Which suffix is commonly used for ACE inhibitors?

Which suffix is commonly used for ACE inhibitors?

• A. -pril
• B. -artan
• C. -olol
• D. -sartan

Answer: (A)

Drug naming often reveals the class of a medication. ACE inhibitors almost always end with the suffix -pril. This helps distinguish them from other antihypertensive classes. Examples include lisinopril, enalapril, captopril, and ramipril. The mechanism behind these drugs is that they inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which lowers angiotensin II levels, leading to vasodilation and reduced aldosterone-mediated fluid retention. In contrast, beta-blockers end with -olol, and ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers) typically end with -sartan or -artan, so those suffixes point to different drug classes.

Drug naming often reveals the class of a medication. ACE inhibitors almost always end with the suffix -pril. This helps distinguish them from other antihypertensive classes. Examples include lisinopril, enalapril, captopril, and ramipril. The mechanism behind these drugs is that they inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which lowers angiotensin II levels, leading to vasodilation and reduced aldosterone-mediated fluid retention. In contrast, beta-blockers end with -olol, and ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers) typically end with -sartan or -artan, so those suffixes point to different drug classes.