Pharmacology Mnemonics
Pharmacology Mnemonics
Pharmacology Mnemonics
Aminoglycosides: common
characteristics AMINO:
Active Against Aerobic gram
negative
Mechanism of resistance
are Modifying enzymes
Inhibit protein synthesis by
binding to 30S subunit
Nephrotoxic
Ototoxic
Sulfonamides: common
characteristics SULFA:
Steven-Johnson syndrome/ Skin
rash / Solubility low
Urine precipitation/ Useful for UTI
Large spectrum (gram positives
and negatives)
Folic acids synthesis blocker (as
well as synthesis of nucleic acids)
Analog of PABA
Diuretics:
groups "Leak Over The CAN":
Loop diuretics
Osmotics
Thiazides
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Aldosterone inhibitors
Na (sodium) channel blockers
Note: "leak" is slang for urination
and "can" is slang for a toilet.
Warfarin:
interactions ACADEMIC QACS:
Amiodarone
Cimetidine
Aspirin
Dapsone
Erythromycin
Metronidazole
Indomethacin
Clofibrates
Quinidine
Azapropazone
Ciprofloxacin
Statins
Carbamazepine (CBZ):
use CBZ:
Cranial Nerve V (trigeminal)
neuralgia
Bipolar disorder
Zeisures
micals":
Thiabendazole
Mebendazole
Taxol
Griseofulvin
Vincristine/ Vinblastine
Colchicine
Benzodiazepins: 3 members
that undergo extrahepatic
metabolism
"Outside The Liver":
Oxazepam
Temazepam
Lorazepam
These undergo extrahepatic
metabolism and do not form
active metabolites.
Guanethidine:
mechanism GuaNEthidine
prevents NE
(norepinephrine) release.
Parasympathetic vs.
sympathetic
neurotransmitters "No
sympathy for a Pair of Aces":
Norepinephren is secreted in by
the Sympathetic nervous system
while Acetylcholine is secreted in
the Parasympathetic nervous
system.
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Adrenoceptors: vasomotor
function of alpha vs.
beta ABCD:
Alpha = Constrict.
Beta = Dilate.
Beta 1 selective
blockers "BEAM ONE up,
Scotty":
Beta 1 blockers:
Esmolol
Atenolol
Metropolol
Opiods: mu receptor
effects "MD CARES":
Miosis
Dependency
Constipation
Analgesics
Respiratory depression
Euphoria
Sedation
Dactinomycin/ Doxorubicin
Etoposide
Flutamide and other steroids or
their antagonists (eg tamoxifen,
leuprolide)
Tricyclic antidepressants:
members worth knowing "I
have to
hide, the CIA is after me":
Clomipramine
Imipramine
Amitrptyline
If want the next 3 worth
knowing, the DND is also after
me:
Desipramine
Norrtriptyline
Doxepin
Serotonin syndrome:
components Causes HARM:
Hyperthermia
Autonomic instability (delirium)
3
Rigidity
Myoclonus
Therapeutic index:
formula TILE:
TI = LD50 / ED50
Antirheumatic agents
(disease modifying):
members CHAMP:
Cyclophosphamide
Hydroxycloroquine and
choloroquinine
Auranofin and other gold
compounds
Methotrexate
Penicillamine
Auranofin, aurothioglucose:
category and indication Aurum
is latin for "gold" (gold's chemical
symbol is Au).
Generic Aur- drugs
(Auranofin, Aurothioglucose) are
gold
compounds.
If didn't learn yet that gold's
indication is rheumatoid arthritis,
AUR- Acts
Upon Rheumatoid.
Diuretics: thiazides:
indications "CHIC to use
thiazides":
CHF
Hypertension
Insipidous
Calcium calculi
Ribavirin:
indications RIBAvirin:
RSV
Influenza B
Arenaviruses (Lassa, Bolivian,
etc.)
