Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What is indicated by the suffix '-navir' in drug nomenclature?

1. Integrase inhibitors

2. NRTIs

3. Protease inhibitors

4. Fusion inhibitors

The correct answer is: Protease inhibitors

The suffix '-navir' in drug nomenclature specifically indicates that a drug is a protease inhibitor. Protease inhibitors are a class of antiretroviral drugs widely used in the treatment of HIV infection. They work by inhibiting the protease enzyme that HIV needs to replicate, thereby preventing the virus from maturing into its infectious form and reducing the viral load in the body. Understanding the significance of drug suffixes is crucial for recognizing the mechanism of action and therapeutic use of different medications. Protease inhibitors are an essential component of combination antiretroviral therapy, effectively helping to manage and control HIV. This understanding helps healthcare providers in selecting appropriate treatment regimens based on the type of drugs and their actions indicated by their names.