PHARMACOLOGY MNEMONICS

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins): side effects, contraindications, interactions

HMG-CoA:
Side effects:
Hepatotoxicity
Myositis [aka rhabdomyolysis]
Contraindications:
Girl during pregnancy/ Growing children
Interactions:
Coumarin/ Cyclosporine

Antiarrhythmics: class III members

BIAS:
Bretylium
Ibutilide
Amiodarone
Sotalol

Beta-blockers: main contraindications, cautions

ABCDE:
Asthma
Block (heart block)
COPD
Diabetes mellitus
Electrolyte (hyperkalemia)

Clopidogrel: use
CLOPIdogrel is a drug that prevents
CLots, an Oral Platelet Inhibitor (OPI).

Amiodarone: action, side effects

6 P's:
Prolongs action potential duration
Photosensitivity
Pigmentation of skin
Peripheral neuropathy
Pulmonary alveolitis and fibrosis

Peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 is inhibited -> hypothyroidism

Beta blockers: members

"The NEPAL Prime Minister":
Timolol
Nadolol
Esmolol
Pindolol
Atenolol
Labetalol
Propranolol
Metoprolol

Ca++ channel blockers: uses

CA++ MASH:
Cerebral vasospasm/ CHF
Angina
Migranes
Atrial flutter, fibrillation
Supraventricular tachycardia
Hypertension
Alternatively: "CHASM":
Cererbral vasospasm / CHF
Hypertension
Angina
Suprventricular tachyarrhythmia
Migranes

Beta-blockers: nonselective beta-blockers

"Tim Pinches His Nasal Problem" (because he has a runny nose...):
Timolol
Pindolol
Hismolol
Naldolol
Propranolol

Antiarrhythmics: classification I to IV

MBA College In order of class I to IV:

Membrane stabilizers (class I)
Beta blockers
Action potential widening agents
Calcium channel blockers

Enoxaprin (prototype low molecular weight heparin): action, monitoring

EnoXaprin only acts on factor Xa.
Monitor Xa concentration, rather than APTT
anti hyprtensive safe for pregnancy are--My N.H.L --Quote:

M-methyl dopa..
N-nifedipine...
H-hydralazine..
L-labetalol.
methyldopa
Quote:

M = mental retardation
E = electrolyte imbalance
T = tolerance
H = headache/ hepatotoxicity, rebound HTN
Y = psYchological upset
D = dry mouth, drowsiness
O = oedema, orthostatic hypotension
P = Parkinsonism
A = Anemia [+ve coomb's test]
sodium nitroprusside
clinical uses: MR. CHIEF SURGERY IN EMERGENCY
Quote:

Mr. = Acute MI
chief = Acute CHF
Surgery = maintain hemostasis during surgeries
emergency = hypertensive emergencies
antihypertensives used in emergencies.............
Saurav Ganguly HELP

Quote:

S-sodium nitroprusside
G-GTN
H-hydralazine
E-esmolol
L-labetalol
P-phentolamine
Anticholinergic side effects
"Know the ABCD'S of anticholinergic side effects":
Quote:

Anorexia
Blurry vision
Constipation/ Confusion
Dry Mouth
Sedation/ Stasis of urine
Antimuscarinics: members, action
"Inhibits Parasympathetic And Sweat":
Quote:

Ipratropium
Pirenzepine
Atropine
Scopolamine
_Muscarinic receptors at all parasympathetic endings sweat glands in sympathetic.
Aspirin: side effects
ASPIRIN:
Quote:

Asthma
Salicyalism
Peptic ulcer disease/ Phosphorylation-oxidation uncoupling/ PPH/ Platelet disaggregation/
Premature closure of PDA
Intestinal blood loss
Reye's syndrome
Idiosyncracy
Noise (tinnitus)

Benzodiazapines: ones not metabolized by the liver (safe to use in liver failure)
LOT:
Quote:

Lorazepam
Oxazepam
Temazepam
Benzodiazepenes: antidote
Quote:

"Ben is off with the flu":

Benzodiazepine effects off with Flumazenil.
Benzodiazepenes: drugs which decrease their metabolism
"I'm Overly Calm":
Quote:

