Pharmacology Prefixes and Suffixes: The Ultimate NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Memorising hundreds of individual generic and brand-name medications for nursing school and the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) can feel overwhelming. The secret used by top-scoring nursing students isn’t memorising every single drug individually—it is recognising drug stems (prefixes, infixes, and suffixes).

By learning medication stems, you can immediately identify a drug’s therapeutic class, mechanism of action, primary side effects, and essential nursing interventions just by looking at its generic name.

Below is your complete, system-by-system cheat sheet for pharmacology prefixes and suffixes, packed with high-yield NCLEX clinical pearls.

1. Cardiovascular Medications

Cardiovascular drugs are among the most frequently tested topics on the NCLEX. Examiners love testing baseline assessments (blood pressure, apical pulse) and critical electrolyte imbalances.

Drug Class	Prefix / Suffix	Common Generic Examples	Key Nursing Considerations & NCLEX Tips
ACE Inhibitors	-pril	Lisinopril, Enalapril, Ramipril, Captopril	• Watch for dry nonproductive cough (switch to ARB) and angioedema (airway priority). • Risk of hyperkalemia; monitor K⁺ levels and renal function.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)	-sartan	Losartan, Valsartan, Candesartan	• Alternative for patients who develop a cough on ACE inhibitors. • Avoid in pregnancy; monitor blood pressure and potassium.
Beta-Blockers	-olol	Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol, Carvedilol	• Hold if HR < 60 bpm or SBP < 100 mmHg. • Non-selective beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol) are contraindicated in asthma/COPD (causes bronchospasms). • Can mask signs of hypoglycemia (except diaphoresis).
Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)	-dipine, -amil, -zem	Amlodipine, Nifedipine, Verapamil, Diltiazem	• Decreases BP and HR (Verapamil/Diltiazem). • Watch for peripheral edema, dizziness, and constipation. • Avoid grapefruit juice.
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)	-statin	Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin	• Lowers LDL and triglycerides. • Monitor liver enzymes (AST/ALT) and assess for unexplained muscle aches/pains (rhabdomyolysis). • Timing depends on the drug: simvastatin is labelled for evening dosing, while atorvastatin and rosuvastatin can be taken at any time of day.
Alpha-1 Blockers	-osin	Prazosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin	• Relaxes vascular smooth muscle and bladder neck (used for hypertension & BPH). • Teach patients about orthostatic hypotension and fall precautions.
Loop Diuretics	-semide, -ide	Furosemide, Torsemide, Bumetanide	• Potent potassium-wasting diuretics. • Monitor for hypokalemia, dehydration, and ototoxicity if IV push is given too rapidly.
Thiazide Diuretics	-thiazide	Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorothiazide	• First-line for mild HTN. • Potassium-wasting; monitor electrolytes, blood glucose, and uric acid levels.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics	-actone	Spironolactone, Eplerenone	• Blocks aldosterone. • Retains potassium; avoid salt substitutes (which contain high potassium).
Anticoagulants / Antithrombotics	-parin	Heparin, Enoxaparin (LMWH)	• Monitor aPTT for unfractionated Heparin; antidote is Protamine Sulfate. • Monitor platelets for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT).
Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors	-xaban	Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, Edoxaban	• Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). • Routine blood monitoring (PT/INR) is not required; educate on bleeding precautions.
Cardiac Glycosides	-oxin	Digoxin, Digitoxin	• Increases myocardial contractility and slows heart rate. • Hold if apical pulse < 60 bpm. • Narrow therapeutic window (0.5–2.0 ng/mL). Hypokalemia increases toxicity risk; signs include visual halos (yellow/green), nausea, and vomiting.

2. Immune & Anti-Infective Medications

Antibiotic stewardship, allergy cross-reactivity, and organ toxicities are core NCLEX testing points.

