Here you’ll find 21 Medications that start with Z, organized from “Zafirlukast” to “Zuranolone”. These include respiratory, psychiatric, hormonal, and dermatologic agents used in everyday clinical care.
Medications that start with Z are generic and brand drugs whose generic names begin with the letter Z. They include notable drugs like zolpidem, widely known for treating short-term insomnia.
Below you’ll find the table with Generic name, Brand name(s), Drug class, Common uses, and Common side effects.
Generic name: The internationally recognized name you can use to find consistent dosing and prescribing information across regions.
Brand name(s): Lists common commercial names so you can match what appears on prescriptions or pharmacy labels.
Drug class: Shows the medication’s therapeutic group, which helps you understand how it works and its alternatives.
Common uses: Summarizes typical conditions treated so you can quickly see when a drug is usually prescribed.
Common side effects: Lists frequent adverse effects so you know what to watch for and discuss with a clinician.
Medications that start with Z
| Name | Brand names | Drug class | Common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zafirlukast | Accolate | Leukotriene receptor antagonist | Asthma maintenance, seasonal allergies |
| Zaleplon | Sonata | Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic (Z-drug) | Short-term treatment of insomnia |
| Zanamivir | Relenza | Neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral | Treatment and prevention of influenza (flu) |
| Zanubrutinib | Brukinsa | BTK inhibitor (cancer therapy) | Certain types of lymphoma and leukemia |
| Ziconotide | Prialt | N-type calcium channel blocker | Severe chronic pain |
| Zidovudine | Retrovir | Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) | HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention |
| Zileuton | Zyflo, Zyflo CR | 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor | Asthma maintenance and prevention |
| Zilucoplan | Zilbrysq | Complement C5 inhibitor | Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) |
| Zinc acetate | Galzin, Wilzin | Copper chelating agent | Wilson’s disease, zinc deficiency |
| Zinc sulfate | Orazinc, Zincaps | Mineral supplement | Zinc deficiency, wound healing |
| Ziprasidone | Geodon, Zeldox | Atypical antipsychotic | Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder |
| Zofenopril | Zocard, Bifril | ACE inhibitor | High blood pressure, heart attack |
| Zoledronic acid | Reclast, Zometa, Aclasta | Bisphosphonate | Osteoporosis, high blood calcium from cancer, Paget’s disease |
| Zolmitriptan | Zomig | Triptan (serotonin receptor agonist) | Acute treatment of migraine headaches |
| Zolpidem | Ambien, Stilnox, Edluar | Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic (Z-drug) | Short-term treatment of insomnia |
| Zonisamide | Zonegran | Anticonvulsant | Partial seizures in epilepsy |
| Zopiclone | Imovane, Zimovane | Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic | Short-term treatment of severe insomnia |
| Zotepine | Zoleptil, Lodopin | Atypical antipsychotic | Acute and chronic schizophrenia |
| Zucapsaicin | Civamide, Zuacta | Topical analgesic (TRPV1 agonist) | Pain from osteoarthritis |
| Zuclopenthixol | Clopixol, Cisordinol | Typical antipsychotic | Schizophrenia, psychosis, mania |
| Zuranolone | Zurzuvae | Neuroactive steroid (GABA-A modulator) | Postpartum depression (PPD) |
Descriptions
Zafirlukast
An oral tablet taken twice daily on an empty stomach to prevent asthma attacks. It is not a rescue inhaler. Common side effects include headache and stomach upset.
Zaleplon
An oral capsule that helps you fall asleep quickly. It has a very short duration of action. Side effects include dizziness and next-day drowsiness. The typical dose is 5-10 mg at bedtime.
Zanamivir
An inhaled powder used to treat or prevent the flu by stopping the virus from spreading. It is not a substitute for a flu shot. May cause headache or throat irritation.
Zanubrutinib
An oral capsule used as a targeted chemotherapy for specific blood cancers. It blocks a protein that helps cancer cells survive. Common side effects include bruising, fatigue, and low blood counts.
Ziconotide
A potent non-opioid pain medication delivered by a pump directly into the spinal fluid (intrathecal). It is reserved for severe pain when other treatments have failed. Can cause confusion and dizziness.
Zidovudine
An oral or IV antiviral medication used in combination with other drugs to treat HIV. It works by decreasing the amount of virus in the body. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and anemia.
Zileuton
An oral tablet used for the long-term control of asthma in adults and adolescents. It works by blocking substances that cause airway inflammation. Requires regular liver function monitoring.
Zilucoplan
A daily, self-administered subcutaneous injection for adults with gMG, an autoimmune disorder. It helps reduce muscle weakness. Common side effects are injection site reactions and respiratory infections.
Zinc acetate
An oral capsule used to treat Wilson’s disease by preventing the body from absorbing copper. It is also used as a zinc supplement. Can cause an upset stomach.
Zinc sulfate
An over-the-counter oral supplement used to treat or prevent low zinc levels. It supports immune function and helps with wound healing. Best taken with food to avoid stomach upset.
Ziprasidone
An oral capsule or injection used to treat schizophrenia and manic episodes of bipolar disorder. It must be taken with food. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.
Zofenopril
An oral tablet in the ACE inhibitor class used to treat high blood pressure and improve outcomes after a heart attack. Approved in Europe but not the US. A dry cough is a common side effect.
Zoledronic acid
An intravenous (IV) infusion that strengthens bones and treats high calcium levels. For osteoporosis, it is often given just once a year. May cause temporary flu-like symptoms after the infusion.
Zolmitriptan
Used to treat migraine attacks as they happen, not for prevention. Available as a tablet, nasal spray, or dissolving tablet. Side effects can include dizziness, nausea, and a tingling sensation.
Zolpidem
An oral tablet that helps people fall and stay asleep. It can cause unusual sleep-related behaviors like sleepwalking. The typical dose is 5-10 mg taken right before bed.
Zonisamide
An oral capsule used with other medications to control certain types of seizures in adults with epilepsy. It calms excessive electrical activity in the brain. Side effects can include drowsiness and loss of appetite.
Zopiclone
An oral sleeping pill used to treat insomnia, popular in Canada and Europe but not the US. A common side effect is a persistent bitter or metallic taste. Use is typically limited to a few weeks.
Zotepine
An oral antipsychotic medication used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia. It is approved for use in Europe and Japan. Side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and potential weight gain.
Zucapsaicin
A topical cream applied to the skin over painful joints, such as the knee, to relieve osteoarthritis pain. It is derived from chili peppers and can cause a burning sensation.
Zuclopenthixol
An antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and other psychoses. It is available as oral tablets or a long-acting injection. Commonly used in the UK, Australia, and other countries. Can cause drowsiness and movement disorders.
Zuranolone
A once-daily oral capsule taken for a 14-day course to treat postpartum depression. It works rapidly to improve mood. Can cause extreme drowsiness, so driving is restricted after taking it.