NREMT Paramedic Practice

The suffix -zide is commonly associated with which type of medication?

1. Antibiotics

2. Diuretics

3. Steroids

4. Anti-ulcer agents

The correct answer is: Diuretics

The suffix -zide is typically used in the names of diuretics, which are medications designed to promote the excretion of water and electrolytes by the kidneys. This can help reduce fluid overload in patients with conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, or edema. Common examples of diuretics that include this suffix are hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide. The mechanism of action for these medications primarily involves increasing urine output, thus decreasing the volume of fluid in circulation. In contrast, antibiotics are identified by suffixes such as -cillin or -mycin, steroids often end in -one or -ol, and anti-ulcer agents may have suffixes like -prazole or -tidine. Understanding these prefixes and suffixes can help healthcare professionals quickly identify the class of medication and its intended use.