Drug Class	Prefix / Suffix	Common Generic Examples	Key Nursing Considerations & NCLEX Tips
Penicillins	-cillin	Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Piperacillin	• High risk of severe allergic reaction/ anaphylaxis. • Cross-sensitivity with Cephalosporins (ask about the exact type of allergic reaction before administration).
Cephalosporins	cef-, ceph-	Cefazolin, Ceftriaxone, Cephalexin	• 5 generations of broad-spectrum coverage. • Alcohol: a disulfiram-like reaction is a labelled warning for some cephalosporins, such as cefotetan (avoid alcohol during therapy and for 72 hours afterwards). It is not a warning for every cephalosporin, so check the specific drug’s label.
Tetracyclines	-cycline	Doxycycline, Minocycline, Tetracycline	• Do NOT give to pregnant women or children under 8 (causes permanent tooth discoloration and impaired bone growth). • Causes severe photosensitivity; do not take with dairy, iron, or antacids.
Aminoglycosides & Macrolides	-mycin, -micin	Gentamicin, Tobramycin (Aminoglycosides); Azithromycin, Erythromycin (Macrolides)	• Aminoglycosides: High risk for ototoxicity (tinnitus, hearing loss) and nephrotoxicity (monitor BUN/Creatinine & peak/trough levels). • Macrolides: Watch for prolonged QT intervals and hepatotoxicity.
Fluoroquinolones	-floxacin	Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin	• Black Box Warning: Risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture (especially the Achilles tendon). • Avoid dairy/calcium during administration; increase fluid intake to prevent crystalluria.
Sulfonamides	sulf-	Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfadiazine, Sulfasalazine	• Common trigger for Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). • High risk of photosensitivity and crystalluria (encourage 2–3L fluids/day).
Antifungals	-azole	Fluconazole, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole	• Used for candidiasis, fungal infections. • Major CYP450 inhibitors (many drug interactions); monitor liver function tests.
Antivirals	-vir, -clovir	Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Oseltamivir	• Effective for HSV, VZV, and Influenza. • Start as early as possible; the window depends on the drug and indication. Examples: oseltamivir for influenza within 48 hours of symptom onset; valacyclovir for shingles is most effective within 48 hours of rash onset (efficacy not established when started more than 72 hours after).
Monoclonal Antibodies	-mab	Rituximab, Trastuzumab, Adalimumab	• Immunosuppressive biologic agents. • Pre-screen for latent Tuberculosis (TB) before starting; monitor closely for infusion reactions.
Protease Inhibitors (HIV)	-navir	Ritonavir, Atazanavir, Darunavir	• Part of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). • Can cause metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia.
NRTIs (HIV)	-vudine	Zidovudine, Lamivudine	• Prevents viral replication. • Monitor complete blood counts (bone marrow suppression/anemia).

3. Respiratory Medications

Drug Class	Prefix / Suffix	Common Generic Examples	Key Nursing Considerations & NCLEX Tips
Beta-2 Agonists (Bronchodilators)	-terol	Albuterol (short-acting, SABA), Salmeterol (long-acting, LABA)	• Albuterol is the rescue inhaler of choice for acute asthma attacks. • Side effects: Tachycardia, tremors, palpitations. • If taking with an inhaled corticosteroid, use the bronchodilator FIRST, wait 5 minutes, then use the steroid.
Anticholinergics	-tropium	Ipratropium, Tiotropium	• Blocks acetylcholine, causing bronchodilation. • Dries secretions (anticholinergic effects: dry mouth, urinary retention).
Xanthine Derivatives	-phylline	Theophylline, Aminophylline	• Bronchodilator with a narrow therapeutic range (10–20 mcg/mL). • Toxicity presents with tachycardia, arrhythmias, and seizures. Avoid caffeine.
Leukotriene Modifiers	-lukast	Montelukast, Zafirlukast	• Maintenance therapy for chronic asthma and allergic rhinitis (NOT for acute asthma attacks). • Take daily in the evening.