Isoniazid
Oral contraceptive pills
Cimetidine
_ These drugs increase calming effect of BZDs by retarding metabolism.
Benzodiazepines: actions
"Ben SCAMs Pam into seduction not by brain but by muscle":
Quote:

Sedation
anti-Convulsant
anti-Anxiety
Muscle relaxant
Not by brain: No antipsychotic activity.
Beta selective blockers
"BEAM ONE up, Scotty":
Quote:

Beta blockers:
Esmolol
Atenolol
Metropolol
Botulism toxin: action, related bungarotoxin

Quote:

Action: "Botulism Bottles up the Ach so it can't be the released":

Related bungarotoxin: "Botulism is related to Beta Bungarotoxin (beta-, not alpha-bungarotoxin-alpha has different mechanism).
Cholinergics (eg organophosphates): effects
If you know these, you will be "LESS DUMB": or SLUDGE
Quote:

Lacrimation
Excitation of nicotinic synapses
Salivation
Sweating
Diarrhea
Urination
Micturition
Bronchoconstriction
Delerium-causing drugs
ACUTE CHANGE IN MS:
Quote:

Antibiotics (biaxin, penicillin, ciprofloxacin)

Cardiac drugs (digoxin, lidocaine)
Urinary incontinence drugs (anticholinergics)
Theophylline
Ethanol
Corticosteroids
H blockers
Antiparkinsonian drugs
Narcotics (esp. mepridine)
Geriatric psychiatric drugs
ENT drugs
Insomnia drugs
NSAIDs (eg indomethacin, naproxin)
Muscle relaxants
Seizure medicines
Direct sympathomimetic catecholamines
DINED:
Quote:

Dopamine
Isoproterenol
Norepinephrine
Epinephrine
Dobutamine
Inhalation anesthetics
SHINE:
Quote:

Sevoflurane
Halothane
Isoflurane
Nitrous oxide
Enflurane
_ If want the defunct Methoxyflurane too, make it MoonSHINE.
Ipratropium: action
Atropine is buried in the middle: iprAtropium, so it behaves like Atropine.
Lead poisoning: presentation
ABCDEFG:
Quote:

Anemia
Basophilic stripping
Colicky pain
Diarrhea
Encephalopathy
Foot drop
Gum (lead line)
Lithium: side effects
LITH:
Quote:

Leukocytosis
Insipidus [diabetes insipidus, tied to polyuria]
Tremor/ Teratogenesis
Hypothyroidism
MAOIs: indications
MAOI'S:
Quote:

Melancholic [classic name for atypical depression]

Anxiety
Obesity disorders [anorexia, bulemia]
Imagined illnesses [hypochondria]
Social phobias
_ Listed in decreasing order of importance.
_ Note MAOI is inside MelAnchOlIc.
Methyldopa: side effects
METHYLDOPA:
Quote:

Mental retardation
Electrolyte imbalance
Tolerance
Headache/ Hepatotoxicity
psYcological upset
Lactation in female
Dry mouth
Oedema
Parkinsonism
Anaemia (haemolytic)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: members
"PIT of despair":
Quote:

Phenelzine
Isocarboxazid
Tranylcypromine
_ A pit of despair, since MAOs treat depression.
Morphine: effects
MORPHINES:
Quote:

Miosis
Orthostatic hypotension
Respiratory depression
Pain supression
Histamine release/ Hormonal alterations
Increased ICT
Nausea
Euphoria
Sedation

Morphine: effects at mu receptor

PEAR:
Quote:

Physical dependence
Euphoria
Analgesia
Respiratory depression
Narcotic antagonists
Quote:

The Narcotic Antagonists are NAloxone and NAltrexone.

_ Important clinically to treat narcotic overdose.
Parkinsonism: drugs
SALAD:
Quote:

Selegiline
Anticholinenergics (trihexyphenidyl, benzhexol, ophenadrine)
L-Dopa + peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (carbidopa, benserazide)
Amantadine
Dopamine postsynaptic receptor agonists (bromocriptine, lisuride, pergolide)
Phenytoin: adverse effects
PHENYTOIN:
Quote:

P- interactions
Hirsutism
Enlarged gums
Nystagmus
Yellow-browning of skin
Teratogenicity
Osteomalacia
Interference with B metabolism (hence anemia)
Neuropathies: vertigo, ataxia, headache
Physostigmine vs. neostigmine
LMNOP:
Quote:

Lipid soluble
Miotic
Natural

Orally absorbed well

Physostigmine
_ Neostigmine, on the contrary, is:
Water soluble
Used in myesthenia gravis
Synthetic
Poor oral absorption
Pupils in overdose: morphine vs. amphetamine
"MorPHINE: Fine. AmPHETamine: Fat":
Quote:

Morphine overdose: pupils constricted (fine).

