Common Drug Suffixes

Understanding common drug suffixes is essential for nurses in pharmacology. These suffixes indicate drug classes and their primary uses, helping nurses recognize medications quickly and understand their effects, side effects, and interactions in patient care.

1. -olol (beta blockers)

   • Used primarily to manage hypertension and heart conditions.
   • Decrease heart rate and contractility, reducing myocardial oxygen demand.
   • Commonly prescribed for anxiety and migraine prevention.

2. -pril (ACE inhibitors)

   • Inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, lowering blood pressure.
   • Help prevent heart failure and protect kidney function in diabetes.
   • May cause a persistent cough as a side effect.

3. -sartan (angiotensin receptor blockers)

   • Block the action of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and reduced blood pressure.
   • Often used in patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors.
   • Provide renal protection in diabetic patients.

4. -statin (cholesterol-lowering drugs)

   • Inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
   • Lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol.
   • Associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events.

5. -azole (antifungal medications)

   • Inhibit fungal cell membrane synthesis, treating various fungal infections.
   • Commonly used for conditions like athlete's foot, ringworm, and yeast infections.
   • May interact with other medications due to liver enzyme inhibition.

6. -cycline (tetracycline antibiotics)

   • Broad-spectrum antibiotics effective against a variety of bacterial infections.
   • Used for acne, respiratory infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections.
   • Should not be used in children under 8 or pregnant women due to teeth discoloration.

7. -cillin (penicillin antibiotics)

   • Effective against gram-positive bacteria and some gram-negative bacteria.
   • Commonly used for infections like strep throat and syphilis.
   • Allergic reactions can occur; patients should be screened for penicillin allergies.

8. -oxetine (SSRI antidepressants)

   • Selectively inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, improving mood and anxiety.
   • Used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
   • May cause side effects like nausea, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.

9. -asone (corticosteroids)

   • Anti-inflammatory medications used to treat a variety of conditions, including asthma and arthritis.
   • Suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation.
   • Long-term use can lead to side effects like osteoporosis and adrenal suppression.

10. -tidine (H2 receptor antagonists)

    • Block histamine at H2 receptors, reducing gastric acid secretion.
    • Used to treat conditions like peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
    • Generally well-tolerated, but may cause headaches and dizziness.

11. -afil (erectile dysfunction medications)

    • Increase blood flow to the penis by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).
    • Used to treat erectile dysfunction and sometimes pulmonary hypertension.
    • Should not be used with nitrates due to the risk of severe hypotension.

12. -ine (antihistamines, local anesthetics)

    • Block histamine receptors, alleviating allergy symptoms.
    • Some are used as local anesthetics for minor surgical procedures.
    • May cause sedation; first-generation antihistamines are more sedating than second-generation.

13. -vir (antiviral drugs)

    • Target viral replication processes to treat viral infections.
    • Commonly used for infections like HIV, herpes, and influenza.
    • Resistance can develop, necessitating careful monitoring and potential treatment adjustments.

14. -zepam (benzodiazepines)

    • Enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, producing sedative and anxiolytic effects.
    • Used for anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders.
    • Risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms with long-term use.

15. -dronate (bisphosphonates)

    • Inhibit bone resorption, used primarily to treat osteoporosis.
    • Help reduce the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women and individuals on corticosteroids.
    • Must be taken with water and require sitting upright for 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation.