risk of cardiovascular disease or people who have high cholesterol. Statins like atorvastatin work by reducing LDL cholesterol levels, aka the “bad” kind.

Usually, an atorvastatin prescription will go hand-in-hand with lifestyle changes to help reduce the chances of a heart attack or stroke. Taking steps like increasing exercise, eating more fruits, veggies, and lean meats, and quitting smoking are likely to be advised by your healthcare professional.

Interestingly, there is also growing evidence that people taking statins like atorvastatin may reduce their risk of certain cancers or prolong life after some diagnoses.

More about atorvastatin: What is atorvastatin? | Dosage | Atorvastatin coupons

9. Prednisone

Brand names: Deltasone, Prednicot, Orasone Rayos
Used for: Inflammation, allergies, autoimmune disorders 

Because it works as an anti-inflammatory, prednisone is used for a wide range of health concerns, from skin infections to asthma to autoimmune disorders. Corticosteroids like prednisone mimic cortisol, a hormone that’s released in the body when you’re under threat, like if you get an infection. Cortisol helps the body reduce inflammation and calm things down; corticosteroids act similarly.

While prednisone can be effective in the short term, long-term use is often reserved for chronic conditions as there can be serious side effects like weight gain, osteoporosis, and a higher risk of infection. If you are taking prednisone, especially long-term, make sure all of your healthcare providers are aware.

More about prednisone: What is prednisone? | Dosage | Prednisone coupons

10. Albuterol HFA

Brand names: Ventolin HFA, Proair HFA, Proventil HFA
Used for: Bronchospasm, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Albuterol is more commonly known as an asthma inhaler, but it’s in a medicine class known as bronchodilators. These medicines work by relaxing the muscles around your lungs, making breathing easier. It’s a quick-relief prescription, so it’s used on an as-needed basis rather than consistently. Some patients may take it preventatively before exercise.

Most people won’t experience side effects with albuterol, but if you’re on medication for heart disease or cardiovascular issues, it’s important to let your healthcare provider know, as it can cause or make heart failure worse. 

More about albuterol HFA: What is albuterol HFA? | Albuterol HFA coupons

Most popular drugs of past 5 years

Sources

• Hypothyroidism prevalence in the United States: A retrospective study combining national health and nutrition examination survey and claims data, 2009–2019, Journal of the Endocrine Society (2022)
• Prevalence, trend, and predictor analyses of vitamin D deficiency in the U.S. population, 2001–2018, Frontiers in Nutrition (2022)
• Osteomalacia, StatPearls (2023)
• Amoxicillin, Medline Plus (2023)
• Facts about hypertension, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023)
• Health threats from high blood pressure, American Heart Association (2022)
• ADHD in the U.S. – Statistics & facts, Statista (2023)
• ADHD medications still in shortage, frustrating patients and doctors, NBC News (2023)
• Amlodipine, StatPearls (2023)
• Horizant, Azurity Pharmaceuticals (2023)
• Gabapentin, StatPearls (2022)
• Fibromyalgia, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022)
• Statins may do double duty on heart disease and cancer, American Heart Association (2022)
• Corticosteroid adverse effects, StatPearls (2023)
• Bronchodilators, StatPearls (2023)