Drug Suffixes

Drug Suffixes

• Suffixes are placed at the end of a word's stem to communicate meaning. They are used to group drugs based on their action.

Drug Suffix: -actone

• Drug classification: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
• Examples: spironolactone, aldactone
• Action: Increases fluid excretion by the kidneys, retains potassium, reduces cardiovascular congestion and edema from CHF, and lowers blood pressure.

Drug Suffix: -ase

• Drug classification: Thrombolytics
• Examples: streptokinase, alteplase (tPA)
• Action: Clot busters that break down clots to treat heart attacks or strokes. Restores blood flow to obstructed areas.

Drug Suffix: -azine

• Drug classification: Antiemetics
• Example: promethazine
• Action: treats and prevents nausea and vomiting

Drug Suffix: -caine

• Drug classification: Local Anesthetics
• Examples: lidocaine, xylocaine
• Action: prevents nerve impulse transmission or pain without causing unconsciousness

Drug Suffix: -cycline

• Drug classification: Tetracyclines
• Examples: tetracycline, doxycycline
• Action: Broad-spectrum antibiotics for bacterial infections

Drug Suffix: -dipine

• Drug classification: Calcium Channel Blockers
• Examples: amlodipine, nifedipine
• Action: Relaxes blood vessels, increasing blood and oxygen to the heart, reduces the heart's workload, and lowers blood pressure.

Drug Suffix: -floxacin

• Drug classification: Fluoroquinolones
• Examples: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin
• Action: Broad-spectrum antibiotics that treat bacterial infections.

Drug Suffix: -ide

• Drug classification: Meglitinides
• Examples: repaglinide, nateglinide
• Action: Lowers blood glucose by triggering insulin production; used for type 2 diabetes.
• Drug classification: Sulfonylureas
• Examples: glyburide, glipizide

Drug Suffix: -ine

• Drug classification: Antihistamines
• Examples: diphenhydramine, loratadine, brompheniramine
• Action: treats allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives by inhibiting histamine activation.
• Drug classification: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Examples: fluoxetine, sertraline
• Action: Blocks or delays serotonin reabsorption and treats major depressive and anxiety disorders

Drug Suffix: -lam

• Drug classification: Benzodiazepines
• Example: alprazolam
• Action: Treats anxiety; prolonged use may lead to physical dependence.

Drug Suffix: -lol

• Drug classification: Beta Blockers
• Examples: atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol
• Action: Increases fluid excretion by the kidneys while retaining potassium, reduces cardiovascular congestion and edema from CHF, and lowers blood pressure.

Drug Suffix: -lone

• Drug classification: Corticosteroids
• Example: methylprednisolone
• Action: Anti-inflammatory drugs used to control various inflammation-related symptoms.

Drug Suffix: -micin, -mycin

• Drug classification: Aminoglycosides
• Examples: gentamicin, tobramycin
• Action: Broad-spectrum antibiotics that treat bacterial infections.

Drug Suffix: -pam

• Drug classification: Benzodiazepines
• Examples: alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam
• Action: Treats anxiety; prolonged use may lead to physical dependence.

Drug Suffix: -phylline

• Drug classification: Bronchodilators
• Example: theophylline
• Action: Dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, reducing airway resistance and increasing airflow to the lungs. It is often used for asthma and COPD.

Drug Suffix: -pram

• Drug classification: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Example: citalopram
• Action: Blocks or delays serotonin reabsorption and treats major depressive and anxiety disorders.

Drug Suffix: -prazole

• Drug classification: Proton Pump Inhibitors
• Examples: lansoprazole, omeprazole
• Action: Anti-ulcer drugs that reduce gastric acid production.

Drug Suffix: -pril

• Drug classification: ACE Inhibitors
• Examples: captopril, lisinopril
• Action: Reduces blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, reducing the heart's workload.

Drug Suffix: -sartan

• Drug classification: Angiotensin-II Receptor Blockers
• Examples: losartan, valsartan
• Action: Inhibits blood vessel constriction, helping blood vessels relax, lowers blood pressure.

Drug Suffix: -sone

• Drug classification: Corticosteroids
• Examples: dexamethasone, prednisone
• Action: Anti-inflammatory drugs that are used to control inflammation-related symptoms.

Drug Suffix: -statin

• Drug classification: Antilipidemics
• Examples: atorvastatin, simvastatin
• Action: Reduces LDL cholesterol and lowers risks from cardiovascular disease.

Drug Suffix: -terol

• Drug classification: Bronchodilators
• Examples: albuterol, levabuterol
• Action: Dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, decreases airway resistance, increases airflow to the lungs and treat asthma and COPD.

Drug Suffix: -thiazide

• Drug classification: Thiazide Diuretics
• Example: hydrochlorothiazide
• Action: increases fluid and potassium excreted by the kidneys, reduces cardiovascular congestion and edema from CHF, and lowers blood pressure.

Drug Suffix: -tidine

• Drug classification: H2-receptor Antagonists (H2 Blockers)
• Examples: cimetidine, famotidine
• Action: Blocks the action of histamine in the stomach, decreasing stomach acid production.

Drug Suffix: -triptyline

• Drug classification: Tricyclic Antidepressants
• Examples: amitriptyline, nortriptyline
• Action: Treats depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, and other mood disorders.

Antibiotics Overview

• Powerful medications that treat certain infections, stop bacteria from reproducing or destroy them to help save lives.
• They are used to treat diseases caused by bacteria, but cannot treat viral infections like colds, flu, and most coughs.
• Types include penicillins like phenoxymethylpenicillin, flucloxacillin and amoxicillin, cephalosporins like cefaclor, cefadroxil and cefalexin, as well as tetracyclines like tetracycline, doxycycline and lymecycline.
• Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928.
• Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, upset stomach, and sensitivity to sunlight when taking tetracyclines.
• Sometimes be given as a precaution to prevent rather than treat an infection, called antibiotic prophylaxis.
• Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections
• People at a high risk of infection may also be given antibiotics to prevent infection, known as antibiotic prophylaxis.
• If a dose is missed, take that dose as soon as remembering and continuing the antibiotic prescription as normal. If it's almost time for the next does, skip the missed does and continue to schedule.

Types of Antibiotics

• Penicillins: Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
• Macrolides: Azithromycin (Zithromax)
• Cephalosporins: Cephalexin (Keflex)
• Fluoroquinolones: Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• Lincosamides: Clindamycin (Cleocin)

Penicillin

• A medication used to manage and treat a wide range of infections.
• Is in the beta-lactam antibiotic class of drugs.

Cephalosporin

• Beta-lactam antimicrobials used to manage a wide range of infections from gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
• The five generations of cephalosporins are useful against skin infection, resistant bacteria, meningitis, and other infections.

Tetracycline

• A class of medication used to manage and treat various bacterial infections.
• Tetracyclines classify as protein synthesis inhibitor antibiotics and are considered to be broad-spectrum.

Macrolides

• A class of drugs used to manage and treat various bacterial infections.
• Azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin are commonly used to treat infections like pneumonia, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis.

Carbapenems

• Exhibit unique pharmacological properties and are typically used to treat complicated bacterial infections.
• A carbapenem is often combined with an antibiotic that targets Gram-positive bacteria when used for the empirical treatment of patients with serious nosocomial infections of unidentified origin.

Lincosamides

• Lincomycin is the prototype of this class and clindamycin the only member of this group in clinical use.
• Clindamycin is a bacteriostatic antibiotic and is mainly used to treat infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria.
• Aminoglycosides, Sulfonamides, Antifungals, Antiprotozoal, Topical Antibacterials, Antivirals, Antitubercular

Aminoglycosides

• Use: Treatment of severe infections in the abdomen and urinary tract, bacteremia, and endocarditis.
• Also used for prophylaxis against endocarditis.
• Rare but increasing resistance.

Sulfonamides

• Synthetic antimicrobial drugs with a broad spectrum for treating bacterial infections in humans and animals.

Antifungals

• Used to treat fungal infections, primarily affecting skin, hair, and nails.

Antiprotozoal Agents

• Class of drugs used to treat infections caused by protozoa.

Topical Antibacterials

• Used for superficial pyodermas and infection prevention following minor injuries.
• Major applications include acne treatment using benzoyl peroxide.

Antivirals

• Help the body fight off certain viruses and prevent viral infections or their spread.

Antitubercular

• Broad-spectrum antibiotic used for tuberculosis.

