Drug Suffixes Cheat Sheet

DRUG SUFFIXES CHEAT SHEET – SORTED BY DRUG TYPE – BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS Drug Classification Suffix ACE Inhibitors -pril Beta Blockers -lol Calcium Channel Blockers Angiotensin-II Receptor Blockers -dipine -sartan Examples Action captopril lisinopril Reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, thus reducing the heart’s workload. atenolol metoprolol propranolol Reduce blood pressure by slowing the heart rate and reducing myocardial contractility. They are most often given for hypertension and chronic heart failure. amlodipine nifedipine Relax blood vessels, therefore increasing blood supply and oxygen to the heart and reducing the heart’s workload while lowering blood pressure. losartan valsartan Inhibit blood vessel constriction, helping blood vessels relax, which lowers blood pressure. ADDITIONAL CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICATIONS Drug Classification Suffix Examples Action Potassium-Sparing Diuretics -actone spironolactone aldactone Increase the fluid excreted by the kidneys, while retaining potassium in the body. reduces cardiovascular congestion and edema that results from CHF. They also lower blood pressure. Thiazide Diuretics -thiazide hydrochlorothiazide Increase fluid and potassium excreted by the kidneys. Reduces cardiovascular congestion and edema that results from CHF. They also lower blood pressure. Antilipidemics -statin atorvastatin simvastatin Thrombolytics -ase streptokinase alteplase (tPA) Reduce LDL cholesterol and lower risks from cardiovascular disease. “Clot busters” that break down clots that lead to heart attacks or strokes, to restore blood flow to the obstructed area. DRUG SUFFIXES CHEAT SHEET – SORTED BY DRUG TYPE – ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS Drug Classification Suffix Examples Tetracyclines -cycline tetracycline doxycycline Aminoglycosides -mycin -micin gentamicin tobramycin Fluoroquinolones -floxacin ciprofloxacin levofloxacin Action Broad spectrum antibiotics that treat bacterial infections. GASTROINTESTINAL MEDICATIONS Drug Classification Suffix -azine promethazine -prazole lansoprazole omeprazole Antiemetics Proton Pump Inhibitors Examples Action Treat and prevent nausea and vomiting. Anti-ulcer drugs that reduce gastric acid production. -tidine cimetidine famotidine Block the action of histamine in the stomach, decreasing the production of stomach acid. Drug Classification Suffix Examples Action Bronchodilators -terol -phylline Antihistamines -ine H2-receptor Antagonists (H2 Blockers) RESPIRATORY MEDICATIONS albuterol levabuterol theophylline diphenhydramine loratadine brompheniramine Dilate the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing resistance in the airway and increasing airflow to the lungs. Often used for asthma and COPD. Treat allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives, caused by histamine activation. DRUG SUFFIXES CHEAT SHEET – SORTED BY DRUG TYPE – DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY MEDICATIONS Drug Classification Suffix Benzodiazepines -pam -lam Tricyclic Antidepressants -triptyline Examples alprazolam diazepam lorazepam amitriptyline nortriptyline -pram -ine fluoxetine sertraline citalopram Drug Classification Suffix Examples Local Anesthetics -caine lidocaine xylocaine Corticosteroids -sone -lone dexamethasone prednisone methylprednisolone -ide repaglinide nateglinide glyburide glipizide Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Action Treat anxiety; prolonged use may lead to physical dependence. Treat depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, and other mood disorders. Block or delay the reabsorption of serotonin; used to treat major depressive disorders and anxiety disorders ADDITIONAL MEDICATIONS Meglitinides Sulfonylureas Action Prevent the transmission of nerve impulses or pain without causing unconsciousness. Anti-inflammatory drugs used to control many different inflammation-related symptoms. Lower blood glucose levels by triggering the production of insulin; used to treat type 2 diabetes.