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
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. Cocaine: cardiovascular effect COcaine causes blood vessels to
COnstrict (unlike other local anesthetics which cause vasodilation).
5. Thalidomide: effect on cancer cells “Thalidomide
makes the blood vessels hide“:
Use thalidomide to stop cancer cells from growing new blood vessels.
6. Carbamazepine (CBZ): use CBZ:
C-Cranial Nerve V (trigeminal) neuralgia
B-Bipolar disorder
Z-Zeisures
7. 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
8. 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
9. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA): side effects TCA’S:
T-Thrombocytopenia
C-Cardiac (arrhythmia, MI, stroke)
A-Anticholinergic (tachycardia, urinary retention, etc)
S-Seizures
10. 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
11. 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.
12. 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
14. Parasympathetic vs. sympathetic neurotransmitters “No sympathy for a Pair of
Aces”:
Norepinephrine is secreted in by the Sympathetic nervous system
while Acetylcholine is secreted in the Parasympathetic nervous system.
15. 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.
16. Guanethidine: mechanism GuaNEthidine prevents NE (norepinephrine) release.
17. Opioids: mu receptor effects “MD CARES“:
M-Miosis
D-Dependency
C-Constipation
A-Analgesics
R-Respiratory depression
E-Euphoria
S-Sedation
 18. Adrenoceptors: vasomotor function of alpha vs. beta ABCD:
Alpha = Constrict.
Beta = Dilate.
19. Beta 1 selective blockers “BEAM ONE up, Scotty”:
Beta 1 blockers:
E-Esmolol
A-Atenolol
M-Metoprolol
20. Atropine use: tachycardia or bradycardia “A goes with B“:
Atropine used clinically to treat Bradycardia.
21. Cancer drugs: time of action between DNA->mRNA ABCDEF:
A-Alkylating agents
B-Bleomycin
C-Cisplatin
D-Dactinomycin/ Doxorubicin
E-Etoposide
F-Flutamide and other steroids or their antagonists (eg tamoxifen, leuprolide)
22. Busulfan: features ABCDEF:
A-Alkylating agent
B-Bone marrow suppression s/e
C-CML indication
D-Dark skin (hyperpigmentation) s/e
E-Endocrine insufficiency (adrenal) s/e
F-Fibrosis (pulmonary) s/e
23. Tricyclic antidepressants: members worth knowing “I have to hide, the CIA is after
me”:
C-Clomipramine
I-Imipramine
A-Amitriptyline
24. Torsades de Pointes: drugs causing APACHE:
A-Amiodarone
P-Procainamide
A-Arsenium
C-Cisapride
H-Haloperidol
E-Erythromycin
25. Asthma drugs: leukotriene inhibitor action zAfirlukast:
Antagonist of lipoxygenase
zIleuton: Inhibitor of LT receptor
 26. 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.
27. Beta blockers: B1 selective vs. B1-B2 non-selective A
through N: B1 selective: Acebutolol, Atenolol, Esmolol, Metoprolol.
O through Z: B1, B2 non-selective:Pindolol, Propranolol, Timolol.
28. Antirheumatic agents (disease modifying): members CHAMP:
C-Cyclophosphamide
H-Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine
A-Auranofin and other gold compounds
M-Methotrexate
P-Penicillamine
29. 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
30. Serotonin syndrome: components Causes HARM:
H-Hyperthermia
A-Autonomic instability (delirium)
R-Rigidity
M-Myoclonus
31. Therapeutic index: formula TILE: TI = LD50 / ED50
32. Antiarrhythmics: class III members BIAS:
B-Bretylium
I-Ibutilide
A-Amiodarone
S-Sotalol

1. 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
2. K+ increasing agents K-BANK:
K-K-sparing diuretic
B-Beta blocker
A-ACEI
N-NSAID
K-K supplement
3. Ribavirin: indications RIBAvirin:
R-RSV
I-Influenza B
A-Arenaviruses (Lassa, Bolivian, etc.)
