Pharmacology Mnemonics Mechanism of resistance are Modifying

1. Sulfonamides: common characteristics enzymes

SULFA: Inhibit protein synthesis by binding to 30S
S-Steven-Johnson syndrome/ Skin rash / subunit
Solubility low Nephrotoxic
U-Urine precipitation/ Useful for UTI Ototoxic
L-Large spectrum (gram positives and
5. Cocaine: cardiovascular effect COcaine
negatives)
causes blood
F-Folic acids synthesis blocker (as well as
vessels to COnstrict (unlike other local
synthesis of nucleic acids)
anesthetics which cause vasodilation).
A-Analog of PABA

6. Thalidomide: effect on cancer cells

2. Diuretics: groups “Leak Over The CAN“:
“Thalidomide
L-Loop diuretics
makes the blood vessels hide“:
O-Osmotics
Use thalidomide to stop cancer cells from
T-Thiazides
growing new blood vessels.
C-Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
A-Aldosterone inhibitors
7. Carbamazepine (CBZ): use CBZ:
N-Na (sodium) channel blockers
C-Cranial Nerve V (trigeminal) neuralgia
B-Bipolar disorder
3. Tuberculosis: treatment If you forget
Z-Zeisures
your TB drugs, you’ll die and might need a
PRIEST“:
8. Warfarin: interactions ACADEMIC
P-Pyrazinamide
QACS:
R-Rifampin
A-Amiodarone
I-Isoniazid (INH)
C-Cimetidine
E-Ethambutol
A-Aspirin
St-Streptomycin
D-Dapsone
E-Erythromycin
4. Aminoglycosides: common
M-Metronidazole
characteristics AMINO:
I-Indomethacin
Active Against Aerobic gram negative
C-Clofibrates G-Gain weight
Q-Quinidine S-Striae
A-Azapropazone B-Bone loss (osteoporosis)
C-Ciprofloxacin A-Acne
S-Statins D-Diabetes
M-Myopathy, moon faces
9. Morphine: side-effects MORPHINE:
D-Depression and emotional changes
M-Myosis
O-Out of it (sedation) 12. Microtubules: drugs that act on
R-Respiratory depression microtubules. “The
P-Pneumonia (aspiration) MicroTubule Growth Voiding Chemicals”:
H-Hypotension T-Thiabendazole
I-Infrequency (constipation, urinary M-Mebendazole
retention) T-Taxol
N-Nausea G-Griseofulvin
E-Emesis V-Vincristine/ Vinblastine
C-Colchicine
10. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA): side
BromoCRYPTine is a DOPamine agonist.
effects TCA’S:
T-Thrombocytopenia 13. Beta blockers: members “The NEPAL
C-Cardiac (arrhythmia, MI, stroke) Prime
A-Anticholinergic (tachycardia, urinary M-Minister”:
retention, etc) T-Timolol
S-Seizures N-Nadolol
11. Corticosteroids: adverse side effects E-Esmolol
CUSHINGS BAD MD: P-Pindolol
C-Cataracts A-Atenolol
U-Up all night (sleep disturbances) L-Labetalol
S-Suppression of HPA axis P-Propranolol
H-Hypertension/ buffalo Hump M-Metoprolol
I-Infections
N-Necrosis (avascular)
14. Guanethidine: mechanism M-Miosis
GuaNEthidine prevents NE (norepinephrine) D-Dependency
release. C-Constipation
A-Analgesics
15. Insulin: mixing regular insulin and
R-Respiratory depression
NPH “Not Ready,
E-Euphoria
Ready Now”:
S-Sedation
Air into NPH
Air into Regular 19. Adrenoceptors: vasomotor function of
Draw up Regular alpha vs. beta ABCD:
Draw up NPH Alpha = Constrict.
Beta = Dilate.
16. Parasympathetic vs. sympathetic
neurotransmitters “No sympathy for a Pair 20. Atropine use: tachycardia or
of Aces”: bradycardia “A goes with B“:
Norepinephren is secreted in by the Atropine used clinically to treat
Sympathetic nervous system Bradycardia.
while Acetylcholine is secreted in the 21. Beta 1 selective blockers “BEAM ONE
Parasympathetic nervous up, Scotty”:
system. Beta 1 blockers:
E-Esmolol
17. Benzodiazepines: 3 members that
A-Atenolol
undergo extrahepatic metabolism
M-Metropolol
“Outside The Liver”:
O-Oxazepam 22. Cancer drugs: time of action between
T-Temazepam DNA->mRNA ABCDEF:
L-Lorazepam A-Alkylating agents
These undergo extrahepatic metabolism and B-Bleomycin
do not form active metabolites. C-Cisplastin
D-Dactinomycin/ Doxorubicin
18. Opiods: mu receptor effects “MD
E-Etoposide
CARES“:
F-Flutamide and other steroids or their 27. Propranolol and related ‘-olol’ drugs:
antagonists (eg tamoxifen, leuprolide) usage “olol” is just two backwards lower
case b’s.
23. Busulfan: features ABCDEF:
Backward b’s stand for “beta blocker”. Beta
A-Alkylating agent
blockers include acebutolol, betaxolol,
B-Bone marrow suppression s/e
bisoprolol, oxprenolol, propranolol
C-CML indication
D-Dark skin (hyperpigmentation) s/e 28. Beta blockers: B1 selective vs. B1-B2
E-Endrocrine insufficiency (adrenal) s/e non-selective A
F-Fibrosis (pulmonary) s/e through N: B1 selective: Acebutalol,
Atenolol, Esmolol, Metoprolol.
24. Tricyclic antidepressants: members
O through Z: B1, B2 non-selective:Pindolol,
worth knowing “I have to
Propanalol, Timolol.
hide, the CIA is after me”:
C-Clomipramine 29. Antirheumatic agents (disease
I-Imipramine modifying): members CHAMP:
A-Amitrptyline C-Cyclophosphamide
H-Hydroxycloroquine and choloroquinine
25. Torsades de Pointes: drugs causing
A-Auranofin and other gold compounds
APACHE:
M-Methotrexate
A-Amiodarone
P-Penicillamine
P-Procainamide
A-Arsenium 30. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
C-Cisapride (statins): side effects,
H-Haloperidol contraindications, interactions HMG–CoA:
E-Eritromycin · Side effects:
H-Hepatotoxicity
26. Asthma drugs: leukotriene inhibitor
M-Myositis [aka rhabdomyolysis]
action zAfirlukast:
· Contraindications:
Antagonist of lipoxygenase zIlueton:
G-Girl during pregnancy/ Growing children
Inhibitor of LT receptor
· Interactions:
C-Coumarin/ Cyclosporine
31. Serotonin syndrome: components 36. Ribavirin: indications RIBAvirin:
Causes HARM: R-RSV
H-Hyperthermia I-Influenza B
A-Autonomic instability (delirium) A-Arenaviruses (Lassa, Bolivian, etc.)
R-Rigidity
37. SIADH-inducing drugs ABCD:
M-Myoclonus
A-Analgesics: opioids, NSAIDs
32. Therapeutic index: formula TILE: B-Barbiturates
TI = LD50 / ED50 C-Cyclophosphamide/ Chlorpromazine/
Carbamazepine
33. Antiarrhythmics: class III members
D-Diuretic (thiazide)
BIAS:
B-Bretylium 38. Diuretics: thiazides: indications “CHIC
I-Ibutilide to use
A-Amiodarone thiazides”:
S-Sotalol C-CHF
H-Hypertension
34. MAOIs: indications MAOI‘S:
I-Insipidous
M-Melancholic [classic name for atypical
C-Calcium calculi
depression]
A-Anxiety 39. Parkinsonism: drugs SALAD:
O-Obesity disorders [anorexia, bulemia] S-Selegiline
I-Imagined illnesses [hypochondria] A-Anticholinenergics (trihexyphenidyl,
S-Social phobias benzhexol, ophenadrine)
L-L-Dopa + peripheral decarboxylase
35. K+ increasing agents K-BANK:
inhibitor (carbidopa, benserazide)
K-K-sparing diuretic
A-Amantadine
B-Beta blocker
D-Dopamine postsynaptic receptor agonists
A-ACEI
(bromocriptine, lisuride, pergolide)
N-NSAID
K-Ksupplement 40. Thrombolytic agents USA:
U-Urokinase
S-Streptokinase M-Membrane stabilizers (class I)
A-Alteplase (tPA) B-Beta blockers
A-Action potential widening agents
41. Morphine: effects at mu receptor
C-Calcium channel blockers
PEAR:
P-Physical dependence 45. Teratogenic drugs “W/
E-Euphoria TERATOgenic”:
A-Analgesia W-Warfarin
R-Respiratory depression T-Thalidomide
E-Epileptic drugs: phenytoin, valproate,
42. Morphine: effects MORPHINES:
carbamazepine
M-Miosis
R-Retinoid
O-Orthostatic hypotension
A-ACE inhibitor
R-Respiratory depression
T-Third element: lithium
P-Pain supression
O-OCP and other hormones (eg danazol)
H-Histamine release/ Hormonal alterations
I-Increased ICT 46. Epilepsy types, drugs of choice
N-Nausea “Military General Attacked Weary
E-Euphoria Fighters Pronouncing ‘Veni Vedi Veci’
S-Sedation After Crushing Enemies”:
·Epilepsy types:
43. Anticholinergic side effects “Know the
M-Myoclonic
ABCD’S of anticholinergic side effects”:
G-Grand mal
A-Anorexia
A-Atonic
B-Blurry vision
W-West syndrome
D-Constipation/ Confusion
F-Focal
D-Dry Mouth
P-Petit mal (absence)
D-Sedation/ Stasis of urine
· Respective drugsy:
V-Valproate
44. Antiarrhythmics: classification I to IV
V-Valproate
MBA College
VValproate
· In order of class I to IV:
A-ACTH
C-Carbamazepine 51. Vigabatrin: mechanism Vi-GABA–
E-Ethosuximide Tr–In:
47. Pulmonary infiltrations inducing Via GABA Transferase Inhibition
drugs “Go BAN Me!”:
52. Propythiouracil (PTU): mechanism It
Go-Gold
inhibits PTU:
B-Bleomycin/ Busulphan/ BCNU
P-Peroxidase/ Peripheral deiodination
A-Amiodarone/ Acyclovir/ Azathioprine
T-Tyrosine iodination
N-Nitrofurantoin
U-Union (coupling)
M-Melphalan/ Methotrexate/ Methysergide

53. Beta-blockers: nonselective beta-

48. Respiratory depression inducing
blockers “Tim Pinches His Nasal
drugs “STOP
Problem” (because he has a runny
breathing”:
nose…):
S-Sedatives and hypnotics
Tim-Timolol
T-Trimethoprim
Pin-Pindolol
O-Opiates
His-Hismolol
P-Polymyxins
Na-Naldolol
49. Benzodiazapines: ones not Pro-Propranolol
metabolized by the liver (safe to use in
54. Enoxaparin (prototype low molecular
liver failure) LOT:
weight heparin): action, monitoring
L-Lorazepam
EnoXaprin only acts on factor Xa.
O-Oxazepam
Monitor Xaconcentration, rather than APTT.
T-Temazepam

55. Nicotinic effects MTWTF (days of

50. TB: antibiotics used STRIPE:
week):
St-STreptomycin
M-Mydriasis/ Muscle cramps
R-Rifampicin
T-Tachycardia
I-Isoniazid
W-Weakness
P-Pyrizinamide
T-Twitching
E-Ethambutol
H-Hypertension/ Hyperglycemia anemia)
F-Fasiculation N-Neuropathies: vertigo, ataxia, headache

56. Muscarinic effects SLUG BAM: 59. Gynaecomastia-causing drugs

S-Salivation/ Secretions/ Sweating DISCOS:
L-Lacrimation D-Digoxin
U-Urination I-Isoniazid
G-Gastrointestinal upset S-Spironolactone
B-Bradycardia/ Bronchoconstriction/ Bowel C-Cimetidine
movement O-Oestrogens
A-Abdominal cramps/ Anorexia S-Stilboestrol
M-Miosis
60. Amiodarone: action, side effects 6 P’s:
57. Hypertension: treatment ABCD: P-Prolongs action potential duration
ACE inhibitors/ AngII antagonists P-Photosensitivity
(sometimes Alpha agonists P-Pigmentation of skin
also) P-Peripheral neuropathy
B-Beta blockers PPulmonary alveolitis and fibrosis
C-Calcium antagonists P-Peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 is
D-Diuretics (sometimes vasoDilators also) inhibited -> hypothyroidis