4. Neurological & Psychiatric Medications

Psychiatric pharmacology is heavily tested with focus on therapeutic windows, black box warnings, and adverse reactions (e.g., Serotonin Syndrome, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome).

Drug Class	Prefix / Suffix	Common Generic Examples	Key Nursing Considerations & NCLEX Tips
Benzodiazepines	-pam, -lam	Diazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam, Clonazepam	• CNS depressants for acute anxiety and seizures. • High risk for dependence and sedation; avoid alcohol. • Antidote: Flumazenil.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)	-xetine, -pram	Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Citalopram, Escitalopram	• Caution: the -xetine ending is not unique to SSRIs. Duloxetine is an SNRI (see below). • First-line for depression/anxiety; takes 2–4 weeks for therapeutic effect. • Watch for Serotonin Syndrome (fever, rigidity, agitation, hyperreflexia). • Black box warning: Increased suicidal ideation in young adults during initial therapy.
SNRIs	-faxine, -nacipran	Venlafaxine, Duloxetine, Milnacipran	• Duloxetine is an SNRI even though its name ends in -xetine, like the SSRIs fluoxetine and paroxetine. • Used for depression and diabetic neuropathic pain. • Monitor blood pressure (norepinephrine reuptake increases BP).
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)	-pramine, -triptyline	Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Clomipramine	• Older antidepressants; strong anticholinergic side effects (can’t see, can’t pee, can’t spit, can’t defecate). • High risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias in overdose.
Atypical Antipsychotics	-ridone, -apine	Risperidone, Paliperidone, Olanzapine, Clozapine	• Used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. • Lower risk of Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS), but causes metabolic syndrome and weight gain. • Clozapine special note: Severe risk of agranulocytosis; monitor absolute neutrophil count (ANC) weekly.
Barbiturates	-barbital	Phenobarbital, Pentobarbital	• CNS depressants / sedatives. • High overdose potential with severe respiratory depression; no direct antidote.
Antimigraine (Triptans)	-triptan	Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan	• Constricts cranial blood vessels to abort acute migraines. • Contraindicated in coronary artery disease (CAD) or uncontrolled HTN due to vasoconstriction.

5. Gastrointestinal Medications

Drug Class	Prefix / Suffix	Common Generic Examples	Key Nursing Considerations & NCLEX Tips
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)	-prazole	Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Lansoprazole	• Suppresses gastric acid secretion for GERD and peptic ulcers. • Long-term risks: Osteoporosis (decreased calcium absorption/fractures), C. difficile infection, and hypomagnesemia. • Take 30 minutes before breakfast.
H2 Receptor Blockers	-tidine	Famotidine, Cimetidine	• Reduces stomach acid production. • Take 30–60 minutes before meals. • Ranitidine also carries the -tidine stem, but in April 2020 the US FDA requested removal of all ranitidine products from the US market (NDMA contamination). Availability in other countries depends on the local regulator.
Antiemetics (5-HT3 Antagonists)	-setron	Ondansetron, Granisetron	• Prevents chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea. • Can cause headache, dizziness, and prolonged QT interval.

6. Pain & Anesthesia Medications

Drug Class	Prefix / Suffix	Common Generic Examples	Key Nursing Considerations & NCLEX Tips
NSAIDs	-profen, -fenac	Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Diclofenac	• Inhibit prostaglandin synthesis (analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic). • Adverse effects: GI bleeding/ulcers and nephrotoxicity. • Take with food; avoid in heart failure and advanced kidney disease.
Opioid Analgesics	-done, -one	Oxycodone, Methadone, Hydromorphone, Morphine	• Severe pain management. • Critical priority: Respiratory depression (hold if RR < 12/min). • Causes constipation and sedation. Antidote: Naloxone (Narcan).
Local Anesthetics	-caine	Lidocaine, Bupivacaine, Mepivacaine	• Blocks sodium channels to stop nerve conduction. • Systemic toxicity signs (LAST): Perioral numbness, metallic taste, tremors, seizures.
Inhaled Anesthetics	-ane	Halothane, Isoflurane, Sevoflurane	• General anesthesia agents. • Trigger for Malignant Hyperthermia (muscle rigidity + extreme hyperthermia). Antidote: Dantrolene.
Neuromuscular Blockers	-uronium, -curium	Vecuronium, Rocuronium, Cisatracurium	• Causes skeletal muscle paralysis for intubation/surgery. • Does NOT provide sedation or analgesia; the patient must always receive sedation first.