Amphetamine overdose: pupils dilated (fat).
Serotonin syndrome: components
Causes HARM:
Quote:

Hyperthermia
Autonomic instability (delirium)
Rigidity
Myoclonus
Sodium valproate: side effects
VALPROATE:
Quote:

Vomiting
Alopecia
Liver toxicity
Pancreatitis/ Pancytopenia
Retention of fats (weight gain)
Oedema (peripheral oedema)
Appetite increase
Tremor
Enzyme inducer (liver)
Succinylcholine: action, use
Quote:

Succinylcholine gets Stuck to Ach receptor, then Sucks ions in through open pore.
You Suck stuff in through a mouth-tube, and drug is used for intubation.
Tricyclic antidepressants: members worth knowing
"I have to hide, the CIA is after me":
Quote:

Clomipramine
Imipramine
Amitrptyline
_ If want the next worth knowing, the DNDis also after me:
Desipramine
Norrtriptyline
Doxepin
Tricyclic antidipressents (TCA): side effects TCA'S:
Quote:

ThrombocytopeniaCardiac (arrhymia, MI, stroke)

Anticholinergic (tachycardia, urinary retention, etc)
Seizures
Vigabatrin: mechanism
Vi-GABA-Tr-In:
Quote:

Via GABA Transferase Inhibition

Antibiotics contraindicated during pregnancy
MCAT:
Quote:

Metronidazole
Chloramphenicol
Aminoglycoside
Tetracycline
Busulfan: features
ABCDEF:
Quote:

Alkylating agent
Bone marrow suppression s/e
CML indication
Dark skin (hyperpigmentation) s/e
Endrocrine insufficiency (adrenal) s/e
Fibrosis (pulmonary) s/e
Metabolism enzyme inducers
"Randy's Black Car Goes Putt Putt and Smokes":
Quote:

Rifampin

Barbiturates
Carbamazepine
Grisoefulvin
Phenytoin
Phenobarb
Smoking cigarettes
Morphine: side-effects
MORPHINE:
Quote:

Myosis
Out of it (sedation)
Respiratory depression
Pneumonia (aspiration)
Hypotension
Infrequency (constipation, urinary retention)
Nausea
Emesis
Therapeutic index: formula
TILE:
Code:
TI = LD / ED
Zero order kinetics drugs (most common ones)
"PEAZ (sounds like pees) out a constant amount":
Quote:

Phenytoin
Ethanol
Aspirin
Zero order
_ Someone that pees out a constant amount describes zero order kinetics (always the same
amount out)
Asthma drugs: leukotriene inhibitor action
Quote:

zAfirlukast: Antagonist of lipoxygenase

zIlueton: Inhibitor of LT receptor
Beta- vs Beta- receptor location
"You have heart and lungs":
Quote:

Beta- are therefore primarily on heart.

Beta- primarily on lungs.
Hepatic necrosis: drugs causing focal to massive necrosis
"Very Angry Hepatocytes":
Quote:

Valproic acid
Acetaminophen
Halothane
Adrenoceptors: vasomotor function of alpha vs. beta
ABCD:
Quote:

Alpha = Constrict.
Beta = Dilate.
Beta blockers with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity
Quote:

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-seletive beta blockers.
Beta-blockers: main contraindications, cautions
ABCDE:
Quote:

Asthma
Block (heart block)
COPD
Diabetes mellitus
Electrolyte (hyperkalemia)
Beta-blockers: nonselective beta-blockers "Tim Pinches His Nasal Problem" (because he has a
runny nose...):
Quote:

Timolol
Pindolol
Hismolol
Naldolol
Propranolol

PREANASTHETIC MEDICATION
HOSANA this is a christian word.
Quote:

