Common Drug Class Suffixes in Pharmacology

Common Drug Class Suffixes

• -dipine: Calcium channel blockers that facilitate arterial dilation, reducing blood pressure. Indications include angina and hypertension; side effects may include constipation, reflex tachycardia, and peripheral edema. Examples: nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem.

• -afil: Medications for erectile dysfunction. Side effects can include headache, flushing, and changes in color vision. Contraindications involve concurrent nitrate use. Example: sildenafil (Viagra).

• -pril: ACE inhibitors that prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, useful in treating hypertension and heart failure. Side effects include angioedema and cough. Monitoring includes potassium levels and blood pressure. Examples: captopril, lisinopril, enalapril (Vasotec).

• -pam, -lam: Benzodiazepines prescribed for sedation, anxiety relief, and seizure management.

• -statin: Antilipidemic agents that help lower LDL and increase HDL cholesterol levels. Side effects may consist of muscle aches and hepatotoxicity. Common use includes monitoring of renal and liver function. Example: lovastatin (Mevacor).

• -asone, -solone, -onide, Pred-, Cort-: Corticosteroids that inhibit inflammatory responses. Side effects include hyperglycemia and psychiatric effects. Administer with meals and do not stop abruptly. Examples: prednisone, betamethasone, hydrocortisone sodium succinate.

• -olol: Beta-blockers that decrease cardiac excitability and lower blood pressure. Used for hypertension, angina, and heart failure. Monitor for bradycardia and bronchospasms. Examples: metoprolol, labetalol, propranolol.

• -cillin: Penicillin antibiotics effective against pneumonia and syphilis. Caution due to potential hypersensitivity reactions.

• -ide: Oral hypoglycemics for managing Type II diabetes. Teach patients to recognize signs of hypoglycemia. Example: metformin (Glucophage).

• -prazole: Proton pump inhibitors used for managing gastric acidity. Side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbances and increased fracture risk. Example: omeprazole (Prilosec).

• -vir: Antiviral medications effective against viral infections.

• -ase: Thrombolytics that dissolve blood clots; used in acute coronary syndromes and strokes. Precautions for potential serious bleeding. Example: alteplase (Activase, tPA).

• -azine, -setron: Antiemetics used to reduce nausea and vomiting. Side effects may include drowsiness and movement disorders. Examples: promethazine, ondansetron (Zofran).

• -phylline, -terol: Bronchodilators prescribed for respiratory conditions. Side effects may include tachycardia and tremors. Example: albuterol.

• -arin: Anticoagulants that inhibit clotting factors for conditions like strokes and DVTs. Watch for signs of hemorrhage. Examples: warfarin (Coumadin), enoxaparin (Lovenox).

• -tidine: Antiulcer medications used to reduce gastric acidity. Side effects include lethargy and confusion. Examples: ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid).

• -zine: Antihistamines that treat allergies and cold symptoms. Caution with certain medical conditions due to anticholinergic effects. Examples: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin).

• -cycline, -floxacin: Antibiotics used for various bacterial infections.

• -mycin: Antibiotics, often associated with the treatment of serious infections.