Pharmacology Mnemonics

1. Sulfonamides: common characteristics SULFA:

S-Steven-Johnson syndrome/ Skin rash / Solubility low

U-Urine precipitation/ Useful for UTI

L-Large spectrum (gram positives and negatives)

F-Folic acids synthesis blocker (as well as synthesis of nucleic acids)

A-Analog of PABA

2. Diuretics: groups "Leak Over The CAN":

L-Loop diuretics

O-Osmotics

T-Thiazides

C-Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

A-Aldosterone inhibitors

N-Na (sodium) channel blockers

3. Tuberculosis: treatment If you forget your TB drugs, you'll

die and might need a PRIEST":

P-Pyrazinamide

R-Rifampin

I-Isoniazid (INH)

E-Ethambutol

St-Streptomycin

4. 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

5. Cocaine: cardiovascular effect COcaine causes blood

vessels to

COnstrict (unlike other local anesthetics which cause vasodilation).

6. Thalidomide: effect on cancer cells "Thalidomide

makes the blood vessels hide":

Use thalidomide to stop cancer cells from growing new blood vessels.

7. Carbamazepine (CBZ): use CBZ:

C-Cranial Nerve V (trigeminal) neuralgia

B-Bipolar disorder

Z-Zeisures

8. Warfarin: interactions ACADEMIC QACS:

A-Amiodarone

C-Cimetidine

A-Aspirin

D-Dapsone

E-Erythromycin

M-Metronidazole

I-Indomethacin

C-Clofibrates

Q-Quinidine

A-Azapropazone

C-Ciprofloxacin

S-Statins
 9. Morphine: side-effects MORPHINE:

M-Myosis

O-Out of it (sedation)

R-Respiratory depression

P-Pneumonia (aspiration)

H-Hypotension

I-Infrequency (constipation, urinary retention)

N-Nausea

E-Emesis

10. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA): side effects TCA'S:

T-Thrombocytopenia

C-Cardiac (arrhythmia, MI, stroke)

A-Anticholinergic (tachycardia, urinary retention, etc)

S-Seizures

11. Corticosteroids: adverse side effects CUSHINGS BAD MD:

C-Cataracts

U-Up all night (sleep disturbances)

S-Suppression of HPA axis

H-Hypertension/ buffalo Hump

I-Infections

N-Necrosis (avascular)

G-Gain weight

S-Striae

B-Bone loss (osteoporosis)

A-Acne
D-Diabetes

M-Myopathy, moon faces

D-Depression and emotional changes

12. Microtubules: drugs that act on microtubules. "The

MicroTubule Growth Voiding Chemicals":

T-Thiabendazole

M-Mebendazole

T-Taxol

G-Griseofulvin

V-Vincristine/ Vinblastine

C-Colchicine

BromoCRYPTine is a DOPamine agonist.

13.Beta blockers: members "The NEPAL Prime

M-Minister":

T-Timolol

N-Nadolol

E-Esmolol

P-Pindolol

A-Atenolol

L-Labetalol

P-Propranolol

M-Metoprolol

13. Insulin: mixing regular insulin and NPH "Not Ready,

Ready Now":

Air into NPH

Air into Regular

Draw up Regular

Draw up NPH

15. 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.

16. Benzodiazepines: 3 members that undergo extrahepatic metabolism

"Outside The Liver":

O-Oxazepam

T-Temazepam

L-Lorazepam

These undergo extrahepatic metabolism and do not form active metabolites.

17. Guanethidine: mechanism GuaNEthidine prevents NE

(norepinephrine) release.

18. Opiods: mu receptor effects "MD CARES":

M-Miosis

D-Dependency

C-Constipation

A-Analgesics

R-Respiratory depression

E-Euphoria

S-Sedation

19. Adrenoceptors: vasomotor function of alpha vs. beta ABCD:

Alpha = Constrict.

Beta = Dilate.

20. Beta 1 selective blockers "BEAM ONE up, Scotty":

Beta 1 blockers:

E-Esmolol

A-Atenolol

M-Metropolol

21. Atropine use: tachycardia or bradycardia "A goes with

B":

Atropine used clinically to treat Bradycardia.

