Med groups

Question 1

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

Answer 1

Common Medications: Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Celecoxib
Suffixes/Prefixes:
Suffixes: “-profen” (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), “-coxib” (e.g., celecoxib).
Considerations:
Side Effects: Can cause gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, and bleeding, especially with long-term use.
Contraindications: Avoid in patients with peptic ulcer disease, renal impairment, or history of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Interactions: Potential interactions with other medications, particularly those affecting blood thinning (e.g., warfarin).

Question 2

2. ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors)

Answer 2

Common Medications: Lisinopril, Enalapril, Captopril
Suffixes/Prefixes:
Suffixes: “-pril” (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril).
Considerations:
Uses: Treat hypertension and heart failure by relaxing blood vessels.
Side Effects: Can cause dry cough, hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), and kidney impairment.
Monitoring: Regular monitoring of renal function and potassium levels is important.

Question 3

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

Answer 3

Common Medications: Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Escitalopram
Suffixes/Prefixes:
Suffixes: “-oxetine” (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine), “-pram” (e.g., escitalopram, citalopram).
Considerations:
Uses: Treat depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, and bulimia.
Side Effects: Can cause sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal disturbances, and serotonin syndrome (with other serotonergic agents).
Monitoring: Monitor for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts, especially at the beginning of treatment.

Question 4

Beta Blockers

Answer 4

Common Medications: Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol
Suffixes/Prefixes:
Suffixes: “-olol” (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol).
Considerations:
Uses: Treat hypertension, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors.
Side Effects: Can cause bradycardia, hypotension, and fatigue.
Special Considerations: Use with caution in patients with asthma (may exacerbate bronchoconstriction) and diabetes (may mask hypoglycemic symptoms).

Question 5

Statins

Answer 5

Common Medications: Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin
Suffixes/Prefixes:
Suffixes: “-statin” (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin).
Considerations:
Uses: Lower cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Side Effects: Can cause myopathy (muscle pain or weakness) and, rarely, liver enzyme abnormalities.
Monitoring: Monitor liver function tests and for signs of muscle pain or weakness.

Question 6

Benzodiazepines

Answer 6

Common Medications: Diazepam, Alprazolam, Lorazepam
Suffixes/Prefixes:
Suffixes: “-azepam” (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam), “-azolam” (e.g., alprazolam, clonazepam).
Considerations:
Uses: Treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, and muscle spasms by enhancing the effects of GABA (a neurotransmitter).
Side Effects: Can cause sedation, tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.
Cautions: Use with caution in elderly patients and those with a history of substance abuse.

Question 7

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Answer 7

Common Medications: Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole
Suffixes/Prefixes:
Suffixes: “-prazole” (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole).
Considerations:
Uses: Reduce gastric acid production to treat conditions like GERD (acid reflux), peptic ulcers, and gastritis.
Side Effects: Long-term use may increase the risk of fractures, vitamin B12 deficiency, and Clostridium difficile infection.
Monitoring: Consider monitoring magnesium levels in patients on long-term therapy.

Question 8

Antidepressants (Tricyclic Antidepressants)

Answer 8

Common Medications: Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Nortriptyline
Suffixes/Prefixes:
Suffixes: “-triptyline” (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine), “-ipramine” (e.g., imipramine).
Considerations:
Uses: Treat depression, neuropathic pain, and migraine prophylaxis by affecting serotonin and norepinephrine levels.
Side Effects: Can cause sedation, anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation), and cardiac toxicity (especially with overdose).
Cautions: Avoid in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma or recent myocardial infarction.

Question 9

Antipsychotics (Typical and Atypical)

Answer 9

Common Medications: Haloperidol, Risperidone, Quetiapine
Suffixes/Prefixes:
Suffixes: “-idone” (e.g., risperidone, paliperidone), “-pine” (e.g., quetiapine, clozapine).
Considerations:
Uses: Treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychosis by affecting dopamine and serotonin receptors.
Side Effects: Can cause metabolic effects (weight gain, diabetes risk), movement disorders, and sedation.
Monitoring: Regular monitoring for metabolic syndrome (weight, glucose, lipids) and movement disorders.