58. Phenytoin: adverse effects 61. Beta blockers with intrinsic

PHENYTOIN: sympathomimetic activity
P-P-450 interactions Picture diabetic and asthmatic kids riding
H-Hirsutism away on a cart that rolls on pinwheels.
EEnlarged gums Pindolol and Carteolol have high and
N-Nystagmus moderate ISA respectively, making them
Y-Yellow-browning of skin acceptable for use in some diabetics or
T-Teratogenicity asthmatics even though they are non-seletive
O-Osteomalacia beta blockers.
I-Interference with B12 metabolism (hence
62. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: T-Testicular carcinoma
members “PIT of despair”: O-Oat cell carcinoma of lung
P-Phenelzine P-Prostate carcinoma
I-Isocarboxazid · Side effect:
T-Tranylcypromine Affects TOP of your head, causing alopecia
A pit of despair, since MAOs treat
66. Antimuscarinics: members, action
depression.
“Inhibits Parasympathetic And Sweat”:
63. Physostigmine vs. neostigmine
I-Ipratropium
LMNOP:
P-Pirenzepine
L-Lipid soluble
A-Atropine
M-Miotic
S-Scopolamine
N-Natural
· Muscarinic receptors at all parasympathetic
O-Orally absorbed well
endings sweat glands in
P-Physostigmine
sympathetic.
Neostigmine, on the contrary, is:
Water soluble
67. Lithium: side effects LITHIUM:
Used in myesthenia gravis
L-Leukocytes Increased (leukocytosis)
Synthetic
T-Tremors
Poor oral absorption
H-Hypothyroidism
I-Increased Urine
64. Antibiotics contraindicated during
M-Moms beware (teratogenic)
pregnancy MCAT:
M-Metronidazole
68. Osmotic diuretics: members GUM:
C-Chloramphenicol
G-Glycerol
A-Aminoglycoside
U-Urea
T-Tetracycline
M-Mannitol

