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, Dont 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 = Cushings, 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- Pagets 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 cant 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 charcoalgastric 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