NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which type of medication is characterized by the suffix '-vir'?

1. Local anesthetic

2. Antibiotic

3. Antivirus

4. Calcium channel blocker

The correct answer is: Antivirus

Medications characterized by the suffix '-vir' are primarily antiviral agents. This suffix is commonly used in the names of drugs that are designed to target and inhibit the replication of viruses, making them effective in treating viral infections. The action of these medications often involves blocking specific viral enzymes or receptors that are essential for the virus to multiply and spread within the host. For instance, drugs like acyclovir and oseltamivir are well-known examples of antivirals that feature this suffix, and they are utilized to manage infections caused by viruses such as herpes simplex and influenza, respectively. The specificity of these medications to viruses, as indicated by the '-vir' suffix, underscores their focus on treating infections that antibiotics would not affect, as antibiotics target bacterial infections instead. Understanding the pharmacological terminology can greatly aid in recognizing the type of medication based on its name, providing clinicians with insight into its intended use and mechanism of action.