Healthcare Insights
Top 20 outpatient prescription medications
Medicines are an essential part of healthcare. They not only save lives and promote health but prevent diseases and epidemics, too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of the U.S. population used a prescription drug in the past 30 days.
We used Definitive Healthcare data to examine prescription drug trends, including the most prescribed medications based on the percentage of claims in 2025 YTD. These medications treat common illnesses and health conditions and reflect the health needs of U.S. patients.
| Rank | Drug name | % of claims | Explore dataset |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atorvastatin calcium | 2.74% | Explore |
| 2 | Amlodipine besylate | 1.86% | Explore |
| 3 | Levothyroxine sodium | 1.83% | Explore |
| 4 | Lisinopril | 1.79% | Explore |
| 5 | Gabapentin | 1.61% | Explore |
| 6 | Tosartan potassium | 1.39% | Explore |
| 7 | Omeprazole | 1.39% | Explore |
| 8 | Amoxicillin | 1.22% | Explore |
| 9 | Metformin HCl | 1.21% | Explore |
| 10 | Sertraline HCl | 1.20% | Explore |
| 11 | Albuterol sulfate | 1.15% | Explore |
| 12 | Metoprolol succinate | 1.12% | Explore |
| 13 | Rosuvastatin calcium | 1.09% | Explore |
| 14 | Hydrocodone/acetaminophen | 1.03% | Explore |
| 15 | Pantoprazole sodium | 1.03% | Explore |
| 16 | Escitalopram oxalate | 1.00% | Explore |
| 17 | Prednisone | 0.92% | Explore |
| 18 | Trazodone HCl | 0.91% | Explore |
| 19 | Ibuprofen | 0.88% | Explore |
| 20 | Hydrochlorothiazide | 0.87% | Explore |
Fig. 1. Data from the Definitive Healthcare Atlas Prescription Claims product for 2025 YTD (through May). Claims data is sourced from multiple medical claims clearinghouses in the United States and updated monthly. Data accessed May 2025.
What are the most common prescription drugs?
According to our database, some of the most common prescription drugs were related to chronic conditions, like heart disease and diabetes, and infections. Based on percentage of claims, many of the top prescriptions are used to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and conditions related to digestion.
Many of the same drugs have remained in the top 20 spots for several years. All are generic drugs.
Atorvastatin calcium was the most prescribed drug in 2025, with 2.74% of claims. Atorvastatin is a statin used to treat abnormal lipid levels and prevent cardiovascular disease. It blocks an enzyme that helps make cholesterol and causes an increase in the breakdown of cholesterol. Atorvastatin is the generic form of the brand-name medicine Lipitor.
Amlodipine besylate is ranked second on our list, accounting for 1.86% of claims. This medication is used primarily to treat high blood pressure and certain types of anginas. Like other types of calcium channel blockers, this medication works by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the workload on the heart.
Coming in third on our list is levothyroxine sodium with 1.83% of claims. It is a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4), a hormone naturally produced by the thyroid gland. In people with hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine sodium replaces this missing hormone, helping to regulate the body's metabolism, energy levels, growth, and development. It is a crucial treatment for managing the symptoms of hypothyroidism and ensuring the body functions correctly.
Which conditions do the top prescription drugs treat?
The top prescription medications treat some of the most common diseases in the U.S., such as heart disease and diabetes. Other commonly prescribed drugs treat:
- Asthma
- Bacterial infections
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Inflammatory conditions
- Pain
- Thyroid disease
Learn more
Healthcare Insights are developed with data from the Definitive Healthcare platform. Want even more insights? Start a free trial now and get access to the latest information on hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
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