This index lets you look up a medicine by name and go straight to its side-effect guide. Brand names differ between countries, so if you cannot find your product, check the generic name printed under the brand on the box. For the wider picture, start at the medication side effects hub.
Start here: find the right side-effect guide
Category cards
Pain, fever and inflammation
Paracetamol, Panado, ibuprofen, Myprodol, Betapyn, codeine, aspirin, Voltaren gel, NSAIDs
Mental health
Lexamil, escitalopram, Cilift, sertraline, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, Trepiline, Urbanol, Rivotril, quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, lithium
Heart, blood pressure and cholesterol
Amlodipine, enalapril, ramipril, losartan, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, atorvastatin, Aspavor, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, warfarin, clopidogrel
Diabetes and weight
Metformin, Glucophage, gliclazide, insulin, Ozempic, semaglutide, Mounjaro, tirzepatide
Hormonal and contraception
Implanon, Nexplanon, Mirena, Depo-Provera, Nur-Isterate, Yaz, Yasmin, Triphasil, Nordette, Visanne, Primolut N, HRT
Chest, allergy and stomach
Ventolin, salbutamol, steroid inhalers, Allergex, cetirizine, loratadine, Corenza C, Sinutab, Med-Lemon, Imodium, Buscopan, Gaviscon, Eno
Thyroid, steroids and other chronic medicines
Eltroxin, levothyroxine, prednisone, methotrexate, allopurinol, colchicine, lamotrigine, Epilim, carbamazepine
Supplements
Magnesium, vitamin D, zinc, iron tablets, creatine, ashwagandha, collagen, St John’s Wort, turmeric, fish oil
Common vs serious effects
Every page in this index separates the effects that are usually a nuisance from the ones that need medical attention. If you have not yet identified the medicine, the symptom index may get you there faster.
Common side effects vs serious side effects
Common examples linked to medicine side effects A-Z
Medicines in the same class tend to share a side-effect profile, which is why the index is grouped rather than purely alphabetical. Anti-inflammatories share stomach risk. Antidepressants share an early adjustment period. Blood pressure medicines share dizziness on standing. Knowing the class often answers the question faster than knowing the brand.
How to describe frequency without overclaiming
A medicine appearing in this index does not mean it will cause you problems. Most people take most medicines without difficulty. The leaflet lists effects that were observed in studies, not effects you should expect.
Medicine, supplement and symptom categories covered
Priority related pages
- Side effect symptoms index, to search by symptom instead
- Supplement and medicine interactions, if you take both
- How to read a medicine package insert
- Serious medication side effects
How to choose the right next guide
Use the generic name where you can. South African brand names such as Panado, Myprodol and Lexamil are widely recognised locally, but the generic name is what appears on international sources and on your prescription.
When to speak to a doctor or pharmacist
Red-flag symptoms
Get emergency help immediately for any of the following, whatever the medicine:
- Difficulty breathing, wheeze, or a tightening throat
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Chest pain, fainting or collapse
- Seizure, or sudden confusion or unresponsiveness
- A rash that blisters or peels, or sores in the mouth or eyes with fever
- Vomiting blood, or black tarry stools
- Thoughts of harming yourself
When to contact a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency service
Same day for yellowing of the eyes or skin, much less urine than usual, fever with a new rash, or unexplained bruising. A pharmacist is the fastest first contact in South Africa for anything less urgent. See when to see a doctor.
How side effects can be reported in South Africa
What information to record
Keep the carton. It carries the product name, strength, dose form, batch number and expiry date, which are the details a report needs and the details people most often cannot recall afterwards.
Where reporting fits into medicine safety
SAHPRA collects reports of suspected adverse reactions in South Africa, from the public as well as from health professionals. See reporting side effects in South Africa.
Most useful next pages
Priority related pages
How to choose the right next guide
If your medicine is not listed, the class page will usually still apply. Ask a pharmacist which class your medicine belongs to if the box does not make it obvious.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical diagnosis, prescription, or professional advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist regarding any medicine or health concern.