Guidelines on the Use of International Nonproprietary Names (INNs) for Pharmaceutical Substances: 3. Principles for selection of INNs: 3.2 Use of stems

Guidelines on the Use of International Nonproprietary Names (INNs) for Pharmaceutical Substances
(1997; 41 pages)

Table of Contents

	1. General introduction
		1.1 General information on the INN system
		1.2 Use of INNs
	2. Elements in the INN system
		2.1 Proposed INNs
		2.2 Recommended INNs
		2.3 Names for radicals and groups
		2.4 Modified INNs (INNMs)
		2.5 Cumulative list of INNs
	3. Principles for selection of INNs
		3.1 General rules
		3.2 Use of stems
		3.3 Stereoisomers
		3.4 Radioactive compounds
		3.5 Specific groups of biological compounds
	4. Protection of INNs
	5. How to apply for an INN
		5.1 Procedure for selection of INNs
		5.2 INN request form
	6. References for supporting material
	Annex 1: Background information on the INN programme
	Annex 2: General principles for guidance in devising international nonproprietary names for pharmaceutical substances
	Annex 3: List of common stems used in the selection of INNs
	Annex 4: Specific groups of biological compounds
	Annex 5: WHA46.19 - Nonproprietary names for pharmaceutical substances
	Annex 6: Procedure for the selection of international nonproprietary names for pharmaceutical substances
	Annex 7: Applications for INNs through national authorities (addresses)
	Annex 8: INN request form

3.2 Use of stems

Usually, an INN consists of a random, fantasy prefix and a common stem; substances belonging to a group of pharmacologically related substances show their relationship by the use of a common stem. Sometimes sub-stems are established to differentiate between different related groups of substances, e.g. -olol for b-adrenoreceptor antagonists and antihypertensives, -teplase for tissue-type-plasminogen activators and -uplase for urokinase-type-plasminogen activators.

A list of common stems used in the selection of INNs may be found in Annex 3.