H-H2blockers
O-opeoids
S-sedatives-antianxiety
A-anticholenergic
N-neuroleptics
A-antiemetics
simple and sobar
anti epeleptic drugs
Dr.BHAISAB's New PC.
Quote:

D...deoxy barbiturates
B...barbiturates
H....hydantoin
A.. aliphatic carb acids
I....iminostilbenes
S....succinimides
B....BZD's
N.... newer drugs
P....Phenyltriazines
C... cyclic gaba analogues
adverse effects of tetracyclins-KAPIL DEV
Quote:

K kidney toxicity
A antianabolic effect
P phototoxicity
I inc ICP
L liver toxicity
D diabetes insipidus
E enamel problems
V vestibular toxicity
GENERAL TOXICITY OF ANTICANCER DRUGS
SHaLi's BF Ghoghari Gautam is Chor.
Quote:

S-skin
H-hyperurecemia
L-lymphoreticular tissue
B-bone marrow
F-Foetus
G-gonads
G-git
C-carcinogenecity
6 H s and 8 H s of adverse effects of thaizide diuretics and loop diuretics respectively.....
'melbourne cricket authority has high funds though players get minor amount' .. for clinical uses
of beta blockers...
Drugs causing pulmonary fibrosis:
Quote:

BAB like in baba (father)

Bleomycin
Amiodarone
Busulfan
ADRS OF CHLORAMPHENICOL
smart boys in girls hostel
B.... bone marrow depression
H...hypersensitivity
I....irritative effects
S.....superinfections
G.....Gray baby syndrome
ampicillin uses
UR GMCS BeST
Quote:

UTI
Respi
Gonorrhoea
Maningitis
cholecystitis
septicemias
bacillary dysentry
sabe
typhoid

misch
Acyclovir I see clover
I see a three-leaf clover (this is a prodrug that gets converted into a triphosphate it resembles
dNTP and inhibits DNA Polymerase). Imagine putting clovers over herpes sores and genital warts
(this is used to treat those).
Amantadine Homan to Dean In case you havent heard, Dr. Homan is our new SOM dean. His
new policy: he wont let us come to school without our white coats (this drug blocks uncoating,
stage 2, in viral infection). Other interesting facts about him: he can pee for 12 hours straight! (The
half-life is 12h and its excreted unchanged in the kidney .)
Dr. Homan cant take the pressure of being a new dean so he becomes a nervous drunk with
depression, feelings of detachment, insomnia, dizziness, ataxia, slurred speech, and inability to
concentrate (these are some of the adverse effects)
Cephachlor Chlorine as in swimming pools
You swim and get water up your nose and in your ears (this drug treats sinusitis and OTITIS
media).
Cephadroxil Drop rocks While you are peeing you drop rocks (This drug treats UTIs).
Cephalothin Loathing
If your heart is infected, you cant love, only loathe (this is used to treat severe infections such as
endocarditis).
Cephamandole Man doll You have to inflate your man doll and you get an upper respiratory
infection. If you use this anatomically correct man doll, he will give you pelvic inflammatory
disease (This drug is indicated for URI and PID). Hes also so real that he bleeds!!! (Adverse effect:
It affects Vit-K dependent clotting function)
Cephazolin Soul in You want to keep your soul in and not die if you go to surgery (this drug is
used prophylactically for surgery).
Cephoperazone Opera zone Going to the opera makes me want to get drunk to the point of
illness. These drugs, when mixed with ethanol interfere with ALDH, affecting alcohol metabolism
(you end up with increased acetaldehyde a DISULFIRAM-LIKE REACTION).
Also, if you see Phantom of the Opera, expect to see some blood! (This affects Vit-K dependent
clotting function.)
Cephotaxime Tax time IRS is hard to kill off they are MULTIPLE DRUG RESISTANT (Use this
drug against MDR strains.).
Clindamycin Clean the mice
Youre cleaning the mice because they are covered with ticks (this drug is used to treat Lyme
Disease). You have to use SOS kitchen cleaner to clean the mice (SOS = 50 S ribosomal unit
where this drug acts).
Richard Gere likes to put mice in where the sun dont shine and this is a very FRAGILE

