Study Tip #4: Use mnemonics
Mnemonics are popular memory tools used to aid in committing important pharmacology facts. Below are 5 different pharmacology mnemonics that you can use to help you during your studies.
Acronyms
Acronym-based mnemonics use the first letters of the target words to assist in remembering large amounts of information. For example, to remember the side effects of statins, think of the acronym HMGCoA: Hepatotoxicity, Myalgia, GI effects (nausea, flatulence), CPK increase, and Avoid in pregnancy.
Drug names
Drug companies often name drugs with stem words that hint at their class or mode of action. For example, riivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban are direct factor Xa inhibitors as denoted by the stem -xa in their names. Macrobid is dosed BID versus Macrodantin is dosed four times a day. Pay attention to the drug name when studying to see if you can spot some of these stems.
Keyword mnemonics
Use sound-alikes to help you associate the word to a new key term. Of the second-generation antipsychotics, risperidone and paliperidone have the highest risk for EPS and tardive dyskinesia. Mnemonic: “Movement disorders are no fun, so don’t RISK (Risperidone) it Pal (Paliperidone)!”
Grouping method ALL antibiotics need to be renally adjusted. The list is endless. It is usually easier to remember the outliers or those that do not need to be renally adjusted: moxifloxacin, linezolid, clindamycin, nafcillin, tigecycline.
Comprehension Understanding is always best for long-term retention! For example, the respiratory fluoroquinolones are gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin, and levofloxacin (remember Go, My Lungs!). There is a common misconception that ciprofloxacin has poor lung penetration because it isn’t a respiratory FQ when the actual reason is that it lacks activity against streptococcus pneumoniae, a common bacteria that causes pneumonia.
Study Tip #5: Check out Memory Pharm!
Memory Pharm is a educational website that aims at simplifying complicated pharmacology topics using humor and practicality. We are updating our content regularly. Check out our social media for weekly drug facts, mnemonics, and encouragement as well as subscribe to our email listing to get the latest updates and tips exclusive to members of our list.
