DRUG NOMENCLATURE SUFFIXES AND PREFIXES

If it contains … It is probably… Examples Comments

-OLOL Beta Blockers (Adrenergic Antagonists) Atenolol, Propanolol, Metoprolol, Carvdilol, • DO NOT D/C ABRUPTLY, Don’t give with
(decreases excitability of heart, workload, Sodalol asthma
and O2 consution.) • USE: Heart Conditions (A-fib, Tachy, HTN)
• SE: Gastric pain, Brady/Tachy, Dysrhythmias,
Acute HF, Depression, Dizziness
-PRIL ACE Inhibitors (Antihypertensives) Benazepril, Captopril, Moexipril, Quinapril, • NO POTASSIUM
Lisinopril • USE: HTN, CHF
• SE: Tachy, MI, Gastric Irritation, Proteinuria
Orthostatic Hypotension, Cough
-SARTAN Angiotensin-II Receptor Antagonists Candesartan, Losartan, Telmisartan, Valsartan • USE: HTN, HF, MI, Diabetic nephropathy
• SE: Angioedema, Renal Failure, Othro HoTN
-DIPINE Calcium Channel Blockers Amlodipine, Felodipine, Isradipine, Nifedipine • USE: Angina, HTN, Dysrhythmias
• SE: Dizziness, Headache, Nervousness,
Edema, angina, Brady, AV block
NITR- Nitrate (Vasodilator); Antianginal Nitroglycerine (Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat, Nitrogaurd) • SE: HoTN, Tachycardia, Headache, Dizziness,
Syncope, Rash
• Angina Management Education
-ASE Thrombolytics (Clot-Busters) Reteplase (Retavase), Ateplase (Activase), t-PA, • USE: MI, DVT, PE
Anistreplase (Eminase) Streptokinase
• SE: Bleeding, Bradycardia
• DO NOT USE: >75, on anticoagulants, trauma
w/in 2 months
-VASTATIN Antilipemics (Anti-Cholesterol) Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, Simvastatin • SE: Myopathy, Increase Liver Enzymes
• USE: Decrease LDL, Causes Peripheral
Vasodilation.
-STATIN HmG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor Simvastatin, Lovastatin, Lipitor • Grapefruit May Increase Effects
(antilipemics) • SE: Myopathy, Increase Liver Enzymes

• ANTIBIOTICS **FIRST SIGN OF ALLERGIC RXN: Shortness of Breathe

 CEF- Cephalosporins (Antibiotics) Cefadroxil, Cefaclor, Cefixime, Ceftibuten • Cross allergies with Penicillins
**can cause false positive of protein and glucose • Take with empty stomach
in urine**
• SE: Nausea, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Abdominal
Pain, Superinfection, Rash, Anaphylaxis
CEPH- Cephalosporins (Antibiotics) Cephalexin, Cephapirin, Cephradine • Cross allergies with Penicillins
-CILLIN Penicillins (Antibiotics) Penicillin Methicillin, Ampicillin • SE: N&V, Skin rashes, Diarrhea, Allergic Rxn,
Renal Hepatic Abnormalities
• Safest Antibiotic available
• Penicillin+Aminoglycosides= Inactive
• Check if allergic to Cephalosporins
-CYCLINE Tetracyclines (Antibiotics) Demeclocycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline • SE: Photosensitivity, GI upset, Dental
discoloration, Renal Hepatic Abnormalities
-FLOXACIN Fluoroquinolones (Antibiotics) Ciprofloxacin, Gatifloxacin, Levofloxacin • SE: Seizures, GI Upset, Rash
• Increases BUN, AST, ALT, Cr, Akaline
Phosphatase. Decreases WBC, Hct
• DRINK FLUIDS
-MICIN Aminoglycosides (Antibiotics) Gentamicin (Garamycin) • SE: Ototoxicity!! Nephrotoxicity, Anorexia,
N&V, Diarrrhea
**Tx infections of CNS, GI, Bone, E-coli • Do NOT mix with Penicillins
-MYCIN Aminoglycosides/Macrolides (Antibiotics); Erythromycin, Tobramycin, Vancomycin • SE: Ototoxicity!! Nephrotoxicity, Anorexia,
Bacteriostatic Inhibitor N&V, Diarrrhea
**Erythro used prophylactic for Dentist. • USE: Pts w/Penicillin allergy can use this
• CHECK BUN and CR
SULF- Sulfonamides (Antibiotics) Sulfadiazine, Sulfamethazole, Sulfisoxazole, Tmp- • SE: N&V, Headache, GI disturbances, Allergic
Smz Rash
-CICLOVIR Antivirals
-CYCLOVIR Antivirals Acyclovir, Valacyclovir
-VIR Antivirals Abacivir, Zanamivir • SE: Headache, Rash, Nephrotoxicity,
Granulocytopenia, Thrombocytopenia

