In pharmacology, the suffix pril indicates which class of medication?

• A. Beta blocker
• B. Calcium channel blocker
• C. ACE inhibitor
• D. Angiotensin receptor blocker

Answer: (C)

Suffixes in drug names can signal their class. Pril at the end of a medication name indicates an ACE inhibitor. These drugs block the angiotensin‑converting enzyme, which reduces formation of angiotensin II and lowers aldosterone, leading to vasodilation and lower blood pressure. They’re commonly used for hypertension, heart failure, and protecting kidney function in diabetes. Side effects can include a dry cough and, less often, angioedema or hyperkalemia.

This naming pattern differs from beta blockers (ending in -olol) and calcium channel blockers (often ending in -pine or -mil), and from angiotensin receptor blockers which end in -sartan.