Antifungals end in what suffix?

• A. Vir suffix
• B. Azole suffix
• C. Mycin suffix
• D. Cillin suffix

Answer: (B)

Antifungal drugs are commonly grouped as azoles, so their names end with the suffix -azole. This suffix signals that the drug belongs to the azole class, which works by inhibiting the fungal enzyme 14α-demethylase, disrupting ergosterol synthesis and weakening the fungal cell membrane. Examples you’ll recognize include fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole. The other suffixes point to different drug families: -vir is typical of antiviral drugs, -mycin comes from certain antibiotics, and -cillin denotes penicillin-type antibiotics. Keep in mind there are antifungals outside the azole class (such as amphotericin B and echinocandins), but -azole is the most characteristic suffix associated with antifungals in common naming.