procedure (Clindamycin may cause Pseudomembranous enterocolitis and its also used to treat B.
fragilis infections).
Fluconazole Flu cone Imagine an emaciated AIDS patient eating an ice cream cone made of the
flu and he gets an oral and esophageal fungal infection. (This is used to treat oral and esophageal
candidiasis in AIDS patients).
Foscarnet Fox cARRR net If you catch foxes in a net, they wont reproduce (this drug is a stage
3 inhibitor). ARRR it inhibits RNA polymerase and Reverse transcriptase to block Reproduction.
Youre going to put the foxes into a car thats made out of bones instead of metal (this drug binds
to bones and decreases Ca2+ and Mg2+).
Also, a foxy lady is HOT (this drug will cause a fever) and never wear fox urine to hunt (this is
excreted in the kidney and causes renal insufficiency).
inhalational corticosteroids
Bed Bug Flew To Florida
Quote:

B-BECLOMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE
B-BUDESONIDE
F-FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE
T-TRIAMCINALONE
F-FLUNISOLIDE
Succinylcholine: action, use
Quote:

Succinylcholine gets Stuck to Ach receptor, then Sucks ions in through open pore.
You Suck stuff in through a mouth-tube, and drug is used for intubation
Cholinergics (eg organophosphates): effects
If you know these, you will be "LESS DUMB":
Quote:

Lacrimation
Excitation of nicotinic synapses
Salivation
Sweating
Diarrhea
Urination
Micturition
Bronchoconstriction
Steroids: side effects
BECLOMETHASONE:

Quote:

Buffalo hump
Easy bruising
Cataracts
Larger appetite
Obesity
Moonface
Euphoria
Thin arms & legs
Hypertension/ Hyperglycaemia
Avascular necrosis of femoral head
Skin thinning
Osteoporosis
Negative nitrogen balance
Emotional liability
Methyldopa: side effects
METHYLDOPA:
Quote:

Mental retardation
Electrolyte imbalance
Tolerance
Headache/ Hepatotoxicity
psYcological upset
Lactation in female
Dry mouth
Oedema
Parkinsonism
Anaemia (haemolytic)
Sodium valproate: side effects
VALPROATE:
Quote:

Vomiting
Alopecia
Liver toxicity
Pancreatitis/ Pancytopenia
Retention of fats (weight gain)
Oedema (peripheral oedema)
Appetite increase
Tremor
Enzyme inducer (liver)

Captopril (an ACE inhibitor): side effects

CAPTOPRIL:
Quote:

Cough
Angioedema/ Agranulocystosis
Proteinuria/ Potassium excess
Taste changes
Orthostatic hypotension
Pregnancy contraindication/ Pancreatitis/ Pressure drop (first dose hypertension)
Renal failure (and renal artery stenosis contraindication)/ Rash
Indomethacin inhibition
Leukopenia/ Liver toxicity
Lithium: side effects
LITH:
Quote:

Leukocytosis
Insipidus [diabetes insipidus, tied to polyuria]
Tremor/ Teratogenesis
Hypothyroidism
Opioids: effects
BAD AMERICANS:
Quote:

Bradycardia & hypotension

Anorexia
Diminished pupilary size
Analgesics
Miosis
Euphoria
Respiratory depression
Increased smooth muscle activity (biliary tract constriction)
Constipation
Ameliorate cough reflex
Nausea and vomiting
Sedations
Ca++ channel blockers: uses
CA++ MASH:
Quote:

Cerebral vasospasm/ CHF

Angina
Migranes
Atrial flutter, fibrillation
Supraventricular tachycardia
Hypertension

Alternatively: "CHASM":
Quote:

Cererbral vasospasm / CHF

Hypertension
Angina
Suprventricular tachyarrhythmia
Migranes
Pupils in overdose: morphine vs. amphetamine
MorPHINE: Fine.
AmPHETamine: Fat
"Morphine overdose: pupils constricted (fine)
Amphetamine overdose: pupils dilated (fat)
Phenobarbitone side effects
Children are annoying (hyperkinesia, irritability, insomnia, aggression)
Adults are dosy (sedation, dizziness, drowsiness

Atropine: origin tells action or vice versa

Atropine causes your pupils to dilate, and it came from nightshade [belladona]In the night or in
shade, your pupils dilate so you can see
Atropine use: tachycardia or bradycardia
"A goes with B":
Atropine used clinically to treat Bradycardia

