Hints for Remembering Medication Classifications
Helpful When Studying for the NCLEX Exam
Prefix or
Suffix
Cef- or ceph-cillin
-mycin
-cycline
Likely Drug
Classification
Cephalosporin
antibiotic
penicillin
antibiotic
aminoglycoside or
macrolide antibiotic
tetracycline
Example of a Medication
in
This Classification
cefazolin, cephalexin
ceftin
bicillin
penicillin G
gentamycin, tobramycin
erythromycin
doxycycline
minocycline
-gliptin
DDP-4 inhibitor for
treating diabetes
vildagliptin (Galvus)
sitagliptin (Januvia)
-oxacin
a fluoroquinolone
antibiotic
Ciprofloxacin
levofloxacin
-azoles
-mab
-pine
-pril
-sartan
-olol
-ol
-osin
-parin
-thiazide
Precautions/Information to Know
5% cross sensitivity with penicillin
Can cause GI distress
Common allergy
GI distress
Renal toxicity , ototoxicity with
aminoglycosides
Dental problems (enamel discoloration) for
fetus if taken in pregnancy or before age 8
Interferes with oral contraceptives
watch for respiratory infections, headaches
photosensitivity reactions
indicates an antifungal Itraconazole
fluconazole (Diflucan)
clotrimazole
ketoconazole
miconazole (Lotrimin)
indicates a
daclizumab
monoclonal antibody
indicates a calcium
amlodipine
channel blocker
(exception – verapamil
doesn’t end in –pine)
indicates an ACE
captopril
inhibitor
indicates an
valsartan
angiotensin receptor
blocker (ARB)
indicates a beta
propranolol
blocker
acebutolol
very liver toxic, many drug-drug interactions
indicates a beta
agonist
indicates an alpha
blocker
indicates an
anticlotting agent
indicates a diuretic
albuterol
rapid heart rate, sympathetic reaction
doxazosin, prazosin
first dose reaction; monitor for CHF
heparin, dalteparin
Injected; monitor for excessive bruising or
bleeding
weight loss, fluid & electrolyte balance
polythiazide,
hydrochlorothiazide
injected, flu-like symptoms
monitor BP, rhythm
monitor cough
not to be used during pregnancy
monitor cardiovascular effects,
caution with diabetics
-ase
-statin
-triptan
-enafil
indicates an enzyme,
usually used with
thrombolytics
indicates an HMG CoA
inhibitor
indicates and
antimigraine drug
indicates an
impotence drug
urokinase, streptokinase
Monitor for bleeding
lovastatin, pravastatin
pregnancy category X,
with diet and exercises, rhabdomyolysis
monitor BP, cardiac effects
zolmitriptan
sildenafil
-barbital
indicates a barbiturate phenobarbital
-pam
indicates a
benzodiazepine
-lukast
indicates a
leukotrience receptor
antagonist
indicates a colony
stimulating agent
indicates an
antisecretory agent
-stim
-prazole
-setron
-azine
-sone
-esterone
-dronate
-olone
-asteride
-profen
indicates a centrally
acting antiemetic
indicates a
phenothiazine
indicates a
corticosteroid
indicates a progestin
indicates a calcium
regulator
indicates an anabolic
steroid
indicates an androgen
inhibitor
Indicates an NSAID
diazepam
(exception:
chlordiazepoxide does
not end in –pam)
zafirlukast
filgrastim
not with nitrates (can cause fatal
hypotension) or alpha blockers;
must be used with sexual stimulation
CNS depressant, stimulates liver
enzymes to metabolize drugs
liver and renal toxic
Asthma maintenance drug
Not for use in acute asthma attack
injected; check bone marrow
omeprazole (Prilosec)
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are not for
esomeprazole (Nexium)
prolonged use: can cause hip fractures
(exception – aripiprazole
ends in –prazole and is
an antipsychotic agent
not in this classification)
ondansetron, granisetron injected, CNS depression
promethazine
CNS depressant
cortisone, prednisone
timing of dose, risk of infection
progesterone
annual pap smear
etidronate
dosing details, monitor calcium
androlone
liver and heart toxicity
dutasteride
Monitor urinary output
ibuprofen
Monitoring GI bleeding