65. Etoposide: action, indications, side

69. Narcotics: side effects “SCRAM if you
effect “eTOPoside”:
see a drug dealer”:
· Action:
S-Synergistic CNS depression with other
Inhibits TOPoisomerase II
drugs
· Indications:
C-Constipation A-Angina
R-Respiratory depression M-Migraines
A-Addiction A-Atrial flutter, fibrillation
M-Miosis S-Supraventricular tachycardia
H-Hypertension
70. Benzodiazepines: antidote “Ben is off
with the flu“: 75. Benzodiazepenes: drugs which
Benzodiazepine effects off with Flumazenil. decrease their metabolism“I‘m Overly
Calm”:
71. SSRIs: side effects SSRI:
I-Isoniazid
S-Serotonin syndrome
O-Oral contraceptive pills
S-Stimulate CNS
C-Cimetidine
R-Reproductive disfunctions in male
I-Insomnia 76. Warfarin: metabolism SLOW · Has a
slow onset of action.
72. Depression: 5 drugs causing it
· A quicK Vitamin K antagonist, though.
PROMS:
S-Small lipid-soluble molecule
P-Propranolol
L-Liver: site of action
R-Reserpine
O-Oral route of administration.
O-Oral contraceptives
W-Warfarin
M-Methyldopa
S-Steroids 77. Tetracycline: teratogenicity
TEtracycline is a
73. Sex hormone drugs: male “Feminine
TE-TEratogen that causes staining of TEeth
Males Need Testosterone“:
in the newborn.
F-Fluoxymesterone
M-Methyltestosterone 78. Myasthenia gravis: edrophonium vs.
N-Nandrolone pyridostigmine eDrophonium
Testosterone is for Diagnosis.pyRIDostigmine is to get
RIDof symptoms.
74. Ca++ channel blockers: uses CA++
MASH: 79. Opioids: effects BAD AMERICANS:
C-Cerebral vasospasm/ CHF B-Bradycardia & hypotension
A-Anorexia 83. Direct sympathomimetic
D-Diminished pupilary size catecholamines DINED:
A-Analgesics D-Dopamine
M-Miosis I-Isoproterenol
E-Euphoria N-Norepinephrine
R-Respiratory depression E-Epinephrine
I-Increased smooth muscle activity (biliary D-Dobutamine
tract constriction)
84. Delerium-causing drugs ACUTE
C-Constipation
CHANGE IN MS:
A-Ameliorate cough reflex
A-Antibiotics (biaxin, penicillin,
N-Nausea and vomiting
ciprofloxacin)
S-Sedations
C-Cardiac drugs (digoxin, lidocaine)
80. Narcotic antagonists The Narcotic U-Urinary incontinence drugs
Antagonists (anticholinergics)
are NAloxone and NAltrexone. T-Theophylline
· Important clinically to treat narcotic E-Ethanol
overdose. C-Corticosteroids
H-H2 blockers
81. Inhalation anesthetics SHINE:
A-Antiparkinsonian drugs
S-Sevoflurane
N-Narcotics (esp. mepridine)
H-Halothane
G-Geriatric psychiatric drugs
I-Isoflurane
E-ENT drugs
N-Nitrous oxide
I-Insomnia drugs
E-Enflurane
N-NSAIDs (eg indomethacin, naproxin)
M-Muscle relaxants
82. Disulfiram-like reaction inducing
S-Seizure medicines
drugs “PM PMT” as in Pre Medical Test
in the PM:
85. Nitrofurantoin: major side effects
P-Procarbazine
NitroFurAntoin:
M-Metronidazole
N-Neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy)
PMT-Cefo (Perazone, Mandole, Tetan).
F-Fibrosis (pulmonary fibrosis) H-Hypertension/ Hyperglycaemia
A-Anemia (hemolytic anemia) A-Avascular necrosis of femoral head
S-Skin thinning
86. Methyldopa: side effects
O-Osteoporosis
METHYLDOPA:
N-Negative nitrogen balance
M-Mental retardation
E-Emotional liability
E-Electrolyte imbalance
T-Tolerance 89. Sodium valproate: side effects
H-Headache/ Hepatotoxicity VALPROATE:
psYcological upset V-Vomiting
L-Lactation in female A-Alopecia
D-Dry mouth L-Liver toxicity
O-Oedema P-Pancreatitis/ Pancytopenia
P-Parkinsonism R-Retention of fats (weight gain)
A-Anaemia (haemolytic) O-Oedema (peripheral oedema)
A-Appetite increase
87. Lithium: side effects LITH:
T-Tremor
L-Leukocytosis
E-Enzyme inducer (liver)
I-Insipidus [diabetes insipidus, tied to
polyuria] 90. Lead poisoning: presentation
T-Tremor/ Teratogenesis ABCDEFG:
H-Hypothyroidism A-Anemia
88. Steroids: side effects B-Basophilic stripping
BECLOMETHASONE: C-Colicky pain
B-Buffalo hump D-Diarrhea
E-Easy bruising E-Encephalopathy
C-Cataracts F-Foot drop
L-Larger appetite G-Gum (lead line)
O-Obesity
91. Beta-1 vs Beta-2 receptor location
M-Moonface
“You have 1 heart and 2 lungs“:
E-Euphoria
Beta-1 are therefore primarily on heart.
T-Thin arms & legs
Beta-2 primarily on lungs. 95. Routes of entry: most rapid ways
92. Beta-blockers: main meds/toxins enter body “Stick it, Sniff it,
contraindications, cautions ABCDE: Suck it, Soak it”:
A-Asthma Stick = Injection
B-Block (heart block) Sniff = inhalation
C-COPD Suck = ingestion
D-Diabetes mellitus Soak = absorption
E-Electrolyte (hyperkalemia)
96. Ipratropium: action Atropine is
93. Metabolism enzyme inducers buried in the middle:
“Randy’s Black Car iprAtropium, so it behaves like Atropine.
Goes Putt Putt and Smokes“:
97. Hepatic necrosis: drugs causing focal
R-Rifampin
to massive necrosis “Very
B-Barbiturates
A-Angry Hepatocytes”:
C-Carbamazepine
V-Valproic acid
G-Grisoefulvin
A-Acetaminophen
P-Phenytoin
H-Halothane
P-Phenobarb

98. Bleomycin: action “Bleo–Mycin Blows

94. Cholinergics (eg organophosphates):
My DNA to bits”:
effects If you know these, you will be
Bleomycin works by fragmenting DNA
“LESS DUMB“:
(blowing it to bits).
L-Lacrimation
MyDNA signals that its used for cancer
E-Excitation of nicotinic synapses
(targeting self cells).
S-Salivation
S-Sweating
99. Beta-blockers: side effects “BBC
D-Diarrhea
Loses Viewers
U-Urination
In Rochedale”:
M-Micturition
B-Bradycardia
B-Bronchoconstriction
B-Bronchoconstriction
C-Claudication
L-Lipids
V-Vivid dreams & nightmares
I- -ve Inotropic action
R-Reduced sensitivity to hypoglycaemia

100. 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.