• DIURETICS
-ACTONE Potassium-Sparing Diuretics Aldactone, Spironolactone • SE: HyperKalemia, HypoNatremia, Hepatic
and Renal damage, Tinnitus
-THIAZIDE Potassium-Losing Diuretics Benzthiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide • SE: HypoKalemia, Hyperglycemia, Blurred
Vision, Dry mouth, HoTN
-MIDE Loop-Diurteic Furosemide (Lasix), Bumetamide (Bumex) • Potassium Wasting
 -PRESSIN Anti-Diuretic Vasopressin, Ddavp • For HEART problems

• CNS EFECTS
-PAM Benzodiazepines (Antianxiety), Diazepam (Valium) , Lorazepam, Clonazepam, • NO ALCOHOL, Check AST, ALT
-LAM Anticonvulsant Alprazolam, Midazolam
• SE: Drowsiness, Confusion, Tachycardia,
Hypotension
• USE: CNS Depressant, Anxiety, Panic
-BARBITAL Barbiturates (Sedative-Hypnotics) Amobarbital, Pentobarbital, Secobarbital, • SE: Cardio depression, Resp depression,
Phenobarbital (Anticonvulsant) Anemia
• USE: Seizures (Pheno)
-TRIPTYLINE Tricyclics (Antidepressants) Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Protriptyline • SE: Sedation, Blurred Vision, Diaphoresis,
(Eavil, Norpramin, Sinequan) N&V, Constipation
-TINE SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil) Sertraline • SE: Palpitations, N&V, Brady, Diarrhea,
-INE Inhibitors) Antidepressants hydrochloride (Zoloft), Venalafaxine (Effexor) nervousness, insomnia, constipation
•Can effect Digoxin, Coumadin and Valium
-ZINE Phenothiazines (Antipsychotics, Antiemetics) Promethazine (Phenergan), Meclizine, • SE: Drowsy, Sedation, Anticholinergic effects
Thiethyperazine maleate (Torecan) • May take several weeks to work
*Phenergan used for motion sickness
• Does NOT cause dependence
-ANE General Anesthetics Cyclohexane, Ethane, Fluorane
-CAINE Local Anesthetics Bupivacaine, Cocaine, Lidocaine, Xylocaine
-CURIUM Neuromuscular Blockers Famciclovir, Ganciclovir
-CURONIUM Neuromuscular Blockers Pancuronium, Pipecuronium, Rocuronium

• GENERAL
-LONE Corticosteroids (Anti-Inflammatory) Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone, Triamcinolone

-PROFEN NSAIDS (Anti-Inflammatory) Fenoprofen, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen

-SONE Corticosteroids (Anti-Inflammatory) Cortisone, Dexamethasone, Prednisone
(SE:Euphoria, Insomnia, Peptic Ulcer, Acute
Adrenal Insufficiency)
Methylprednisone (Solu-Medrol), Hydrocortison
(Solu-Cortef)
-ERGOT- Ergotamines (Anti-Migraine) Ergotamine, Dihydroxyergotamine
• USE: Adrenal Insufficiency, COPD,
Leukemia, Head trauma, Inflammation,
• Complication: retards wound healing,
increases blood sugar, cause osteoporosis,
check electrolyte imbalance
• SE: Overdosage = Cushing’s, Abrupt
withdrawal= Addisonian. Psychoses,
depressions, wt gain, Hypokalemia,
Hypocalemia, Buffalo Hump
 -TRIPTAN Anti-Migraines Naratriptan, Rizatriptan
-INE Stimulants Amphetamine, Caffeine, Terbutaline, Theophylline

-ZOLINE Nasal Decongestants Oxymetazoline, Zylometazoline •

-TEROL Bronchodilators Albuterol, Bitolterol, Levalbuterol, Pirbuterol

-DINE Antihistamines Loratidine (Claritin), Fexofenadine • Sedation,

• Anticholinergic Effects
-CALCI- Calcium & Vitamin D Supplements Calciferol, Calcitrol, Ergocalciferol
-TERONE Androgen, Anabolic Steroids Progesterone, Testosterone • Increase Liver Function, High Cholesterol
• Thromboembolic Disorder, Increase/Decrease
Libido, Cancer
-SETRON 5-Ht3 Receptor Antagonists (Antiemetics) Dolansetron, Granisetron, Ondansetron (Zofran) • USE: Admin 30 mins before chemo
• SE: Drowsiness, Orthostatic HoTN, Diplopia,
Photosensitivity

• DISEASES
-NAVIR HIV/AIDS Antivirals Amprenavir, Indinavir, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir •
-VUDINE HIV/AIDS Antivirals Lamivudine, Stavudine, Zidovudine •
-AZOSIN Alpha Blockers (Adrenergic Antagonists) Doxazosin, Prazosin, Terazosin
RIFA- Antituberculars Rifamate, Rifampin (RIF), Rifapentine, Rifater • SE: Hepatitis, Seizure, Optic neuritis, Fever
INH, PZA
• Orange Urine
-AZOLE Antifungals Butoconazole, Econazole, Fluconazole • USE: Systemic fungal infections
(Mycostatin, Diflucan, Fungizone) • SE: Hepatotoxicity, Thrombocytopenia,
Leukopenia, Pruritus
-QUINE Antiparasitics Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine, Mefloquine
-ZOLE Antiprotozoals Metronidazole • SE: GI prob. (Metallic Taste, N/V)
• CNS: Ataxia, Seizure STOP med
• Inhibits Inactivation of Warfarin

