Which suffix refers to oral hypoglycemics?

• A. -done
• B. -ide
• C. -lam
• D. -oxacin

Answer: (B)

The suffix "-ide" is commonly associated with oral hypoglycemic agents, which are medications used to lower blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. Specifically, many oral antidiabetic drugs, particularly those in the sulfonylurea class, end with the suffix "-ide." Examples include glipizide and glyburide, which help stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas and enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin.

In contrast, the other suffixes listed do not have a recognized association with oral hypoglycemics. For example, "-done" is typically found in opioid medications, "-lam" is associated with benzodiazepines, and "-oxacin" is used for antibiotics, particularly fluoroquinolones. Therefore, understanding the suffixes can aid in identifying drug classifications, making "-ide" the correct answer for this question regarding oral hypoglycemics.