Hints for Remembering Medication Classifications

Helpful When Studying for the NCLEX Exam

Prefix or
Suffix

Likely Drug
Classification

Example of a Medication
in
This Classification

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


-oxacin a fluoroquinolone
antibiotic

Ciprofloxacin
levofloxacin

photosensitivity reactions

-azoles
indicates an antifungal Itraconazole
fluconazole (Diflucan)
clotrimazole
ketoconazole
miconazole (Lotrimin)
very liver toxic, many drug-drug interactions
-mab indicates a
monoclonal antibody
daclizumab injected, flu-like symptoms

-pine
indicates a calcium
channel blocker

amlodipine
(exception verapamil
doesnt end in pine)
monitor BP, rhythm

-pril indicates an ACE
inhibitor
captopril

monitor cough
-sartan indicates an
angiotensin receptor
blocker (ARB)
valsartan not to be used during pregnancy
-olol indicates a beta
blocker
propranolol
acebutolol
monitor cardiovascular effects,
caution with diabetics

-ol indicates a beta
agonist
albuterol

rapid heart rate, sympathetic reaction

-osin indicates an alpha
blocker
doxazosin, prazosin first dose reaction; monitor for CHF
-parin indicates an
anticlotting agent
heparin, dalteparin Injected; monitor for excessive bruising or
bleeding
-thiazide indicates a diuretic polythiazide,
hydrochlorothiazide
weight loss, fluid & electrolyte balance
-ase indicates an enzyme,
usually used with
thrombolytics
urokinase, streptokinase Monitor for bleeding
-statin indicates an HMG CoA
inhibitor
lovastatin, pravastatin pregnancy category X,
with diet and exercises, rhabdomyolysis
-triptan indicates and
antimigraine drug
zolmitriptan

monitor BP, cardiac effects
-enafil indicates an
impotence drug
sildenafil not with nitrates (can cause fatal
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
benzodiazepine
diazepam
(exception:
chlordiazepoxide does
not end in pam)
liver and renal toxic
-lukast indicates a
leukotrience receptor
antagonist
zafirlukast Asthma maintenance drug
Not for use in acute asthma attack
-stim indicates a colony
stimulating agent
filgrastim injected; check bone marrow
-prazole indicates an
antisecretory agent
omeprazole (Prilosec)
esomeprazole (Nexium)
(exception aripiprazole
ends in prazole and is
an antipsychotic agent
not in this classification)
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are not for
prolonged use: can cause hip fractures
-setron indicates a centrally
acting antiemetic
ondansetron, granisetron injected, CNS depression

-azine indicates a
phenothiazine
promethazine CNS depressant

-sone indicates a
corticosteroid
cortisone, prednisone

timing of dose, risk of infection
-esterone indicates a progestin progesterone annual pap smear
-dronate indicates a calcium
regulator
etidronate

dosing details, monitor calcium
-olone indicates an anabolic
steroid
androlone

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