Essential Pharmacology: Drug Classes and Memory Tricks
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Common Medications and Memory Tricks
| Drug Category | Drug Example | Mechanism of Action | Adverse Effects to Watch For | Memory Trick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ ACE Inhibitors | Lisinopril (-pril) | Lowers blood pressure by relaxing vessels. | Dry cough, swelling (angioedema), and high potassium. | "ACE = A Cough Emerges" |
| ★ ARBs | Losartan (-sartan) | Lowers blood pressure (similar to ACE inhibitors but without the cough). | Swelling (angioedema) and high potassium. | "If ACE coughs, ARBs are calm." |
| ★ Beta Blockers | Metoprolol (-olol) | Slows heart rate and lowers blood pressure. | Low heart rate, low blood pressure, and masks symptoms of low blood sugar. | "Beta = Breaks the heart speed" |
| ★ Calcium Channel Blockers | Amlodipine (-dipine) | Opens vessels and lowers blood pressure. | Low blood pressure and swelling in the legs. | "Calm down the pressure" |
| ★ Statins (Cholesterol) | Atorvastatin (-statin) | Lowers cholesterol levels. | Muscle pain (rhabdomyolysis) and liver damage. | "Statins hurt muscles!" |
| ★ Diuretics | Furosemide (Lasix) | Increases urination to lower blood pressure. | Low potassium, dehydration, and ototoxicity (ear damage). | "Loop = Lose potassium!" |
| ★ Insulin | Regular, NPH, Lispro | Lowers blood sugar levels. | Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). | "Give sugar if shaky!" |
| ★ Anticoagulants | Warfarin (Coumadin) | Thins the blood to prevent clots. | Bleeding and high INR levels. | "Warfare needs thin blood." |
| ★ Heparin | Heparin | Quick-acting blood thinner (administered via IV). | Bleeding and HIT (Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia/low platelets). | "Heparin Hits platelets!" |
| ★ Antibiotics | Amoxicillin, Gentamicin | Kills bacteria. | Allergies (rash, swelling), kidney damage, and ear damage (specifically for -mycins). | "-cillin: rash; -mycin: ears & kidneys!" |
| Digoxin | Digoxin | Slows the heart rate and makes the heartbeat stronger. | Low heart rate and yellow vision (signs of toxicity). | "Digoxin digs a hole in HR!" |
| Antipsychotics | Haloperidol (Haldol) | Controls hallucinations. | Stiff muscles (EPS) and high fever (NMS). | "Haldol = Hard muscles." |
| Antidepressants (SSRIs) | Fluoxetine (Prozac) | Boosts mood. | Suicide risk early in treatment and sexual dysfunction. | "Happy pills but slow love life." |
| Antiemetics | Ondansetron (Zofran) | Stops nausea and vomiting. | Headache and constipation. | "Zofran = Zero Vomit!" |
| Pain Meds (Opioids) | Morphine | Relieves severe pain. | Low breathing rate and constipation. | "Morphine = Monitor breathing!" |
| PPIs (Stomach Protectors) | Omeprazole (-prazole) | Lowers stomach acid. | Bone fractures and low magnesium levels. | "PPI = Protect but problems later!" |