[Infographic: Top 20 NCLEX Drug Classes with Name Suffixes and Key Nursing Implications]
Drug Name Suffix Cheat Sheet
| Suffix | Drug Class | Example | Key Nursing Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| -olol | Beta blocker | metoprolol | Hold if HR <60; monitor BP |
| -pril | ACE inhibitor | lisinopril | Monitor for dry cough; potassium levels |
| -sartan | ARB | losartan | Alternative to ACE if cough occurs |
| -statin | Statin | atorvastatin | Monitor liver enzymes; muscle pain (rhabdomyolysis) |
| -pine | Calcium channel blocker | amlodipine | Monitor BP; peripheral oedema |
| -mab | Monoclonal antibody | rituximab | Infusion reactions; immunosuppression |
| -cillin/-mycin | Antibiotic | amoxicillin | Allergy history; C. diff risk with broad-spectrum |
| -zole | Antifungal/PPI | fluconazole/omeprazole | Drug interactions; monitor liver |
| -pam/-lam | Benzodiazepine | lorazepam | Sedation; respiratory depression; addiction risk |
| -tidine | H2 blocker | famotidine | Reduce gastric acid; less drug interactions than PPIs |
Top 5 High-Risk Drug Classes
These five classes appear most often in NCLEX safety and toxicity questions:
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) — bleeding risk; antidotes; monitoring
- Insulin — hypoglycaemia; sliding scale; types and onset/peak/duration
- Opioids — respiratory depression; naloxone; constipation
- Digoxin — narrow therapeutic index; toxicity; K+ interaction
- Lithium — toxicity; sodium and fluid balance; regular level monitoring
Practise pharmacology: 30 Pharmacology Practice Questions