Suffixes and prefixes

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

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