Name Stems
Drugs from the same therapeutic or chemical class are usually given names with the same stem. Stems are mostly placed word-finally, but in some cases word-initial stems are used. They are collected in a publication informally known as the Stem Book.
Examples are:
- -coxib for COX-2 inhibitors, a type of anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. celecoxib)
- -mab for monoclonal antibodies (e.g. infliximab); see Nomenclature of monoclonal antibodies
- -olol for beta blockers (e.g. atenolol)
- -oxetine for fluoxetine derivatives, a group of antidepressants
- -pril for ACE inhibitors (e.g. captopril)
- -vastatin for HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, a group of cholesterol lowering agents (e.g. simvastatin)
- io- for iodine containing radiopharmaceuticals (e.g. iobenguane)
Read more about this topic: International Nonproprietary Name
Famous quotes containing the word stems:
“Children’s talent to endure stems from their ignorance of alternatives.”
—Maya Angelou (b. 1928)
“A passion for politics stems usually from an insatiable need, either for power, or for friendship and adulation, or a combination of both.”
—Fawn M. Brodie (1915–1981)