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Most names end with -terone (e.g., testosterone).
Androgens
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Most names end with -pril (e.g., enalapril [Vasotec])
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
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Most names end in -pressin (e.g., desmopressin [DDAVP]).
Antidiuretic hormones
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Many end with -statin (e.g., atorvastatin [Lipitor])
Antilipemic medications
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Most contain vir (e.g., acyclovir [Zovirax])
Antiviral medications
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Although this class includes medications such as alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), most names such as diazepam (Valium) end in -pam. (Another tip for identifying: The name includes a vowel-z-vowel combination.)
Benzodiazepines
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Most names end with -lol (e.g., atenolol [Tenormin])
Beta-adrenergic blockers
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Most names end in -pine (e.g., amiodipine [Norvasc]); exceptions include diltiazem (Cardizem, Cardizem SR) and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
Calcium channel blockers
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Most names end in -mide (e.g., dorzolamide [Trusopt]). These medications are used to treat glaucoma.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
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Most names contain -est (e.g., estradiol (Estrace) or conjugated estrogen [Premarin])
Estrogens
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Most names end in -sone (e.g., prednisone)
Glucocorticoids and corticosteroids
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Most names end in -dine (e.g., cimetidine [Tagamet])
Histamine H2 receptor antagonists
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Most names contain nitr (e.g., nitroglycerin [Nitrostat])
Nitrates
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Most names contain pancre (e.g., pancrealipase [Pancrease])
Pancreatic enzyme replacements
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Most names end in -zole (e.g., lansoprazole [Prevacid])
Proton pump inhibitors
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Most names include sulf (e.g., sulfasalazine [Azulifidine])
Sulfonamides
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Most names end in -ide (e.g., glipizide [Glucotrol]). These medications are used to treat diabetes mellitus.
Sulfonylureas
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Most names end in -zide (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide [Hydrodiuril])
Thiazide diuretics
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Most names include -ase (e.g., alteplase [Activase])
Thrombolytics
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Most names contain thy (e.g., levothyroxine [Synthroid])
Thyroid hormones
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Most names end in -line (e.g., theophylline)
Xanthine bronchodilators
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