NREMT Paramedic Practice

What does the suffix '-amil' indicate regarding medication classification?

1. Local anesthetic

2. ACE inhibitor

3. Calcium channel blocker

4. Antiviral medication

The correct answer is: Calcium channel blocker

The suffix '-amil' is indicative of a specific class of medications known as calcium channel blockers. These medications work by inhibiting the entry of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, leading to a reduction in heart rate and vasodilation. This class of drugs is commonly used to treat conditions like hypertension and angina. Recognizing such suffixes helps healthcare professionals to understand not only the function of the medication but also its therapeutic uses and possible side effects. In comparison, local anesthetics typically do not follow this naming convention, as do ACE inhibitors, which usually have ‘-pril’ in their naming, and antiviral medications, which may have various suffixes that do not conform to a single pattern. Understanding these classifications through their suffixes makes it easier for paramedics and other medical professionals to quickly identify medication classes in an emergency setting.