7. Endocrine & Other Common Classifications

Drug Class	Prefix / Suffix	Common Generic Examples	Key Nursing Considerations & NCLEX Tips
Corticosteroids	-sone, -lone, -ide	Prednisone, Dexamethasone, Methylprednisolone	• Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive. • Causes hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, delayed wound healing, peptic ulcers, and weight gain. • Never stop abruptly (taper down to avoid acute adrenal crisis).
Oral Antidiabetics	-gliptin, -ide	Sitagliptin (DPP-4), Glipizide, Glimepiride (Sulfonylureas)	• Sulfonylureas (-ide) carry a high risk of hypoglycemia. • Teach patients hypoglycemia signs (shakiness, diaphoresis, confusion) and rule of 15s.
Bisphosphonates	-dronate	Alendronate, Risedronate, Ibandronate	• Treats and prevents osteoporosis. • Must be taken first thing in the morning with a full glass of water, on an empty stomach. • Patient must remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent severe esophagitis.
PDE-5 Inhibitors	-fil	Sildenafil, Tadalafil	• Used for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. • ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED with Nitroglycerin/Nitrates due to fatal hypotension.

High-Yield NCLEX Strategy: 4 Golden Rules for Pharmacology Questions

When answering NextGen NCLEX pharmacology questions, apply these standard clinical rules:

1. Assess Before You Act: Always check the relevant vital sign or lab value before administering a medication (e.g., check apical pulse for Digoxin, check BP for ACE inhibitors, check potassium for Furosemide).
2. Prioritize ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation): Anaphylaxis (Penicillins), angioedema (ACE inhibitors), and severe respiratory depression (Opioids, Benzodiazepines) always take priority over mild side effects like nausea, dry mouth, or drowsiness.
3. Know the Antidotes: (for therapeutic ranges and more antidotes, see our therapeutic drug levels and antidotes guide)
   • Heparin → Protamine Sulfate
   • Warfarin → Vitamin K
   • Opioids → Naloxone
   • Benzodiazepines → Flumazenil
   • Acetaminophen → Acetylcysteine
   • Malignant Hyperthermia → Dantrolene
4. Patient Education is Safety: NCLEX heavily tests discharge teaching. Always identify foods to avoid (e.g., grapefruit juice, tyramine-rich foods with MAOIs, green leafy vegetables with Warfarin) and red-flag symptoms requiring immediate medical evaluation.

Sources

This sheet is a study aid for nursing students. For dosing and safety decisions, the current prescribing information for the specific drug and your local protocols take precedence.

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Requests Removal of All Ranitidine Products (Zantac) from the Market. 1 April 2020.
• Cymbalta (duloxetine) prescribing information. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
• Cefotetan for injection prescribing information. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
• Zocor (simvastatin) prescribing information. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
• Lipitor (atorvastatin) prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• Crestor (rosuvastatin) prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• Tamiflu (oseltamivir) prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• Valtrex (valacyclovir) prescribing information. GlaxoSmithKline.
• American Medical Association. United States Adopted Names (USAN) approved stems.

Recommended Resources:

• Abrams’ Clinical Drug Therapy: Rationales for Nursing Practice (13th Edition) Test Bank
• Karch’s Focus on Nursing Pharmacology 9th Edition Test Bank (Tucker)
• Browse all pharmacology test banks by textbook and edition