Curious drug names and their origin

Ever wondered how medications get their names? Some drug names sound futuristic, some have hidden meanings, and others are just plain bizarre. While generic drug names follow strict chemical and linguistic rules, brand names are often designed to be memorable, marketable, and even a little mysterious.

Here’s a list of some of the most curious drug names and their fascinating origins!

1. The name Lasix comes from "Lasts six", referring to the drug's approximate six-hour duration of action as a diuretic. Since furosemide helps the body get rid of excess fluid by increasing urine output, the name highlights its lasting effect.

2. Viagra – Inspired by "vigorous" + "Niagara" (suggesting strength and flow).

3. The name Bacitracin comes from a combination of its bacterial source and a patient’s name:

"Baci" – From Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus, the bacteria that produce the antibiotic.

"Tracin" – From Margaret Tracy, a young girl in whose wound the bacteria were first discovered in 1943.

4. The name Aspirin comes from a combination of its chemical components and origins:

"A" – From acetyl, referring to the acetylation of salicylic acid.

"spir" – From Spiraea ulmaria (now called Filipendula ulmaria), the meadowsweet plant from which salicylic acid, the drug's key ingredient, was originally derived.

"-in" – A common suffix in drug names at the time.

5. Prozac – May derive from "pro" (forward) and "zac" (energetic sound), implying progress and energy.

6. Lipitor – A blend of "lipid" (fat) and "tor", suggesting strength in lowering cholesterol.

7. Plavix – Possibly from "platelet" and "victory", referencing its blood-thinning properties.

8. Ritalin – Named after "Rita", the wife of the discoverer.

9. Adderall – Short for "ADD for all", referring to its use in ADHD treatment.

10. The name "Rapamune" is derived from the generic name of the drug, **sirolimus**. Sirolimus itself was originally known as **rapamycin**, named after **Rapa Nui** (Easter Island), where the soil bacterium *Streptomyces hygroscopicus* was discovered. This bacterium produces the compound, which was initially investigated for its antifungal properties but later found to have potent immunosuppressive and antiproliferative effects.

The "mune" in Rapamune likely references its **immunosuppressive** properties, as it is used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. The name combines the origin of the compound (Rapa Nui) with its therapeutic function.

11. The name "Warfarin" originates from the acronym WARF, which stands for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, combined with the suffix "-arin" indicating its connection to coumarin, the chemical compound from which it is derived.

Here’s a breakdown of the name:

- **WARF**: The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, which funded the research that led to the discovery of warfarin.

- **-arin**: Refers to its chemical structure, derived from coumarin.

Warfarin was initially discovered as a result of research into a hemorrhagic disease in cattle caused by spoiled sweet clover. It was later developed as a potent anticoagulant for medical use. The name reflects its scientific and institutional origins.