22. Cancer drugs: time of action between DNA->mRNA ABCDEF:

A-Alkylating agents

B-Bleomycin

C-Cisplastin

D-Dactinomycin/ Doxorubicin

E-Etoposide

F-Flutamide and other steroids or their antagonists (eg tamoxifen,

leuprolide)

23. Busulfan: features ABCDEF:

A-Alkylating agent

B-Bone marrow suppression s/e

C-CML indication

D-Dark skin (hyperpigmentation) s/e

E-Endrocrine insufficiency (adrenal) s/e

F-Fibrosis (pulmonary) s/e

 24. Tricyclic antidepressants: members worth knowing "I have to

hide, the CIA is after me":

C-Clomipramine

I-Imipramine

A-Amitrptyline

25. Torsades de Pointes: drugs causing APACHE:

A-Amiodarone

P-Procainamide

A-Arsenium

C-Cisapride

H-Haloperidol

E-Eritromycin

26. Asthma drugs: leukotriene inhibitor action zAfirlukast:

Antagonist of lipoxygenase

zIlueton: Inhibitor of LT receptor

27. Propranolol and related '-olol' drugs: usage "olol"

is just two backwards lower case b's.

Backward b's stand for "beta blocker".

· Beta blockers include acebutolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol,

oxprenolol, propranolol.

28. Beta blockers: B1 selective vs. B1-B2 non-selective A

through N: B1 selective: Acebutalol, Atenolol, Esmolol, Metoprolol.

O through Z: B1, B2 non-selective:Pindolol, Propanalol, Timolol.

29. Antirheumatic agents (disease modifying): members CHAMP:

C-Cyclophosphamide
H-Hydroxycloroquine and choloroquinine

A-Auranofin and other gold compounds

M-Methotrexate

P-Penicillamine

30. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins): side effects,

contraindications, interactions HMG-CoA:

· Side effects:

H-Hepatotoxicity

M-Myositis [aka rhabdomyolysis]

· Contraindications:

G-Girl during pregnancy/ Growing children

· Interactions:

C-Coumarin/ Cyclosporine

31. Serotonin syndrome: components Causes HARM:

H-Hyperthermia

A-Autonomic instability (delirium)

R-Rigidity

M-Myoclonus

32. Therapeutic index: formula TILE:

TI = LD50 / ED50

33. Antiarrhythmics: class III members BIAS:

B-Bretylium

I-Ibutilide

A-Amiodarone

S-Sotalol
 34. MAOIs: indications MAOI'S:

M-Melancholic [classic name for atypical depression]

A-Anxiety

O-Obesity disorders [anorexia, bulemia]

I-Imagined illnesses [hypochondria]

S-Social phobias

35. K+ increasing agents K-BANK:

K-K-sparing diuretic

B-Beta blocker

A-ACEI

N-NSAID

K-Ksupplement

36. Ribavirin: indications RIBAvirin:

R-RSV

I-Influenza B

A-Arenaviruses (Lassa, Bolivian, etc.)

37. SIADH-inducing drugs ABCD:

A-Analgesics: opioids, NSAIDs

B-Barbiturates

C-Cyclophosphamide/ Chlorpromazine/ Carbamazepine

D-Diuretic (thiazide)

38. Diuretics: thiazides: indications "CHIC to use

thiazides":

C-CHF

H-Hypertension
I-Insipidous

C-Calcium calculi

39. Parkinsonism: drugs SALAD:

S-Selegiline

A-Anticholinenergics (trihexyphenidyl, benzhexol, ophenadrine)

L-L-Dopa + peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (carbidopa, benserazide)

A-Amantadine

D-Dopamine postsynaptic receptor agonists (bromocriptine, lisuride,

pergolide)

40. Thrombolytic agents USA:

U-Urokinase

S-Streptokinase

A-Alteplase (tPA)

41.Morphine: effects at mu receptor PEAR:

P-Physical dependence

E-Euphoria

A-Analgesia

R-Respiratory depression

42. Morphine: effects MORPHINES:

M-Miosis

O-Orthostatic hypotension

R-Respiratory depression

P-Pain supression

H-Histamine release/ Hormonal alterations

I-Increased ICT
N-Nausea

E-Euphoria

S-Sedation

43. Anticholinergic side effects "Know the ABCD'S of

anticholinergic side effects":

A-Anorexia

B-Blurry vision

D-Constipation/ Confusion

D-Dry Mouth

D-Sedation/ Stasis of urine

44. Antiarrhythmics: classification I to IV MBA College

· In order of class I to IV:

M-Membrane stabilizers (class I)

B-Beta blockers

A-Action potential widening agents

C-Calcium channel blockers

45. Teratogenic drugs "W/ TERATOgenic":

W-Warfarin

T-Thalidomide

E-Epileptic drugs: phenytoin, valproate, carbamazepine

R-Retinoid

A-ACE inhibitor

T-Third element: lithium

O-OCP and other hormones (eg danazol)

46. Epilepsy types, drugs of choice "Military General

Attacked Weary Fighters Pronouncing 'Veni

Vedi Veci' After Crushing Enemies":

·Epilepsy types:

M-Myoclonic

G-Grand mal

A-Atonic

W-West syndrome

F-Focal

P-Petit mal (absence)

· Respective drugsy:

V-Valproate

V-Valproate

VValproate

A-ACTH

C-Carbamazepine

E-Ethosuximide

47. Pulmonary infiltrations inducing drugs "Go BAN Me!":

Go-Gold

B-Bleomycin/ Busulphan/ BCNU

A-Amiodarone/ Acyclovir/ Azathioprine

N-Nitrofurantoin

M-Melphalan/ Methotrexate/ Methysergide

48. Respiratory depression inducing drugs "STOP

breathing":

S-Sedatives and hypnotics

T-Trimethoprim

O-Opiates

P-Polymyxins

49. Benzodiazapines: ones not metabolized by the liver (safe to use in

liver failure) LOT:

L-Lorazepam

O-Oxazepam

T-Temazepam

50. TB: antibiotics used STRIPE:

St-STreptomycin

R-Rifampicin

I-Isoniazid

P-Pyrizinamide

E-Ethambutol

51. Vigabatrin: mechanism Vi-GABA-Tr-In:

Via GABA Transferase Inhibition

52. Propythiouracil (PTU): mechanism It inhibits PTU:

P-Peroxidase/ Peripheral deiodination

T-Tyrosine iodination

U-Union (coupling)

53. Beta-blockers: nonselective beta-blockers "Tim Pinches

His Nasal Problem" (because he has a runny nose...):

Tim-Timolol

Pin-Pindolol

His-Hismolol
Na-Naldolol

Pro-Propranolol

54. Enoxaparin (prototype low molecular weight heparin): action,

monitoring EnoXaprin only acts on factor Xa.

Monitor Xaconcentration, rather than APTT.

55. Nicotinic effects MTWTF (days of week):

M-Mydriasis/ Muscle cramps

T-Tachycardia

W-Weakness

T-Twitching

H-Hypertension/ Hyperglycemia

F-Fasiculation

56. Muscarinic effects SLUG BAM:

S-Salivation/ Secretions/ Sweating

L-Lacrimation

U-Urination

G-Gastrointestinal upset

B-Bradycardia/ Bronchoconstriction/ Bowel movement

A-Abdominal cramps/ Anorexia

M-Miosis

57. Hypertension: treatment ABCD:

ACE inhibitors/ AngII antagonists (sometimes Alpha agonists

also)

B-Beta blockers

C-Calcium antagonists
D-Diuretics (sometimes vasoDilators also)

58. Phenytoin: adverse effects PHENYTOIN:

P-P-450 interactions

H-Hirsutism

EEnlarged gums

N-Nystagmus

Y-Yellow-browning of skin

T-Teratogenicity

O-Osteomalacia

I-Interference with B12 metabolism (hence anemia)

N-Neuropathies: vertigo, ataxia, headache

59. Gynaecomastia-causing drugs DISCOS:

D-Digoxin

I-Isoniazid

S-Spironolactone

C-Cimetidine

O-Oestrogens

S-Stilboestrol

60. Amiodarone: action, side effects 6 P's:

P-Prolongs action potential duration

P-Photosensitivity

P-Pigmentation of skin

P-Peripheral neuropathy

PPulmonary alveolitis and fibrosis

P-Peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 is inhibited -> hypothyroidis

 61. Beta blockers with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity

Picture diabetic and asthmatic kids riding away on a cart

that rolls on pinwheels.

Pindolol and Carteolol have high and moderate ISA respectively,

making them acceptable for use in some diabetics or asthmatics despite the fact that they are non-
seletive beta blockers.

