Hints for Remembering Medication Classifications

Helpful When Studying for the NCLEX Exam

Prefix or Likely Drug Example of a Medication Precautions/Information to Know

Suffix Classification in
This Classification
Cef- or ceph- Cephalosporin cefazolin, cephalexin 5% cross sensitivity with penicillin
antibiotic ceftin Can cause GI distress
-cillin penicillin bicillin Common allergy
antibiotic penicillin G GI distress
-mycin aminoglycoside or gentamycin, tobramycin Renal toxicity , ototoxicity with
macrolide antibiotic erythromycin aminoglycosides
-cycline tetracycline doxycycline Dental problems (enamel discoloration) for
minocycline fetus if taken in pregnancy or before age 8
Interferes with oral contraceptives
-gliptin DDP-4 inhibitor for vildagliptin (Galvus) watch for respiratory infections, headaches
treating diabetes sitagliptin (Januvia)

-oxacin a fluoroquinolone Ciprofloxacin photosensitivity reactions

antibiotic levofloxacin

indicates an antifungal Itraconazole very liver toxic, many drug-drug interactions

-azoles fluconazole (Diflucan)
clotrimazole
ketoconazole
miconazole (Lotrimin)
-mab indicates a daclizumab injected, flu-like symptoms
monoclonal antibody
indicates a calcium amlodipine monitor BP, rhythm
-pine channel blocker (exception verapamil
doesnt end in pine)
-pril indicates an ACE captopril monitor cough
inhibitor
-sartan indicates an valsartan not to be used during pregnancy
angiotensin receptor
blocker (ARB)
-olol indicates a beta propranolol monitor cardiovascular effects,
blocker acebutolol caution with diabetics

-ol indicates a beta albuterol rapid heart rate, sympathetic reaction

agonist
-osin indicates an alpha doxazosin, prazosin first dose reaction; monitor for CHF
blocker
-parin indicates an heparin, dalteparin Injected; monitor for excessive bruising or
anticlotting agent bleeding
-thiazide indicates a diuretic polythiazide, weight loss, fluid & electrolyte balance
hydrochlorothiazide
-ase indicates an enzyme, urokinase, streptokinase Monitor for bleeding
usually used with
thrombolytics
-statin indicates an HMG CoA lovastatin, pravastatin pregnancy category X,
inhibitor with diet and exercises, rhabdomyolysis
-triptan indicates and zolmitriptan monitor BP, cardiac effects
antimigraine drug
-enafil indicates an sildenafil not with nitrates (can cause fatal
impotence drug hypotension) or alpha blockers;
must be used with sexual stimulation
-barbital indicates a barbiturate phenobarbital CNS depressant, stimulates liver
enzymes to metabolize drugs
-pam indicates a diazepam liver and renal toxic
benzodiazepine (exception:
chlordiazepoxide does
not end in pam)
-lukast indicates a zafirlukast Asthma maintenance drug
leukotrience receptor Not for use in acute asthma attack
antagonist
-stim indicates a colony filgrastim injected; check bone marrow
stimulating agent
-prazole indicates an omeprazole (Prilosec) Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are not for
antisecretory agent esomeprazole (Nexium) prolonged use: can cause hip fractures
(exception aripiprazole
ends in prazole and is
an antipsychotic agent
not in this classification)
-setron indicates a centrally ondansetron, granisetron injected, CNS depression
acting antiemetic
-azine indicates a promethazine CNS depressant
phenothiazine
-sone indicates a cortisone, prednisone timing of dose, risk of infection
corticosteroid
-esterone indicates a progestin progesterone annual pap smear

-dronate indicates a calcium etidronate dosing details, monitor calcium

regulator
-olone indicates an anabolic androlone liver and heart toxicity
steroid
-asteride indicates an androgen dutasteride Monitor urinary output
inhibitor
-profen Indicates an NSAID ibuprofen Monitoring GI bleeding