NREMT Paramedic Practice

What type of medication is indicated by the suffix "-mide"?

1. Pain relievers

2. Diuretics

3. Antibiotics

4. Beta blockers

The correct answer is: Diuretics

Medications that have the suffix "-mide" are primarily diuretics. This suffix is commonly associated with a class of medications that act on the kidneys to promote the excretion of sodium and water, which helps to reduce blood volume and lower blood pressure. Examples include furosemide and bumetanide, which are well-known loop diuretics used to manage conditions such as heart failure, edema, and hypertension. These medications function by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the renal tubules, leading to increased urine production and a subsequent decrease in fluid overload. Understanding this class of medications and their mechanisms is crucial for paramedics, as they may be involved in administering these drugs in pre-hospital settings for patients with complications related to excess fluid volume.