Medications used to prevent osteoporosis typically end with which suffix?

• A. dronate
• B. olol
• C. pril
• D. sartan

Answer: (A)

The suffix -dronate signals a class of osteoporosis medicines called bisphosphonates. These drugs, such as alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, and zoledronic acid, are commonly prescribed to prevent osteoporosis because they slow bone loss by inhibiting osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone. This reduces bone resorption, helps maintain bone density, and lowers fracture risk. The other endings correspond to entirely different drug classes—-olol for beta blockers, -pril for ACE inhibitors, and -sartan for ARBs—so they aren’t the typical indicators of osteoporosis medications.