Pharmacology 2: Drug Prefixes

-pril

ACE inhibitor

examples: lisinopril, enalapril, captopril

what it does: Lowers blood pressure and decreases cardiac workload

side effects: Cough, hyperkalemia, hypotension, angioedema

monitor:BP, potassium, renal function, swelling of lips/tongue.

memory: pRIL=pressure pill

-sartan

ARB (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker)

examples: losartan, valsartan

what it does: lowers BP

side effects: dizziness

monitor: BP, potassium

memory: S=skips cough

-olol

Beta blocker

examples: metoprolol, propranolol, atenolol

what it does: slows heart rate, lowers BP

side effects: bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue

monitor: HR, BP

Hold: HR<60 or low BP (follow parameters)

memory: ?

-olone

Corticosteroid

examples: fluocinolone; fluorometholone; prednisolone; triamcinolone

what it does: decreases inflammation and immune response.

side effects: hyperglycemia, infection risk, fluid retention

monitor: glucose, infection signs, long-term steroid effects

memory: PrednisOLONE often = steroid.

-olone

Anabolic steroid

examples: nandrolone; oxandrolone; oxymetholone

what it does: promotes protein synthesis/tissue growth

side effects:liver effects, lipid changes, hormonal effects

monitor: liver function if ordered, misuse risk, hormonal effects.

memory: AnabOLONE = anabolic growth

-onide

Corticosteroid

examples: budesonide; ciclesonide; desonide; fluocinonide; halcinonide

what it does: decreases inflammation; often topical/inhaled/nasal depending on drug

side effects: local irritation; systemic steroid effects with high/prolonged use.

monitor: symptom relief, infection/thrush risk with inhaled steroids.

memory: ONIDE = inflammation off

-semide

Loop diuretic

examples: furosemide

what it does: removes fluid

side effects: dehydration, hypokalemia

monitor: potassium, I&O, BP

memory: ?

-statin

cholesterol lowering medication

examples: atorvastatin, simvastatin

what it does: lowers LDL

side effects: muscle pain, liver issues

monitor: liver function

memory: stops cholesterol

-terol

Bronchodilator

examples: albuterol, salmeterol

what it does: opens airways

side effects: tachycardia, tremors

monitor: respiratory status, HR

memory: ?

-afil

PDE inhibitor (Phosphodiesterase)

examples: sildenafil, tadalafil

what it does: improves blood flow

side effects: hypotension, headache

monitor: BP

memory: AFIL= flow improves

-asone

Corticosteroid

examples: dexamethasone, fluticasone

what it does: decreases inflammation

side effects: hyperglycemia, infection risk

monitor: glucose

memory: A-SOON inflammation down

-bicin

Antineoplastic

examples: doxorubicin

what it does: cancer treatment

side effects: bone marrow suppression, nausea, hair loss; cardiotoxicity risk

monitor: CBC,infection/bleeding signs, cardiac symptoms as ordered.

memory: BICIN=big cancer drugs

-bital

Barbiturate

examples: phenobarbital

what it does: sedation

side effects: respiratory depression

monitor: RR, LOC, fall risk, safety precautions

memory: BITAL=bedtime/sedation

-caine

Local anesthetic

examples: lidocaine, bupivacaine

what it does: numbs area

side effects: CNS effects

monitor: response

memory: CAINE= can't feel pain

cef-/ceph-

Cephalosporin an

examples: cephalexin, cefdinir

what it does: treat infection

side effects: GI upset, allergy

monitor: infection signs

memory: CEF=ceph antibiotic

-cillin

Penicillin antibiotic

examples: amoxicillin

what it does: treat infection

side effects: allergic reaction

monitor: allergies, rash, GI upset, diarrhea

memory: killin bacteria

cort

corticosteriod

examples: clocortolone; fludrocortisone; hydrocortisone

what it does: decreases inflammation; some affect fluid/electrolyte balance.

side effects: hyperglycemia, infection risk, fluid retention

monitor: glucose, infection signs, edema, BP

memory: CORT = corticosteroid.