Reserpine action
Reserpine depletes the Reserves of catecholamines [and serotonin]
Sodium channel blockade: Procainamide, Quinidine, Disopyramide
"Quaker Preachers Discussed Sobriety."
Quaker-Quinidine
Preachers-Procainamide
Discussed-Disopyramide

Sobriety-Sodium channel blockade

Class IB - Sodium channel blockade: Lidocaine, Phenytoin, Mexiletine, tocainide

"Philadelphians Like Salty Mexican Tacos."
Philadelphians-Phenytoin
Like-Lidocaine
Salty-Sodium channel blockade
Mexican-Mexiletine
Tacos-Tocainide

Class IC - Sodium channel blockade: Flecainide, Encainide, Propafenone

"Flea Encrusted Prophets."
Flea-Flecainide
Encrusted-Encainide
Prophets-Propafenone

Class II - Beta-adrenergic blockade: Propranolol

"Betting Professionals."
Betting-Beta-adrenergic blockade
Professionals-Propranolol

Class III - Prolong repolarization: Amiodarone, Bretylium, Solatol

"Britain Repossessed American Soaps."
Britain-Bretylium
Repossessed-Repolarization is prolonged.
American-Amiodarone
Soaps-Solatol

Class IV - Calcium channel blockade: Verapamil, Diltiazem

"Calligraphist's Verbal Dilemma."
Calligraphist-Calcium channel blockade
Verbal-Verapamil

Dilemma-Diltiazem
Antiarrhythmic agents:
"A Dubious Quality Product...
Bought To Preserve Little Money...
Can Fabricate Enough Problems."
A-1a B-1b C-1c
1a-A:
D-Disopyramide
Q-Quinidine
P-Procainamide
1b-B:
T-Tocainamide
P-Phenytoin
L-Lidocaine
M-Mexiletine
1c-C:
F-Flecainamide
E-Encainamide
P-Propafenone
Mnemonics For Side Effects.
ACEI, Side Effects
CAPTOPRIL
Cough,
anaphylaxis,
palpitations,
taste,
orthostatic BP,
Potassium (K+),
Renal impairment,
impotence,
leucocytosis

Anti-epileptic side Effects

ABCDEFGH
Ataxia,
blood dyscrasia,
cleft lip,
dupuytrens / vit D def,

exfoliation of skin & Stevens Johnsons. Fits,

GI upset / gum hypertrophy,
hepatitis / hairy

Barbiturate side Effects

ABCD
Ataxia,
behavioural disturbance,
concentration / coma,
depression / drowsy / diplopia

Cholinergic OD side Effects

DUMB BELS
Diarrhoea,
Urination,
Miosis / muscle weakness,
bronchorrea
Bradycardia,
emesis,
lacrimation,
salivation / sweating

Cyclosporin Side Effects

4HRT
4H - Hyper K+, hypertension, gum hypertrophy, hairy
R Renal toxicity
T - Tremor

Digoxin S/E
GECCKO
GIT n&v, abdo pain, ulcers
Eyes blurring, halo, xanthopsia
CNS depression, confusion, delirium, hallucinations
Cardiac ANY arrhythmia
K - low

MAOI side Effects

3Hs
Hepatocellular jaundice,
Hyperthermia,
hypertension

TCAD side Effects

CAN WOO
Cvs,
Anticholinergic,
Neuro,
Withdrawal,
Overdose,
Others

Steroids Side Effects

HIGH COMPACT IMPS
Hypertension,
Immunosuppression,
Gastric Ulcer (bleeding),
Heartburn
Cataract,
Osteoporosis,
Muscle weakness,
Path # / Psychosis,
Acne / Altered Glucose,
Cushingoid,
Thin skin
Increased appetite,
Myopathy,
poor wound healing,
stress response reduced
AM CUSHINGOID
Acne,
Myopathy (prox) / muscle wasting (prox)
Cushingoid / Cataract,
Ulcers,
Striae, skin thin (bruising),
Hypertension / hairy,
Infection,
Glycosuria,
Obesity / Osteoporosis / Oedema,
Immunosuppression / Insomnia,
Depression