Which suffix is commonly used in the names of beta-blocker medications?

Which suffix is commonly used in the names of beta-blocker medications?

• A. -pril
• B. -olol
• C. -artan
• D. -cycline

Answer: (B)

Suffix -olol is the giveaway for beta-blocker names. This ending flags drugs that block beta-adrenergic receptors, which dampens signals that raise heart rate and contractility. That effect lowers heart rate, reduces contractile strength, and lowers blood pressure, making these meds useful for hypertension, angina, certain arrhythmias, and some cases of heart failure. Examples include propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol, and labetalol. Other endings point to different drug classes (-pril for ACE inhibitors, -artan for ARBs, -cycline for tetracycline antibiotics), so -olol specifically signals beta-blockers.

Suffix -olol is the giveaway for beta-blocker names. This ending flags drugs that block beta-adrenergic receptors, which dampens signals that raise heart rate and contractility. That effect lowers heart rate, reduces contractile strength, and lowers blood pressure, making these meds useful for hypertension, angina, certain arrhythmias, and some cases of heart failure. Examples include propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol, and labetalol. Other endings point to different drug classes (-pril for ACE inhibitors, -artan for ARBs, -cycline for tetracycline antibiotics), so -olol specifically signals beta-blockers.