-cycline

Tetracycline

examples: doxycycline

what it does: treat infection

side effects: photosensitivity

monitor: infection signs

memory: cycle away bacteria

-dazole

Antimicrobial/ anthelmintic

examples: albendazole; mebendazole; metronidazole; tinidazole

what it does: treats certain bacterial, protozoal, or parasitic infections depending on drug

side effects: GI upset, metallic taste; metronidazole alcohol reaction risk.

monitor: infection symptoms, GI effects; alcohol teaching for metronidazole/tinidazole

memory: DAZOLE destroys bugs.

-dipine

Calcium channel blocker

examples: amlodipine

what it does: lowers BP

side effects: hypotension, edema

monitor: BP

memory: DIP pressure down

-dronate

Bisphosphonate

examples: alendronate

what it does: bone protection

side effects: esophageal irritation

monitor: bone health

memory: DRONATE=bones

-eprazole/-oprazole

PPI (Proton pump inhibitor)

examples: omeprazole,pantoprazole

what it does: reduces stomach acid

side effects: headache, diarrhea

monitor: GI symptoms

memory: PPI protects stomach

parin/-parin

examples: heparin; enoxaparin; dalteparin; fondaparinux; tinzaparin

what it does: prevents or treats blood clots

side effects: bleeding, bruising, thrombocytopenia risk

monitor: bleeding signs, platelet count, aPTT/anti-Xa per drug/order

memory: PARIN = prevents clots

-fenac

NSAID

examples: bromfenac; diclofenac; nepafenac

what it does: reduces pain and inflammation

side effects: GI irritation/bleeding, kidney issues, fluid retention

monitor: pain, GI bleeding signs, renal function if ordered.

memory: FENAC fights inflammation.

-floxacin

Quinolone antibiotic

examples: ciprofloxacin

what it does: treat infection

side effects: tendon issues

monitor: infection signs

memory: FLOX fights bugs

-gliptin

DPP-4 inhibitor

examples: sitagliptin

what it does: lowers glucose

side effects: hypoglycemia

monitor: glucose

memory: GLIP glucose

-glitazone

antidiabetic

examples: pioglitazone

what it does: improves insulin sensitivity

side effects: fluid retention

monitor: glucose

memory: GLIT glucose

-iramine

Antihistaimine

examples: brompheniramine; chlorpheniramine; pheniramine

what it does: reduces allergy symptoms by blocking histamine effects.

side effects: drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision.

monitor: sedation/fall risk, anticholinergic effects

memory: IRAMINE = irritation/allergy relief

-lamide

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor

examples: acetazolamide; brinzolamide; dorzolamide; methazolamide

what it does: decreases fluid production; used for glaucoma, altitude sickness, or diuresis depending on drug.

side effects: electrolyte imbalance, tingling, sulfa-type allergy concern.

monitor: electrolytes, renal function, vision/IOP response if applicable.

memory: LAMIDE lowers fluid.

-mab

Monoclonal antibody

examples: infliximab

what it does: immune targeting

side effects: infection risk

monitor: CBC (complete blood counts)

memory: MAB= made antibodies

-mustine

Alkylating antineoplastic

examples: carmustine; lomustine; bendamustine; estramustine

what it does: Damages DNA in cancer cells.

side effects: Bone marrow suppression, nausea/vomiting, infection/bleeding risk.

monitor: CBC (complete blood counts), infection signs, bleeding signs.

memory: MUSTINE must stop cancer cells

-mycin

Antibiotic

examples: azithromycin

what it does: treat infection

side effects: GI upset

monitor: infection signs

memory: MYCIN=microbe killer

-nacin

Muscarinic antagonist / anticholinergic

examples: darifenacin; solifenacin

what it does: relaxes bladder smooth muscle to reduce overactive bladder symptoms

side effects: dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision

monitor: urinary symptoms, retention, anticholinergic effects.

memory: NACIN = no accidental bladder contractions

-nazole

Antifungal

examples: fluconazole; ketoconazole; miconazole; terconazole; tioconazole

what it does: Treats fungal infections

side effects: GI upset, liver toxicity risk, drug interactions.

monitor: Liver function if ordered, infection symptoms, interactions.