Drug Classifications

• The charts have the following catergories; Drug Class, Generic Name, Brand Name, Dosage Indications, Mechanisms of Action, Adverse Effects, Contraindications, Interactions, Nursing Considerations, Patient Education

Allergy to Antibiotics

• Includes raised rash, swelling on the tongue and face, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing

Pain Medications

• Over-the-counter or prescription, can help manage chronic pain, are powerful drugs, so it's important to use them with care, and it's best to start with the safest drugs.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers include: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac gel

Types of Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

• Acetaminophen: Dulls pain receptors in the brain to reduce pain.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Lowers hormone-like chemicals that casue nerve ending irritation to causing inflammation and pain.
• Combination: Some pain relievers contain both acetaminophen and aspirin (an NSAID). Some OTC headache medicines also have caffeine.
• Topical: Applied direction to where you're experiencing pain and block pain receptors in the brain, which can ease muscle pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia.

What OTC pain relievers treat:

• Arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, back strains and sprains, broken bones, burns, flu and ear infections, headaches and migraines, menstrual cramps, muscle pain, surgeries and toothaches.

Prescription Pain Relievers

• Prescription medicines to treat pain include: Corticosteroids, Opioids, Antidepressants, Anticonvulsants and NSAIDs
• Prescription pain relievers can alleviate pain brought on by: Cancer, Fibromyalgia, Migraines, Nerve pain, Postoperative pain, muscle pain and Traumatic injuries.

Types of Prescription Pain Relievers

• Antidepressants: work best for chronic pain, including migraines. The largest pain relief comes from tricyclics (Elavil®) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Effexor® and Cymbalta®.
• Anti-seizure medications: interrupt pain messages to the brain. Types include Gabarone® and Lyrica®
• Muscle relaxers: reduce pain by relaxing tight muscles.
• Opioids: lab-made narcotic pain medicines that change how a brain feels pain.
• Steroids: Are strong anti-inflammatory drugs that stop a body from making chemicals that cause irritation and inflammation.

Psychiatric Medications

• Psychiatric medications are listed in alphabetical order

Cardiac Medications Overview

• Sacubitril/valsartan, Angiotensin receptor blockers, Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, Ivabradine, Diuretics, Hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate

Sacubitril/valsartan

• Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor, combining valsartan with sacubitril.
• Nursing points: Do not give with an ACE inhibitor.
• Adverse effects: Dizziness, fatigue, cough, hypotension and hyperkalemia
• Indications: Reduce risk of hospitalization and death in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

• Block angiotensin II, but work at a different level of interaction to reduce hyperkalemia or cough risk.
• Nursing points: Do not use interchangeably with ACE inhibitors; ACE inhibitors are preferred.
• Adverse effects: Well tolerated with minimal side effects.
• Nursing: For ACE inhibitors, explain the cough is a side effect and continue use, but if its intolerable, the provider may discontinue in favor of an ARB.

Beta-Blockers

• Beta-blockers block the effects of adrenaline, which are prescribed in treatment of Angina, Heart Attack, Congestive Heart Failure and Abnormal Heart Rhythms
• Nursing points: Administer ivabradine as ordered if a patient's heart rate is = to or > 70 bpm.
• Adverse effects: Fluid retention, fatigue, bardycardia and hypotension
• Examples: Bisoprolol, carvedilol, sustained-release metoprolol
• Nursing: For beta-blockers, fluid retention may worsen heart failure but can usually be managed with diuretics. Because of decreased heart rate and blood pressure associated with beta blockers, they shouldn't be administered at the same time as ACE inhibitors.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

• Cause vasodilation in the arterial system, increasing blood flow improving the ejection fraction - Block the enzyme needed to convert angiotensin 1 into angiotensin 2 - Angiotensin II is a strong vasoconstrictor that raises blood pressure, releases aldosterone, leading to sodium and water retention, which ACE inhibitors prevent.

Ivabradine

• 1st SA node modulator approved to treat heart failure, and to decrees normal SA node activity, and lowers heart rate.
• Contraindications: > 70 bpm heart rate, bradycardia, hypotension.

Diuretics

• Help the body get rid of excess fluid and sodium; decrease fluid buildup, is prescribed for lower blood pressure and to reduce swelling.
• Adverse effects are electrolyte loss
• Common drugs include amiloride, chlorothiazide, Lasix, Lozol and Aldactone.
• Nursing: For diuretics, instruct patients to decrease their dietary intake of sodium and weigh themselves daily.

Hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate

• Isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine: reduce both cardiac preload and afterload through venous and arterial vasodilation (combined into single PILL).
• Nursing: Advise that patients to change positions slowly to prevent falls
• This medication decreases deaths and hospitalization of African Americans
• Contraindications include headache, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension

Endocrine Medications

• Include Diabetic Agents, Hormone agonists, and Hormone antagonists
• Diabetic Agents: Sulfonylureas 1st vs 2nd Generation and Biguinides
• Hormone: Progestins and Estrogen

Sulfonylureas (1st Gen)

• Inhibits ATP-sensitive K+ channels, resulting in ẞ-cell depolarization and insulin release
• Second-line treatment for type II diabetes
• Key Toxicity: Hypoglycemia, Renal failure and Disulfiram effects
• Name: Chlorpropamide, Tolazamide, Tolbutamide

Sulfonylureas (2nd Gen)

• Inhibits ATP-sensitive K+ channels, resulting in ẞ-cell depolarization and insulin release
• Key Indication(s): Second-line treatment for type II diabetes
• Key Toxicity: Hypoglycemia (long lasting), Renal failure and Disulfiram effects
• Name: Glipizide, Glyburide

Biguinides

• Exact mechanism unknown, ↓gluconeogenesis, ↑ insulin sensitivity, ↑ glycolysis and ↓ serum glucose levels
• First-line treatment for type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome
• Key Toxicity: Lactic acidosis in patients with poor renal function
• Name: Metformin

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitor

• Mechanism: Prevents breakdown of carbohydrates into single glucose molecules and decreasing rate of absorption
• Key Indication: Refractory type II diabetes mellitus
• Key Toxicity: Osmotic diarrhea, Flatulence
• Name: Acarbose, Miglitol

Thioglitazones

• Mechanism: Stimulates PPAR-y which controls insulin-sensitive genes resulting in increased insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
• Key Indication Type II diabetes combination therapy
• Key Toxicity Heart failure, Hepatotoxicity and Weight gain
• Name: Pioglitazone, Troglitazone, Rosiglitazone

Hormone Agonists

• Progestins:
• Mechanism: Synthetic progestin suppresses leuteinizing hormone by inhibition of pituitary function. Anorexic mechanism
• Key Indication: Appetite stimulant, Anti-neoplastic agent
• Key Toxicity: Weight gain, Nausea, Vomiting
• Esotrogen: name Megestrol acetate

Polystradiol, Hormone Agonsist, and Estrogen

• Inhibits actions of dihydrotestosterone
• Blocks LH secretion by pituitary. Decreases testosterone synthesis
• Blocks testosterone uptake into prostate cells
• Palliative prostate cancer therapy
• Feminization, Nausea, Headache, and Water retention

Hormone Agonist/ Estrogen

• Diethylstilbestrol Inhibits HPG axis, blocks testosterone synthesis, and induces chemical castration. - Decreased incidence of stillbirth, clear cell carcinoma, Vaginal adenosis, and T-shaped uterus.

Leuprorelin, Hormone: Gonadotropin releasing

• Mechanism: Acts as a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist which inhibits gonadotropin secretion
• Key Indication: Hormone responsive cancer (non-pulsatile) and Fertility (pulsatile)
• Key Toxicity: Flushing, Sweating, Fatigue, Edema

Tamoxifen, Enzyme Inhibotor, Anti-Estrogens

• Mechanism Competitively binds to estrogen receptors inhibiting effects of estrogen
• Key Indication ER/PR positive breast cancer
• Key Toxicity Endometrial cancer, growth plate fusion and increased bone density

Flutamide, Enzyme Inhibotor, Anti-Androgens

• Bocks action of testosterone by binding to adrogen receptors
• Key Indication Prostate cancer (used prior to GnRH analogues)
• Key Toxicity Gynecomastia and GI disturbance

Anastrozole, Enzyme Inhibitors

• Inhibits aromatase
• ER/PR positive breast cancer and Fertility
• Osteoporosis and Bone fracture

Respiratory Medications

• Beta-agonists, Methylxanthines, Decongestants, Antihistamines and Glucocorticoids

Beta2-agonists

• (bronchodilators) are a group of drugs prescribed to treat asthma to provide quick relief of asthma symptoms, and can also be prescribed to be taken before exercising to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Methylxanthines

• Relatively weak bronchodilators that are administered systemically to been used for treatment of acute exacerbations as well as for long-term control of asthma symptoms, and the most common methylxanthine used for asthma treatment is theophylline.

