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

14. Guanethidine: mechanism GuaNEthidine prevents NE (norepinephrine) release.

15. Insulin: mixing regular insulin and NPH “Not Ready,

Ready Now”:
Air into NPH
Air into Regular
Draw up Regular
Draw up NPH

16. 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.

17. 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.

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. Atropine use: tachycardia or bradycardia “A goes with B“:

Atropine used clinically to treat Bradycardia.
21. Beta 1 selective blockers “BEAM ONE up, Scotty”:
Beta 1 blockers:
E-Esmolol
A-Atenolol
M-Metropolol

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 even though they are non-seletive beta blockers.

62. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: members “PIT of despair”:

P-Phenelzine
I-Isocarboxazid
T-Tranylcypromine
A pit of despair, since MAOs treat depression.
63. 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
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-Migraines
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. Tetracycline: teratogenicity TEtracycline is a

TE-TEratogen that causes staining of TEeth in the newborn.
78. Myasthenia gravis: edrophonium vs. pyridostigmine eDrophonium
is for Diagnosis.pyRIDostigmine is to get RIDof symptoms.

79. 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

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. Direct sympathomimetic catecholamines DINED:

D-Dopamine
I-Isoproterenol
N-Norepinephrine
E-Epinephrine
D-Dobutamine

84. 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

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. Lithium: side effects LITH:

L-Leukocytosis
I-Insipidus [diabetes insipidus, tied to polyuria]
T-Tremor/ Teratogenesis
H-Hypothyroidism
88. 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

89. 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)

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-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.
92. Beta-blockers: main contraindications, cautions ABCDE:
A-Asthma
B-Block (heart block)
C-COPD
D-Diabetes mellitus
E-Electrolyte (hyperkalemia)

93. Metabolism enzyme inducers “Randy’s Black Car

Goes Putt Putt and Smokes“:
R-Rifampin
B-Barbiturates
C-Carbamazepine
G-Grisoefulvin
P-Phenytoin
P-Phenobarb

94. 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

95. 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

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

iprAtropium, so it behaves like Atropine.

97. Hepatic necrosis: drugs causing focal to massive necrosis “Very

A-Angry Hepatocytes”:
V-Valproic acid
A-Acetaminophen
H-Halothane

98. 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).

99. 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

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.