Morphine: effects at mu
receptor PEAR:
Physical dependence
Euphoria
Analgesia
Respiratory depression
Teratogenic
drugs "W/ TERATOgenic":
Warfarin
Thalidomide
Epileptic drugs: phenytoin,
valproate, carbamazepine
Retinoid
ACE inhibitor
Third element: lithium
OCP and other hormones (eg
danazol)
Antiarrhythmics: classification
I to IV MBA College
In order of class I to IV:
Membrane stabilizers (class I)
Beta blockers
Action potential widening agents
Calcium channel blockers
Tricyclic antidipressents
(TCA): side effects TCA'S:
Thrombocytopenia
Cardiac (arrhymia, MI, stroke)
Anticholinergic (tachycardia,
urinary retention, etc)
Seizures
Beta blockers:
members "The NEPAL Prime
Minister":
Timolol
Nadolol
Esmolol
Pindolol
Atenolol
Labetalol
Propranolol
Metoprolol
Respiratory depression
inducing drugs "STOP
breathing":
Sedatives and hypnotics
Trimethoprim
Opiates
Polymyxins
Pulmonary infiltrations
inducing drugs "Go BAN Me!":
Gold
Bleomycin/ Busulphan/ BCNU
Amiodarone/ Acyclovir/ Azathiopri
ne
Nitrofurantoin
Melphalan/ Methotrexate/ Methy
sergide
Migraine: prophylaxis
drugs "Very Volatile
Pharmacotherapeutic Agents For
Migraine Prophylaxis":
Verpamil
Valproic acid
Pizotifen
Amitriptyline
Flunarizine
Methysergide
Propranolol
Bare bones version [eg
Lippincott's two],
just Migraine Prophylaxis,
as above.
Propythiouracil (PTU):
mechanism It inhibits PTU:
Peroxidase/ Peripheral
deiodination
Tyrosine iodination
Union (coupling)
Beta-blockers: nonselective
beta-blockers "Tim Pinches
His Nasal Problem" (because he
has a runny nose...):
Timolol
Pindolol
Hismolol
Naldolol
Propranolol
Phenytoin: adverse
effects PHENYTOIN:
P-450 interactions
Hirsutism
Enlarged gums
Nystagmus
Yellow-browning of skin
Teratogenicity
Osteomalacia
Interference with B12 metabolism
(hence anemia)
Neuropathies: vertigo, ataxia,
headache
Gynaecomastia-causing
drugs DISCOS:
Digoxin
Isoniazid
Spironolactone
Cimetidine
Oestrogens
Stilboestrol
Hypertension:
treatment ABCD:
ACE inhibitors/ AngII antagonists
(sometimes Alpha agonists
also)
Beta blockers
Calcium antagonists
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Diuretics classification in
order of site of action "COLT
Pee:"
In their sequential site of action
along the nephron:
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (at
the proximal tubule)
Osmotic diuretics (at the Loop of
Henle)
Loop diuretics (at the ascending
loop)
Thiazides (at the distal tubule)
Potassium-sparing diuretics (at
the collecting tubules)
Diuretics make patient pee like a
horse, hence "Colt Pee".
Physostigmine vs.
neostigmine LMNOP:
Lipid soluble
Miotic
Natural
Orally absorbed well
Physostigmine
Neostigmine, on the contrary, is:
Water soluble
Used in myesthenia gravis
Synthetic
Poor oral absorption
Steroid side
effects CUSHINGOID:
Cataracts
Ulcers
Skin: striae, thinning, bruising
Hypertension/ Hirsutism/ Hypergl
ycemia
Infections
Necrosis, avascular necrosis of
the femoral head
Glycosuria
Osteoporosis, obesity
Immunosuppression
Diabetes
Morphine:
effects MORPHINES:
Miosis
Orthostatic hypotension
Respiratory depression
Pain supression
Histamine release/ Hormonal
alterations
Increased ICT
Nausea
Euphoria
Sedation
Monoamine oxidase
inhibitors: members "PIT of
despair":
Phenelzine
Isocarboxazid
Tranylcypromine
Antimuscarinics: members,
action "Inhibits Parasympathetic
And Sweat":
Ipratropium
Pirenzepine
Atropine
Scopolamine
Muscarinic receptors at all
parasympathetic endings sweat
glands in
sympathetic.