memory: NAZOLE nails fungus

-setron

Antiemetic

examples: ondansetron

what it does: reduces nausea

side effects: headache

monitor: nausea

memory: SET nausea aside

-thiazide

Thiazide diuretic

examples: hydrochlorothiazide

what it does: removes fluid

side effects: hypokalemia

monitor: K+,BP

memory: THIAZIDE thins fluid

-triptan

Antimigraine

examples: sumatriptan

what it does: treat migraine

side effects: dizziness

monitor: headache response

memory: TRIP away headache

-zepam/-zolam

Benzodiazepine

examples: lorazepam, alprazolam

what it does: sedation/anxiety relief

side effects: resp depression

monitor: RR

memory: ZZZ meds

-zosin

Alpha blocker

examples: prazosin

what it does: lowers BP

side effects: orthostatic hypotension

monitor: BP

memory: ZO-SIN sit before stand

-phylline

Xanthine derivative / bronchodilator

examples: aminophylline; theophylline; dyphylline; oxtriphylline

what it does: opens airways and improves breathing

side effects: tachycardia, nausea, tremor, seizures/toxicity risk

monitor: therapeutic level if ordered, HR, toxicity symptoms.

memory: PHYLLINE fills lungs with air.

-pramine

Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)

examples: clomipramine; desipramine; imipramine; trimipramine

what it does: Increases neurotransmitters to treat depression/other conditions

side effects: Sedation, anticholinergic effects, orthostatic hypotension, overdose danger

monitor: Mood/suicide risk, BP, anticholinergic effects, cardiac risk

memory: PRAMINE = TCA mood med

pred/pred-

Corticosteroid

examples: prednisone; prednisolone; prednicarbate; loteprednol

what it does: decreases inflammation and immune response

side effects: hyperglycemia, infection risk, fluid retention, mood changes

monitor: glucose, infection signs; taper teaching if long-term.

memory: PRED = prednisone-type steroid.

-pril

ACE inhibitor

examples: benazepril; captopril; enalapril; lisinopril; ramipril

what it does: lowers blood pressure and decreases cardiac workload

side effects: cough, hyperkalemia, hypotension, angioedema

monitor: BP, potassium, renal function, swelling of lips/tongue

memory: PRIL = pressure pill.

-profen

NSAID

examples: fenoprofen; flurbiprofen; ibuprofen; ketoprofen

what it does: reduces pain, fever, and inflammation.

side effects: GI bleeding, kidney effects, fluid retention

monitor: pain/fever, GI bleeding signs, renal function if ordered.

memory: PROFEN = pain/inflammation

-ridone

Atypical antipsychotic

examples: iloperidone; paliperidone; risperidone

what it does: treats psychosis/mood symptoms by affecting dopamine/serotonin pathways.

side effects: weight gain, metabolic effects, EPS, sedation

monitor: mental status, glucose/lipids, movement symptoms

memory: RIDONE = regulates reality.

sulfa-

Sulfa antibiotic / anti-infective / anti-inflammatory

examples: sulfacetamide; sulfadiazine; sulfamethoxazole; sulfasalazine

what it does: treats certain infections or inflammatory conditions depending on drug.

side effects: allergic reaction, rash, photosensitivity, GI upset

monitor: sulfa allergy, rash, infection/inflammation response.

memory: SULFA = sulfa warning/allergy.

tadine

Antihistamine

examples: alcaftadine; cyproheptadine; desloratadine; loratadine; olopatadine

what it does: reduces allergy symptoms.

side effects: drowsiness varies by drug, dry mouth, headache

monitor: symptom relief, sedation

memory: LoraTADINE = allergy med.

-tadine

Antiviral / anti-influenza A

examples: amantadine; rimantadine

what it does: used against influenza A or for other neuro indications depending on drug.

side effects: CNS effects, dizziness, GI upset

monitor: mental status, dizziness, symptom response

memory: AmanTADINE = antiviral exception

-tinib

Antineoplastic / kinase inhibitor

examples: crizotinib; dasatinib; erlotinib; gefitinib; imatinib

what it does: Blocks kinase signaling involved in cancer cell growth

side effects: Bone marrow suppression, liver effects, rash/GI effects depending on drug

monitor: CBC, liver function if ordered, infection signs

memory: TINIB targets tumors.