Decongestants

• A type of medicine provides short-term the relief of a blocked stuff nose that eases symptoms of colds/flu, hay and work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels, and examples includes Pseudoephedrine in liquids, sprays, capsules and hot water

Antihistamines

• Prescription for over the counter medication that blocks histamine.

Glucocorticoids

• Most common and effective for controlling symptoms and airway information in respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with/without nasal plumps and asthma.

Nursing Process of Respiratory Medications

• Always important to verify the route and anticipate side effects of nasal sprays, inhalations, etc
• The medication can act directly on lung tissues by minimizing the side effects,
• Intravenous medications are administered quickly that come with systemic side effects,
• Ensure the proper use of inhalers by the patients and observe self administration.

Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Pain

• Aching and stiffness, burning sensations in the muscles, fatigue, muscle twitches, pain that worsens with movement and sleep disturbances.
• Diagnosises comes from medical history to determine if there are other symptoms

Musculoskeletal Pain Treatment

• Can be treated with: Acupuncture, Occupational/Physical therapy, pain relievers, Splints and steroid injections.

Respiratory Nursing Care

• It's always important to evaluate the patient's response to a medication, the nurse should assess any decrease in allergy symptoms
• A respiratory assessment should be completed before/after medications and compare results in case of worsening conditions.

Musculoskeletal Pain

• Pain that affects the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Can be acute or chronic and either localized or affect an entire body.
• Types include: Bone Pain, Joint Pain, Muscle Pain and Tendon and Ligament Pain

To Prevent Musculoskeletal Pain

• Limit repetitive movements, use good posture, correct lifting techniques and stretch regularly.

Vitamins

• Are organic substances present in minute amounts in natural foodstuffs. Having too little of any particular vitamin may increase the risk of developing certain health issues.
• Include Vitamin A, E, K, C, D, B1/2/3/5/6

Fat-soluble vitamins

• A, D, E, and K, stored in the body's tissue and liver.
• Dietary help absorbs in the intestinal tract

Water-soluble vitamins

• Don't stay long and leave via urine. Vitamin C and B vitamins

Vitamin A Facts

• Fat-soluble, essentail for eye health and the deficiency is night blindness.

Vitamin B1

• Water-soluble and essentail for producing enzymes that help break down blood sugar.

Vitamin B2

• Water- soluble and essential for the growth and development of body cells.

Vitamin B3

• Water- soluble and the body needs it for cells to grow and work correctly

Vitamin B5

• Water- soluble, and essentail for energy and hormones

Vitamin B6

• Water- soluble and vital for the formation of red blood cells.

Vitamin C

• Water- soluble and contributes to wound healing and bone formation

Vitamin D

• Fat- soluble & necessary for the healthy mineralization of bone.

Vitamin E

• Fat- soluble & It's antioxidant activity help prevent oxidative stress.

Vitamin K

• Fat- soluble, and help for blood cloting

Medical ethics for nurses

• include autonomy, justice, beneficence, and nonmaleficence.

Autonomy in Nursing

• Recognizes each individual patient's right to self-determination and decision-making.
• As patient advocates, it is imperative to ensure all patients that receive medical information, education, and options in order to choose the option that is best for them.

Justice

• Requires an element of fairness in medical/nursing decisions and care, with caring for all patients with the same level of fairness despite financial abilities, race, religion, gender and/or sexual orientation.

Beneficence

• Is acting for the good and welfare, including kindness and charity

Nonmaleficence

• First do no harm, select interventions that will cause the least amount of harm to achieve beneficial outcome to ensure the safety of patients/community.

Therapeutic Drug Levels

• Test is performed by drawing blood and the doctor will tell you change the times you the medication, and do NOT stop/ change medication without talking to your doctor
• Measures Flecainide, Lithium, Phenytoin, Gentamicin, and Tacrolimus/Cyclosporine
• Include ranges of Amikacin, Carbamazepine, Cyclosporine, Desipramine Digoxin

Abnormal Test Results

• Chart includes results for Acetaminophen, Amikacin, Carbamazepine, Cyclosporine, Desipramine, Digoxin, and Ethosuximide