4. SIADH-inducing drugs ABCD:
A-Analgesics: opioids, NSAIDs
B-Barbiturates
C-Cyclophosphamide/ Chlorpromazine/ Carbamazepine
D-Diuretic (thiazide)
5. Diuretics: thiazides: indications “CHIC to use thiazides”:
C-CHF
H-Hypertension
I-Insipidus
C-Calcium calculi
6. Parkinsonism: drugs SALAD:
S-Selegiline
A-Anticholinergics (trihexyphenidyl, benzhexol, orphenadrine)
L-L-Dopa + peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (carbidopa, benserazide)
A-Amantadine
D-Dopamine postsynaptic receptor agonists (bromocriptine, lisuride, pergolide)
7. Thrombolytic agents USA:
U-Urokinase
S-Streptokinase
A-Alteplase (tPA)
8. Morphine: effects at mu receptor PEAR:
P-Physical dependence
E-Euphoria
A-Analgesia
R-Respiratory depression
9. Morphine: effects MORPHINES:
M-Miosis
O-Orthostatic hypotension
R-Respiratory depression
P-Pain suppression
H-Histamine release/ Hormonal alterations
I-Increased ICT
N-Nausea
E-Euphoria
S-Sedation
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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)
13. 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
14. Pulmonary infiltrations inducing drugs “Go BAN Me!”: Go-Gold
B-Bleomycin/ Busulfan/ BCNU
A-Amiodarone/ Acyclovir/ Azathioprine
N-Nitrofurantoin
M-Melphalan/ Methotrexate/ Methysergide
15. Respiratory depression inducing drugs “STOP breathing”:
S-Sedatives and hypnotics
T-Trimethoprim
O-Opiates
P-Polymyxins
16. Benzodiazepines: ones not metabolized by the liver (safe to use in liver failure) LOT:
L-Lorazepam
O-Oxazepam
T-Temazepam
17. TB: antibiotics used STRIPE:
St-STreptomycin
R-Rifampicin
I-Isoniazid
P-Pyrazinamide
E-Ethambutol
18. Vigabatrin: mechanism Vi-GABA–Tr–In: Via GABA Transferase Inhibition
19. Propylthiouracil (PTU): mechanism It inhibits PTU:
P-Peroxidase/ Peripheral deiodination
T-Tyrosine iodination
U-Union (coupling)
20. Beta-blockers: nonselective beta-blockers “Tim Pinches
His Nasal Problem” (because he has a runny nose…):
Tim-Timolol
Pin-Pindolol
His-Hismolol
Na-Nadolol
Pro-Propranolol
21. Enoxaparin (prototype low molecular weight heparin): action, monitoring
EnoXaprin only acts on factor Xa.
Monitor Xaconcentration, rather than APTT.
 22. Nicotinic effects MTWTF (days of week):
M-Mydriasis/ Muscle cramps
T-Tachycardia
W-Weakness
T-Twitching
H-Hypertension/ Hyperglycemia
F-Fasciculation
23. 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
24. Hypertension: treatment ABCD:
ACE inhibitors/ AngII antagonists (sometimes Alpha agonists also)
B-Beta blockers
C-Calcium antagonists
D-Diuretics (sometimes vasoDilators also)
25. Phenytoin: adverse effects PHENYTOIN:
P-P-450 interactions
H-Hirsutism
E-Enlarged gums
N-Nystagmus
Y-Yellow-browning of skin
T-Teratogenicity
O-Osteomalacia
I-Interference with B12 metabolism (hence anemia)
N-Neuropathies: vertigo, ataxia, headache
26. Gynaecomastia-causing drugs DISCOS:
D-Digoxin
I-Isoniazid
S-Spironolactone
C-Cimetidine
O-Oestrogens
S-Stilboestrol
27. Amiodarone: action, side effects 6 P’s:
P-Prolongs action potential duration
P-Photosensitivity
P-Pigmentation of skin
P-Peripheral neuropathy
P-Pulmonary alveolitis and fibrosis
P-Peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 is inhibited -> hypothyroidis
28. 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-selective beta blockers.
29. 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 myasthenia gravis , Synthetic
, Poor oral absorption
30. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: members “PIT of despair”:
P-Phenelzine
I-Isocarboxazid
T-Tranylcypromine
· A pit of despair, since MAOs treat depression.
31. Antibiotics contraindicated during pregnancy MCAT:
M-Metronidazole
C-Chloramphenicol
A-Aminoglycoside
T-Tetracycline
32. 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
33. 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.
 1. Lithium: side effects LITHIUM:
L-Leukocytes Increased (leukocytosis)
T-Tremors
H-Hypothyroidism
I-Increased Urine
M-Moms beware (teratogenic)
2. Osmotic diuretics: members GUM:
G-Glycerol
U-Urea
M-Mannitol
3. 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
4. Benzodiazepines: antidote “Ben is off with the flu“:
Benzodiazepine effects off with Flumazenil.
5. SSRIs: side effects SSRI:
S-Serotonin syndrome
S-Stimulate CNS
R-Reproductive dysfunctions in male
I-Insomnia
6. Depression: 5 drugs causing it PROMS:
P-Propranolol
R-Reserpine
O-Oral contraceptives
M-Methyldopa
S-Steroids
7. Sex hormone drugs: male “Feminine Males Need Testosterone“:
F-Fluoxymesterone
M-Methyltestosterone
N-Nandrolone
Testosterone
8. Ca++ channel blockers: uses CA++ MASH:
C-Cerebral vasospasm/ CHF
A-Angina
M-Migraines
A-Atrial flutter, fibrillation
S-Supraventricular tachycardia
H-Hypertension
9. Benzodiazepines: drugs which decrease their metabolism“I‘m Overly Calm”:
I-Isoniazid
O-Oral contraceptive pills
C-Cimetidine
10. 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
11. Opioids: effects BAD AMERICANS:
B-Bradycardia & hypotension
A-Anorexia
D-Diminished pupillary 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
12. Tetracycline: teratogenicity
TEtracycline is a TE-TEratogen that causes staining of TEeth in the newborn.
13. Myasthenia gravis: edrophonium vs. pyridostigmine
14. eDrophonium is for Diagnosis.
pyRIDostigmine is to get RID of symptoms.
15. Narcotic antagonists The Narcotic Antagonists are NAloxone and NAltrexone.
· Important clinically to treat narcotic overdose.
16. Inhalation anesthetics SHINE:
S-Sevoflurane
H-Halothane
I-Isoflurane
N-Nitrous oxide
E-Enflurane
17. Disulfiram-like reaction inducing drugs “PM PMT” as in Pre Medical Test in the PM:
P-Procarbazine
M-Metronidazole
PMT-Cefo (Perazone, Mandole, Tetan).
18. Delirium-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. meperidine)
G-Geriatric psychiatric drugs
E-ENT drugs
I-Insomnia drugs
N-NSAIDs (eg indomethacin, naproxen)
M-Muscle relaxants
S-Seizure medicines
19. Direct sympathomimetic catecholamines DINED:
D-Dopamine
I-Isoproterenol
N-Norepinephrine
E-Epinephrine
D-Dobutamine
20. Nitrofurantoin: major side effects NitroFurAntoin:
N-Neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy)
F-Fibrosis (pulmonary fibrosis)
A-Anemia (hemolytic anemia)\
21. Methyldopa: side effects METHYLDOPA:
M-Mental retardation
E-Electrolyte imbalance
T-Tolerance
H-Headache/ Hepatotoxicity
psYchological upset
L-Lactation in female
D-Dry mouth
O-Oedema
P-Parkinsonism
A-Anaemia (haemolytic)
22. 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
23. 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)
24. Lithium: side effects LITH:
L-Leukocytosis
I-Insipidus [diabetes insipidus, tied to polyuria]
T-Tremor/ Teratogenesis
H-Hypothyroidism
25. Lead poisoning: presentation ABCDEFG:
A-Anemia
B-Basophilic stripping
C-Colicky pain
D-Diarrhea
E-Encephalopathy
F-Foot drop
G-Gum (lead line)
 26. Beta-blockers: main contraindications, cautions ABCDE:
A-Asthma
B-Block (heart block)
C-COPD
D-Diabetes mellitus
E-Electrolyte (hyperkalemia)
27. Metabolism enzyme inducers “Randy’s Black Car
Goes Putt Putt and Smokes“:
R-Rifampin
B-Barbiturates
C-Carbamazepine
G-Griseofulvin
P-Phenytoin
P-Phenobarb
28. 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
29. 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
30. Hepatic necrosis: drugs causing focal to massive necrosis “Very
A-Angry Hepatocytes”:
V-Valproic acid
A-Acetaminophen
H-Halothane
31. Bleomycin: action “Bleo–Mycin Blows
My DNA to bits”:
Bleomycin works by fragmenting DNA (blowing it to bits).
MyDNA signals that it's used for cancer (targeting self cells).
32. 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.
33. 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
34. 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.
35. Ipratropium: action Atropine is buried in the middle:
iprAtropium, so it behaves like Atropine.