62. Physostigmine vs. neostigmine LMNOP:

L-Lipid soluble

M-Miotic

N-Natural

O-Orally absorbed well

P-Physostigmine

· Neostigmine, on the contrary, is:

Water soluble

Used in myesthenia gravis

Synthetic

Poor oral absorption

63. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: members "PIT of

despair":

P-Phenelzine

I-Isocarboxazid

T-Tranylcypromine

· A pit of despair, since MAOs treat depression.

64. Antibiotics contraindicated during pregnancy MCAT:

M-Metronidazole

C-Chloramphenicol
A-Aminoglycoside

T-Tetracycline

65. Etoposide: action, indications, side effect "eTOPoside":

· Action:

Inhibits TOPoisomerase II

· Indications:

T-Testicular carcinoma

O-Oat cell carcinoma of lung

P-Prostate carcinoma

· Side effect:

Affects TOP of your head, causing alopecia

66. Antimuscarinics: members, action "Inhibits Parasympathetic

And Sweat":

I-Ipratropium

P-Pirenzepine

A-Atropine

S-Scopolamine

· Muscarinic receptors at all parasympathetic endings sweat glands in

sympathetic.

67. Lithium: side effects LITHIUM:

L-Leukocytes Increased (leukocytosis)

T-Tremors

H-Hypothyroidism

I-Increased Urine

M-Moms beware (teratogenic)

 68. Osmotic diuretics: members GUM:

G-Glycerol

U-Urea

M-Mannitol

69. Narcotics: side effects "SCRAM if you see a drug

dealer":

S-Synergistic CNS depression with other drugs

C-Constipation

R-Respiratory depression

A-Addiction

M-Miosis

70. Benzodiazepines: antidote "Ben is off with the

flu":

Benzodiazepine effects off with Flumazenil.

71. SSRIs: side effects SSRI:

S-Serotonin syndrome

S-Stimulate CNS

R-Reproductive disfunctions in male

I-Insomnia

72. Depression: 5 drugs causing it PROMS:

P-Propranolol

R-Reserpine

O-Oral contraceptives

M-Methyldopa

S-Steroids
 73. Sex hormone drugs: male "Feminine Males Need

Testosterone":

F-Fluoxymesterone

M-Methyltestosterone

N-Nandrolone

Testosterone

74. Ca++ channel blockers: uses CA++ MASH:

C-Cerebral vasospasm/ CHF

A-Angina

M-Migranes

A-Atrial flutter, fibrillation

S-Supraventricular tachycardia

H-Hypertension

75. Benzodiazepenes: drugs which decrease their metabolism"I'm Overly Calm":

I-Isoniazid

O-Oral contraceptive pills

C-Cimetidine

76. Warfarin: metabolism SLOW:

· Has a slow onset of action.

· A quicK Vitamin K antagonist, though.

S-Small lipid-soluble molecule

L-Liver: site of action

O-Oral route of administration.

W-Warfarin

77. Opioids: effects BAD AMERICANS:

B-Bradycardia & hypotension

A-Anorexia

D-Diminished pupilary size

A-Analgesics

M-Miosis

E-Euphoria

R-Respiratory depression

I-Increased smooth muscle activity (biliary tract constriction)

C-Constipation

A-Ameliorate cough reflex

N-Nausea and vomiting

S-Sedations

78. Tetracycline: teratogenicity TEtracycline is a

TE-TEratogen that causes staining of

TEeth in the newborn.

79. Myasthenia gravis: edrophonium vs. pyridostigmine eDrophonium

is for Diagnosis.

pyRIDostigmine is to get RIDof symptoms.

80. Narcotic antagonists The Narcotic Antagonists

are NAloxone and NAltrexone.

· Important clinically to treat narcotic overdose.

81. Inhalation anesthetics SHINE:

S-Sevoflurane

H-Halothane

I-Isoflurane
N-Nitrous oxide

E-Enflurane

82. Disulfiram-like reaction inducing drugs "PM PMT" as

in Pre Medical Test in the PM:

P-Procarbazine

M-Metronidazole

PMT-Cefo (Perazone, Mandole, Tetan).