Antibiotics contraindicated
during pregnancy MCAT:
Metronidazole
Chloramphenicol
Aminoglycoside
Tetracycline
Quinolones [and
Fluoroquinolones]:
mechanism "Topple
the Queen":
Quinolone interferes
with Topoisomerase II.
MPTP: mechanism,
effect MPTP:
Mitochondrial Parkinson's-Type
Poison.
A mitochondrial poison that
elicits a Parkinson's-type effect.
Osmotic diuretics:
members GUM:
Glycerol
Urea
Mannitol
Benzodiazepenes:
antidote "Ben is off with the
flu":
Benzodiazepine
effects off with Flumazenil.
Narcotics: side
effects "SCRAM if you see a
drug
dealer":
Synergistic CNS depression with
other drugs
Constipation
Respiratory depression
Addiction
Miosis
Testosterone":
Fluoxymesterone
Methyltestosterone
Nandrolone
Testosterone
Benzodiazepenes: drugs
which decrease their
metabolism "I'm
Overly Calm":
Isoniazid
Oral contraceptive pills
Cimetidine
These drugs increase calming
effect of BZDs by retarding
metabolism.
Tetracycline:
teratogenicity TEtracycline is a
TEratogen that causes staining of
TEeth in the newborn.
Anticholinergic side
effects "Know the ABCD'S of
anticholinergic side effects":
Anorexia
Blurry vision
Constipation/ Confusion
Dry Mouth
Sedation/ Stasis of urine
Myasthenia gravis:
edrophonium vs.
pyridostigmine eDrophonium
is for Diagnosis.
pyRIDostigmine is to get RIDof
symptoms.
Narcotic
antagonists The Narcotic Antag
onists
are NAloxone and NAltrexone.
Important clinically to treat
narcotic overdose.
Delerium-causing
drugs ACUTE CHANGE IN MS:
Antibiotics (biaxin, penicillin,
ciprofloxacin)
Cardiac drugs (digoxin, lidocaine)
Urinary incontinence drugs
(anticholinergics)
Theophylline
Ethanol
Corticosteroids
H2 blockers
Antiparkinsonian drugs
Narcotics (esp. mepridine)
Geriatric psychiatric drugs
ENT drugs
Insomnia drugs
NSAIDs (eg indomethacin,
naproxin)
Muscle relaxants
Seizure medicines
Disulfiram-like reaction
inducing drugs "PM PMT" as
in Pre Medical Test in the PM:
Procarbazine
Metronidazole
Cefo (Perazone, Mandole, Tetan).
Zafirlukast, Montelukast,
Cinalukast: mechanism,
usage "Zafir-luk-ast,
Monte-luk-ast, Cina-luk-ast":
Anti-Lukotrienes for Asthma.
Dazzle your oral examiner:
Zafirlukast antagonizes
leukotriene-4.
4-Aminopyradine (4-AP)
use "4-AP is For AP":
For AP (action potential)
propagation in Multiple Sclerosis.
