Overview
This lecture covers common drug suffixes, how they relate to drug classes, and how recognizing these suffixes can help identify drug indications.
Drug Suffixes & Classes
- Drug suffixes are endings of generic drug names that often indicate their drug class.
- Drug classes are groups of medications with the same mechanism of action, structure, and indication.
- Recognizing suffixes helps determine the use or indication of a medication.
Cardiovascular Medication Suffixes
- ACE inhibitors end in -pril (e.g., lisinopril) for high blood pressure and heart failure.
- ARBs (Angiotensin receptor blockers) end in -sartan (e.g., losartan) for high blood pressure and heart failure.
- Beta blockers end in -olol (e.g., metoprolol) for high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.
- Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers end in -dipine (e.g., amlodipine) for high blood pressure.
- Alpha blockers end in -zosin (e.g., terazosin) for high blood pressure and enlarged prostate symptoms.
- Direct Factor Xa inhibitors end in -xaban (e.g., apixaban) as anticoagulants.
- HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) end in -statin (e.g., atorvastatin) for high cholesterol.
Diabetes Medication Suffixes
- DPP-4 inhibitors end in -gliptin (e.g., linagliptin) for diabetes.
- TZDs (Thiazolidinediones) end in -glitazone (e.g., pioglitazone) for diabetes.
- SGLT2 inhibitors end in -gliflozin (e.g., canagliflozin) for diabetes.
- GLP-1 analogues end in -glutide or -tide (e.g., dulaglutide) as injectable diabetes medications.
Gastrointestinal Medication Suffixes
- H2 blockers end in -tidine (e.g., famotidine) for heartburn and GERD.
- PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) end in -prazole (e.g., esomeprazole) for heartburn and GERD.
Anti-Infective Medication Suffixes
- Penicillins end in -cillin (e.g., amoxicillin) for bacterial infections.
- Fluoroquinolones end in -floxacin (e.g., ciprofloxacin) for bacterial infections.
- Macrolides/Lincosamides end in -mycin (e.g., azithromycin, clindamycin) for bacterial infections.
- Antifungals end in -azole (e.g., fluconazole) for fungal infections.
- Antivirals end in -vir (e.g., acyclovir) for viral infections.
Other Medication Suffixes
- 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists end in -triptan (e.g., rizatriptan) for migraines.
- Corticosteroids often end in -one (e.g., prednisone) for allergies/inflammation.
- Benzodiazepines end in -am (e.g., alprazolam) for anxiety and sleep issues.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Suffix — the ending of a drug’s generic name indicating its class.
- Drug class — a group of drugs with similar chemical structure, action, and clinical use.
- Indication — the medical condition a drug is used to treat.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and memorize common drug suffixes and associated drug classes.
- Complete assigned readings or handouts as provided by your course or instructor.