-trel

Female hormone / progestin

examples: desogestrel; etonogestrel; levonorgestrel; norgestrel

what it does: provides progestin hormonal effect

side effects: nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, spotting

monitor: pregnancy status as appropriate, bleeding pattern, adverse effects.

memory: TREL = progestin trail.

tretin- / tretin / -tretin

Retinoid / vitamin A derivative

examples: acitretin; alitretinoin; isotretinoin; tretinoin

what it does: Affects skin cell turnover; used for acne/dermatologic conditions and some cancer protocols.

side effects: Dryness, photosensitivity, severe birth defect risk for systemic retinoids.

monitor: Skin response, pregnancy precautions, liver/lipids if systemic.

memory: TRETIN = turns over skin.

-triptan

Antimigraine / selective 5-HT receptor agonist

examples: almotriptan; eletriptan; rizatriptan; sumatriptan; zolmitriptan

what it does: treats acute migraine by cranial vasoconstriction and serotonin receptor effects

side effects: chest tightness, dizziness, tingling; avoid in certain cardiovascular disease.

monitor: headache relief, chest pain, BP/cardiac history.

memory: TRIPTAN = trip away migraine.

tyline

Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)

examples: amitriptyline; nortriptyline; protriptyline

what it does: treats depression, neuropathic pain, migraine prevention depending on use.

side effects: sedation, anticholinergic effects, orthostatic hypotension, overdose danger.

monitor: mood/suicide risk, BP, anticholinergic effects.

memory: TYLINE = TCA line.

vir/-vir

Antiviral / anti-HIV

examples: abacavir; efavirenz; enfuvirtide; nevirapine; ritonavir; tenofovir

what it does: treats HIV by interfering with viral replication

side effects: drug-specific; liver effects, hypersensitivity, GI/CNS effects possible.

monitor: viral load/CD4 as ordered, adherence, adverse effects

memory: VIR = virus.

vir / -vir

Antiviral / anti-hepatitis

examples: adefovir; entecavir; ribavirin

what it does: treats hepatitis viral infection depending on drug.

side effects: drug-specific; anemia with ribavirin, liver/renal effects possible

monitor: liver function, CBC/renal labs as ordered, adherence

memory: VIR = virus; hepatitis subgroup.

-vir

Antiviral / anti-herpes

examples: acyclovir; famciclovir; penciclovir; valacyclovir

what it does: treats herpes viral infections by inhibiting viral replication

side effects: GI upset, headache; renal effects especially with acyclovir risk.

monitor: Renal function if ordered, hydration, lesion/symptom response.

memory: AcycloVIR = herpes virus

-vir

Antiviral / anti-CMV

examples: cidofovir; ganciclovir; valganciclovir

what it does: treats cytomegalovirus infection

side effects: bone marrow suppression, renal toxicity depending on drug

monitor: CBC, renal function, infection response

memory: CMV needs strong -vir meds.

-vir

Antiviral / anti-influenza

examples: oseltamivir; zanamivir

what it does: treats influenza by inhibiting viral spread

side effects: nausea/vomiting, headache; bronchospasm concern with zanamivir.

monitor: flu symptoms, timing of therapy, respiratory status if inhaled drug.

memory: TamiFLU = oseltamivir

-vudine

Antiviral/nucleoside analogue

examples: lamivudine; stavudine; telbivudine; zidovudine

what it does: Interferes with viral nucleic acid replication

side effects: Bone marrow suppression with some, liver/pancreas/lactic acidosis risks depending on drug

monitor: CBC, liver function, viral response as ordered

memory: VUDINE = virus nucleoside analogue

-zodone

Antidepressant

examples: nefazodone; trazodone; vilazodone

what it does: treats depression; trazodone often used for sleep

side effects: sedation, dizziness, serotonin syndrome risk; priapism rare with trazodone

monitor: mood/suicide risk, sedation/falls, serotonin syndrome symptoms

memory: ZODONE = zone out/sleepy trazodone.