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Direct sympathomimetic
catecholamines DINED:
Dopamine
Isoproterenol
Norepinephrine
Epinephrine
Dobutamine
O estrogens
M ethyldopa/metronidazole
T CAD
V erapamil
MAOI Side Effects
The 3Hs
H epatocellular jaundice
H yperthermia
H ypertension
Propranolol, contraindications
ABCDE
A sthman
B lock (heart)
C ardiac failure
D M (hypoglycemic shock)
E xtremities (occlusive arterial
disease)
Pulmonary Edema, NonCardiac
PONS
P hosgene/paraquat/phenothiazin
es
O pioids/organophosphates
N itrous dioxide
S alicylate
TCAD Side Effects
CAN WOO
C VS
A nticholinergic
N euro
W ithdrawal
O verdose
O thers
Steroids: side
effects BECLOMETHASONE:
Buffalo hump
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Easy bruising
Cataracts
Larger appetite
Obesity
Moonface
Euphoria
Thin arms & legs
Hypertension/ Hyperglycaemia
Avascular necrosis of femoral
head
Skin thinning
Osteoporosis
Negative nitrogen balance
Emotional liability
Methyldopa: side
effects METHYLDOPA:
Mental retardation
Electrolyte imbalance
Tolerance
Headache/ Hepatotoxicity
psYcological upset
Lactation in female
Dry mouth
Oedema
Parkinsonism
Anaemia (haemolytic)
Angioedema/ Agranulocystosis
Proteinuria/ Potassium excess
Taste changes
Orthostatic hypotension
Pregnancy
contraindication/ Pancreatitis/ Pre
ssure drop
(first dose hypertension)
Renal failure (and renal artery
stenosis contraindication)/ Rash
Indomethacin inhibition
Leukopenia/ Liver toxicity
Lead poisoning:
presentation ABCDEFG:
Anemia
Basophilic stripping
Colicky pain
Diarrhea
Encephalopathy
Foot drop
Gum (lead line)
Beta-blockers: main
contraindications,
cautions ABCDE:
Asthma
Block (heart block)
COPD
Diabetes mellitus
Electrolyte (hyperkalemia)
ARO:
Amantadine
Rimantadine
Oseltamivir
Medication administration:
short checklist TRAMP:
Before dispensing medication,
ensure have correct:
Time
Route
Amount
Medication
Patient
Opiates: overdose
findings "Cool to the touch,
unresponsive
to pain,
Hunger diminished, and scars
over vein.
Pupils pinpointed, and blood
pressure low,
Urine diminished, and breathing is
slow."
Metabolism enzyme
inducers "Randy's Black Car
Goes Putt Putt and Smokes":
Rifampin
Barbiturates
Carbamazepine
Grisoefulvin
Phenytoin
Phenobarb
Smokingcigarettes
Phenobarbitone: side
effects Children are annoying
(hyperkinesia,
irritability, insomnia, aggression).
Adults are dosy (sedation,
dizziness, drowsiness).
Cholinergics (eg
organophosphates): effects If
you know
these, you will be "LESS DUMB":
Lacrimation
Excitation of nicotinic synapses
Salivation
Sweating
Diarrhea
Urination
Micturition
Bronchoconstriction
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muscle":
Sedation
anti-Convulsant
anti-Anxiety
Muscle relaxant
Not by brain: No antipsychotic
activity.
Warfarin: action,
monitoring WePT:
Warfarin works on the extrinsic
pathway and is monitored by PT.
Beta-blockers: side
effects "BBC Loses Viewers
In Rochedale":
Bradycardia
Bronchoconstriction
Claudication
Lipids
Vivid dreams & nightmares
-ve Inotropic action
Reduced sensitivity to
hypoglycaemia
Benzodiazepines:
actions "Ben SCAMs Pam into
seduction not by brain but by
Reserpine
action Reserpine depletes the
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pore.
You Suck stuff in through a
mouth-tube, and drug is used for
intubation.
Corticosteroids: adverse side
effects CUSHINGS BAD MD:
Cataracts
Up all night (sleep disturbances)
Suppression of HPA axis
Hypertension/ buffalo Hump
Infections
Necrosis (avascular)
Gain weight
Striae
Bone loss (osteoporosis)
Acne
Diabetes
Myopathy, moon faces
Depression and emotional
changes
Busulfan: features ABCDEF:
Alkylating agent
Bone marrow suppression s/e
CML indication
Dark skin (hyperpigmentation) s/e
Endrocrine insufficiency (adrenal)
s/e
Fibrosis (pulmonary) s/e
Succinylcholine: action,
use Succinylcholine gets
Stuck to Ach receptor,
then Sucks ions in through open
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