• OTHER
-DRONATE Biphosphonates (Bones) Alendronate (Fosamax), Etidronate, Pamidronate, Treats bone diseases. (Alendronate- Osteoporitis)
Risedronate (Etidronate- Paget’s Disease)
-MIDE Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor Furosemide, Sulfonamide, Acetazolamide • USE: Monitor BP
 -AFIL Impotence Agent, Phosphoerase Inhibitor Sildenafil, Viagra • SE: MI, Report headaches
• Do NOT give with Nitrate Hypotension
-PRAZOLE Proton Pump Inhibitors (Anti-Ulcer) Lansoprazole, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole
-TIDINE H2 Receptor Antagonists (Anti-Ulcer) Cimetidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine, Ranitidine Take with meals
-STINE Antineoplastics (Anti-Tumor) Carmustine, Lomustine, Vinblastine, Vincristine
-STIGMINE Cholinergics Neostigmine, Physostigmine, Pyridostigmine

VERAPAMIL, SIMVASTATIN, BUSPAR, CARBAMAZEPINE (Tegretol)  Interact w/ Grapefruit Juice.

CHLORIDIAZEPOXIDE (Librium)  Benzodiazpine… Tx of Severe Anxiety and management of acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. SE: Drowsiness, Blurred Vision,
Constipation, Slurred Speech, Dermatitis, Polyuria, Thromboctopenia, Give with milk to decrease GI

LITHIUM  Used to control Manic episodes of Bipolar. SE: Dizziness, Headache, Fine Hand Tremors, Impaired Vision, Leukocytosis, Decreases sodium. Toxicity:
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Muscle Weakness, Drowsiness, Ataxia.

ANTACIDS (Maalox) 1 hour before or after meals

HISTAMINE RECEPTOR SITE ANTAGONIST (Cimetidine, ranitidine) Take with meals
ANTICHOLINERGICS (Pro-Banthine) Give 30 mins before meals (never with glaucoma)
CYTOPROTECTIVE AGENTS (Carafate) Give 1 hour before meals
MAOI  can’t have aged cheese, T…
MED/ DRUG SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE SYMPTOMS OF WITHDRAWAL NURSING CONSIDERATION
• Respiratory depression • Anxiety • AIRWAY! Check LOC & VS
Barbituates • Decreased BP & Pulse • Insomnia • Start IV w/ Large needle
Phenobarbital, Nembutal • Coma, Ataxia, Seizures • Tremors • Give Sodium Bicaronate  promotes
• Nystagmus • Delirium excretion
• Poor muscle coordination • Convulsions • Give activated charcoal Gastric lavage
• Altered LOC • Hemodialysis

Narcotics • Respiratory depression • Watery eyes, Runny nose • AIRWAY! Check LOC & VS
Morphine, Heroin, • Euphoria, then anxiety • Loss of appetite • Control Seizures
Codeine, Dilaudid, • Seizures, • Irritability, Tremors • Tx for hypothermia
Demerol, Methadone • Hyperpyrexia, v • Panic, Cramp • Start IV w/ Large needle(Glucose bolus)
(detox and maintenance) • Ventricular Dysrhythmias • Elevated BP • Have Lidocaine and defibrillator ready
• Pinpoint pupil (Overdose) • Hallucinations • Give Narcan to reverse Resp Depression
• Coma • Chills and Sweat • Hemodialysis

• Tachy & Increase BP • Apathy • AIRWAY! Check LOC & VS

Stimulants • Tachypnea • Long periods of sleep • Start IV, Use cardiac Monitoring
Cocaine, Amphetamine, • Anxiety, Irritability, Agitation • Irritability • Give activated charcoalgastric lavage
Benzedrine, Dexedrine • Insomnia, Seizure, Coma, Euphoria, • Depression, Disorientation (if PO)
• N&V, Rapid speech • Monitor for suicidal ideation, Keep in
• Hallucination calm environment
• Nasal Septum Perforation
• Overdose: Fatigue, Paranoia, Psychosis,
Cannabis Derivatives • Relaxed inhibitions Euphoria, Insomnia • Most effects disappear in 5-8 hrs as drug
Marijuana • Increased appetite • Hyperactivity wears off
Hashish • Disoriented behavior • Decreased Appetite • May cause Psychosis

• Nystagmus • NONE • AIRWAY! Check LOC & VS

Hallucinogens • Marked confusion, Incoherence, • Control Seizures
LSD (acid) • Delirium, Hallucinations, Mania • Overdose: LSD Psychosis, Brain • “Talk down” patient
PCP (angel dust) • Hyperactivity, Distorted body image, Self- Damage, Death. • Reduce sensory stimuli
Mescaline injury, HTN, hyperthermia, Flashbacks, Small doses of Valium
• PCP HTN crisis, CVA, Seizure, Resp •
Convulsions, Coma Arrest • Check for trauma, protect from self-
injury