83. Delerium-causing drugs ACUTE CHANGE IN MS:

A-Antibiotics (biaxin, penicillin, ciprofloxacin)

C-Cardiac drugs (digoxin, lidocaine)

U-Urinary incontinence drugs (anticholinergics)

T-Theophylline

E-Ethanol

C-Corticosteroids

H-H2 blockers

A-Antiparkinsonian drugs

N-Narcotics (esp. mepridine)

G-Geriatric psychiatric drugs

E-ENT drugs

I-Insomnia drugs

N-NSAIDs (eg indomethacin, naproxin)

M-Muscle relaxants

S-Seizure medicines

84. Direct sympathomimetic catecholamines DINED:

D-Dopamine
I-Isoproterenol

N-Norepinephrine

E-Epinephrine

D-Dobutamine

85. Nitrofurantoin: major side effects NitroFurAntoin:

N-Neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy)

F-Fibrosis (pulmonary fibrosis)

A-Anemia (hemolytic anemia)\

86. Methyldopa: side effects METHYLDOPA:

M-Mental retardation

E-Electrolyte imbalance

T-Tolerance

H-Headache/ Hepatotoxicity

psYcological upset

L-Lactation in female

D-Dry mouth

O-Oedema

P-Parkinsonism

A-Anaemia (haemolytic)

87. Steroids: side effects BECLOMETHASONE:

B-Buffalo hump

E-Easy bruising

C-Cataracts

L-Larger appetite

O-Obesity
M-Moonface

E-Euphoria

T-Thin arms & legs

H-Hypertension/ Hyperglycaemia

A-Avascular necrosis of femoral head

S-Skin thinning

O-Osteoporosis

N-Negative nitrogen balance

E-Emotional liability

88. Sodium valproate: side effects VALPROATE:

V-Vomiting

A-Alopecia

L-Liver toxicity

P-Pancreatitis/ Pancytopenia

R-Retention of fats (weight gain)

O-Oedema (peripheral oedema)

A-Appetite increase

T-Tremor

E-Enzyme inducer (liver)

89. Lithium: side effects LITH:

L-Leukocytosis

I-Insipidus [diabetes insipidus, tied to polyuria]

T-Tremor/ Teratogenesis

H-Hypothyroidism

90. Lead poisoning: presentation ABCDEFG:

A-Anemia

B-Basophilic stripping

C-Colicky pain

D-Diarrhea

E-Encephalopathy

F-Foot drop

G-Gum (lead line)

91. Beta-blockers: main contraindications, cautions ABCDE:

A-Asthma

B-Block (heart block)

C-COPD

D-Diabetes mellitus

E-Electrolyte (hyperkalemia)

92. Metabolism enzyme inducers "Randy's Black Car

Goes Putt Putt and Smokes":

R-Rifampin

B-Barbiturates

C-Carbamazepine

G-Grisoefulvin

P-Phenytoin

P-Phenobarb

93. Cholinergics (eg organophosphates): effects If you know

these, you will be "LESS DUMB":

L-Lacrimation

E-Excitation of nicotinic synapses

S-Salivation

S-Sweating

D-Diarrhea

U-Urination

M-Micturition

B-Bronchoconstriction

94. Routes of entry: most rapid ways meds/toxins enter body "Stick

it, Sniff it, Suck it, Soak it":

Stick = Injection

Sniff = inhalation

Suck = ingestion

Soak = absorption

95. Hepatic necrosis: drugs causing focal to massive necrosis "Very

A-Angry Hepatocytes":

V-Valproic acid

A-Acetaminophen

H-Halothane

96. Bleomycin: action "Bleo-Mycin Blows

My DNA to bits":

Bleomycin works by fragmenting DNA (blowing it to bits).

MyDNA signals that its used for cancer (targeting self cells).

97. Beta-1 vs Beta-2 receptor location "You have 1 heart

and 2 lungs":

Beta-1 are therefore primarily on heart.

Beta-2 primarily on lungs.

98.Beta-blockers: side effects "BBC Loses Viewers

In Rochedale":

B-Bradycardia

B-Bronchoconstriction

C-Claudication

L-Lipids

V-Vivid dreams & nightmares

I- -ve Inotropic action

R-Reduced sensitivity to hypoglycaemia

98. Cisplatin: major side effect, action "Ci-Splat-In":

Major side effect: Splat (vomiting sound)--vomiting so severe that

anti-nausea drug needed.

Action: Goes Into the DNA strand.

99. Ipratropium: action Atropine is buried in the middle:

iprAtropium, so it behaves like Atropine.