Suffixes, prefixes and other medical terms

Objective:

This page enlists some common suffixes and prefixes to ease memorization and provide the the reader an idea on some common classes of drugs.

Key words:

Suffixes and prefixes

Suffixes and prefixes

Memorization some suffixes and prefixes

Prefixes

"-Cyano" Blue

"-Erythro" Red

"-Leuko" White

"-Glyco" Sugar, glucose

"-Hem" Blood

"-Osteo" Bone

"-Coagulo" Clotting 

Suffixes 

"-Osis" Abnormal condition

"-Cyte" Cell

"-Penia" Deficiency, lower than normal

"-Uria" Urine

"-Lytic" Destruction

"-Malacia" Softening 

"-Pathy" Disease

"LoL" Beta blockers Memory trick: The 6 B’s of beta blockers

Act on Beta receptors 

Beta1=1heart

Beta2=2Lungs

Non-selective beta blockers-work on both Beta1 and Beta 2

So works on both heart, lung and septum

Bronchoconstriction-caution in asthma and COPD patients

Specially with the Non-selective beta blockers that affect the lungs

Beta-blockers cause bradycardia (a slow heart rate) - 

So, hold the  beta blockers if the heart rate < 60

Blood pressure-hold the  beta blockers if the systolic BP < 90

Blood glucose-may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia

Beta blockers block the effect of nor-epinephrine which reduced heart rate and tremor-both are the signs of hypoglycemia.  However, sweating remain unmasked and may be the only recognizable sign of hypoglycemia in patients that are treated with beta blockers.

"-Statin" Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, Cholesterol lowering agents Outlier: Nystatin (Antifungal drug)   Mnemonic: NyStatin is Not a Statin.

"-Prazole" Omeprazole, pentoprazole Proton pump inhibitor Outlier: Atypical antipsycotics: Aripiprozole, Brexpiprazole

"-Azole" Fluconazole, Ketoconazole Antifungal Outlier: Atypical antipsycotics: Aripiprozole, Brexpiprazole

"-Mycin" Macrolide: Azithromycin Antibiotic Outlier: Nystatin (Antifungal drug)   Mnemonic: NyStatin is Not a Statin.

Aminoglycoside: Gentamycin, neomycin Antibiotic

Glycopeptide: Vancomycin Antibiotic

Some important medical terms

Increased RBC Polycythemia

Decreased RBC Polycythemia

Increased WBC Leukocytosis

Decreased WBC Leukopenia

Increased Platelet Thrombocytosis

Decreased Platelet Thrombocytopnia

Increased Fibrinogen Thrombosis

Decreased Fibrinogen Bleeding

Increased plasma Hypervolemia

Decreased plasma Hypovolemia

References

1. Jayasinghe, R., Kovoor, P. (2002). Drugs and the QTc interval. Australian Prescriber-an independent review. 25(3): 63-65. DOI: 10.18773/austprescr.2002.058.

Disclaimer

Most of the information in this page are collected from Google AI Overview. These are for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more