Module 3 2019

Example of Stems

Stem Pharmacologically Related Group

Example INN

cef-

antibiotics derived from cephalosporanic acid systematic antifungals of the miconazole group

cefuroxime (Zinacef) fluconazole (Diflucan)

-conazole

-dronic acid -lukast

calcium metabolism regulators

alendronic acid (Fosamax)

antiasthmatics or antiallergics, not primarily antihistamines: leukotriene receptor antagonist

montelukast (Singulair)

-olol

ß-adrenoceptor antagonists

bisoprolol (Cardicor)

-pril, - prilat

angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

ramipril (Tritace)

-racetam

amide type nootropic agents, piracetam derivatives

levetiracetam (Keppra) losartan (Cozaar) atorvastatin (Lipitor)

-sartan

angiotensin II receptor antagonists antihyperlipidaemic substances, HMG CoA reductase inhibitors

-vastatin

-tidine

histamine-H2-receptor antagonists of the cimetidine group

ranitidine (Zantac)

The use of common stems in the selection of International Nonproprietary Names (INN) for pharmaceutical substances’ WHO 2011 (with examples)

Nomenclature and Characterisationof the Active Ingredient

The Organisation for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs