Drug Name Tricks

Question 1

Drugs with disulfiram-like effects (inhib. acetaldehyde dehydrogenase) often have what in the name? What are some exceptions?

Answer 1

• azo-
  eg. metronidazole, fomipazole, cefoperazone

exceptions: cefotetan, chlorpropamide, griseofulvin

Note: we want to avoid alcohol use with these drugs b/c they would ↑ CNS depression and effects of acetaldehyde

Question 2

Two endings for barbiturates?

Answer 2

• barbital (e.g. phenobarbital),

- pental (e.g. thiopental)

Question 3

Two endings for benzos?

Answer 3

• zolam (e.g. triazolam)

- zepam (e.g. diazepam)

Question 4

What ending do typical antipsychotics have? What chemical group are they in?

Answer 4

• azine (eg. chlorpromazine; exception = haloperidol)

part of phenoTHIAzines
thia => sulfa hypersensitivity

Question 5

What does the amiodarone reveal about a significant toxicity of this drug?

Answer 5

it is 40% iodine by weight → hyper/hypothyroidism