pharmacy tech medication endings

-pril

Class: ACE inhibitor; Use: lowers blood pressure, heart failure; Example: lisinopril, enalapril; Key: may cause dry cough, ↑ potassium.

-sartan

Class: ARB; Use: lowers blood pressure; Example: losartan, valsartan; Key: alternative to ACE inhibitors (no cough).

-olol

Class: Beta blocker; Use: slows heart rate, lowers BP; Example: metoprolol, propranolol; Key: 'heart slows down'.

-statin

Class: cholesterol-lowering drug; Use: lowers LDL cholesterol; Example: atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin; Key: prevents plaque buildup.

-prazole

Class: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI); Use: acid reflux, GERD; Example: omeprazole, pantoprazole; Key: reduces stomach acid.

-cillin

Class: Penicillin antibiotic; Use: bacterial infections; Example: amoxicillin; Key: kills bacteria cell wall.

-cycline

Class: Tetracycline antibiotic; Use: acne, Lyme disease, infections; Example: doxycycline; Key: broad-spectrum antibiotic.

-terol

Class: bronchodilator; Use: asthma/COPD (opens airways); Example: albuterol, salmeterol; Key: 'opens lungs fast'.

-pram / -ine / -line

Class: antidepressants (SSRI); Use: depression, anxiety; Example: sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac); Key: mood stabilizing.

-pam / -lam / -zolam

Class: benzodiazepines; Use: anxiety, sedation; Example: alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium); Key: controlled substance (sedating).

Controlled Substances - Opioids

Recognize: oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine.

Controlled Substances - Benzodiazepines

Recognize: alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium).

Opioids and Benzodiazepines

Always tested for: abuse potential, storage rules, schedule classification.

Ibuprofen

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation.

Naproxen

NSAID used for pain and inflammation.

Acetaminophen

Used for pain and fever only.

Metformin

First-line diabetes drug.

Insulin

Lowers blood sugar (e.g., Humalog, Lantus).

Glipizide

Increases insulin release.

Pioglitazone

Used for diabetes control.