Top 100 Extremely Important Pharmacology Mnemonics

Pharmacology mnemonics are various techniques that facilitate students to recall larger pieces of clinical information, particularly in the form of lists like characteristics, classification, side effects, benefits, stages, steps, parts, phases, etc.

Pharmacology is the study of how drugs effects the body. It is the study of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. There are many types of mnemonics that work better like name mnemonics, model mnemonics, expression or word mnemonics, image mnemonics, etc.

Pharmacology is a very vast subject, That’s why it’s very difficult to cover the whole subject but we have compiled a list of some very important Pharmacology Mnemonics in this article.

Pharmacology Mnemonics helping students performs better in exams. In this article, we will highlight top 100 of the most important pharmacology mnemonics.

Pharmacology Mnemonics

1. Sulfonamides: common characteristics SULFA:
   S-Steven-Johnson syndrome
   U-Urine precipitation/ Useful for UTI
   L-Large spectrum
   F-Folic acids synthesis blocker
   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:
   A- Active Against Aerobic gram-negative
   M-echanism of resistance are Modifying enzymes
   I– Inhibit protein synthesis by binding to 30S subunit
   N- Nephrotoxic
   O- Ototoxic
5. Femara (Letrozole)  Side Effects 

Just Remember “FEMARA”

•  F–Fracture (Bone), Flushes (Hot)
•  E–Edema (Peripheral)
•  M–Memory impairment
•  A–Anxiety (Less Common)
•  R–Raised Sweating
•  A–Arterial thrombosis(very rare

       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)
         N-Nausea
         E-Emesis

     10. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA):                side effects TCA’S:

         T-Thrombocytopenia
         C-Cardiac (arrhythmia, MI, stroke)
         A-Anticholinergic (tachycardia, etc)
         S-Seizures

1. 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
2. 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.
3. Beta-blockers: members “The NEPAL Prime
   M-Minister”:
   T-Timolol
   N-Nadolol
   E-Esmolol
   P-Pindolol
   A-Atenolol
   L-Labetalol
   P-Propranolol
   M-Metoprolol
4. Insulin: mixing regular insulin and NPH “Not Ready,
   Ready Now”:
   Air into NPH
   Air into Regular
   Draw up Regular
   Draw up NPH
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Guanethidine: mechanism GuaNEthidine prevents NE
   (norepinephrine) release.
8. Opioids: mu receptor effects “MD CARES“:
   M-Miosis
   D-Dependency
   C-Constipation
   A-Analgesics
   R-Respiratory depression
   E-Euphoria
   S-Sedation
9. Adrenoceptors: the vasomotor function of alpha vs. beta ABCD:
   Alpha = Constrict.
   Beta = Dilate.
10. Beta 1 selective blockers “BEAM ONE up, Scotty”:
    Beta 1 blockers:
    E-Esmolol
    A-Atenolol
    M-Metoprolol
11. Atropine use: tachycardia or bradycardia “A goes with
    B“:
    Atropine used clinically to treat Bradycardia.
12. 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)
13. 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
14. Tricyclic antidepressants: members worth knowing “I have to
    hide, the CIA is after me”:
    C-Clomipramine
    I-Imipramine
    A-Amitriptyline
15. Torsades de Pointes: drugs causing APACHE:
    A-Amiodarone
    P-Procainamide
    A-Arsenium
    C-Cisapride
    H-Haloperidol
    E-Erythromycin
16. Asthma drugs: leukotriene inhibitor action zAfirlukast:
    Antagonist of lipoxygenase
    zileuton: Inhibitor of LT receptor
17. Propranolol and related ‘-olol’ drugs: usage “olol”
    is just two backward lower case b’s.
    Backward b’s stand for “beta-blocker”.
    · Beta-blockers include acebutolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol,
    oxprenolol, propranolol.
18. 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, Propanolol, Timolol.
19. Antirheumatic agents (disease-modifying): members CHAMP:
    C-Cyclophosphamide
    H-Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine
    A-Auranofin and other gold compounds
    M-Methotrexate
    P-Penicillamine
20. 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
21. Serotonin syndrome: components Causes HARM:
    H-Hyperthermia
    A-Autonomic instability (delirium)
    R-Rigidity
    M-Myoclonus
22. Therapeutic index: formula TILE:
    TI = LD50 / ED50
23. Antiarrhythmics: class III members BIAS:
    B-Bretylium
    I-Ibutilide
    A-Amiodarone
    S-Sotalol

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Pharmacology Mnemonics 33-66

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-Insipidous
   C-Calcium calculi
6. Parkinsonism: drugs SALAD:
   S-Selegiline
   A-Anticholinenergics (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 MORPHINE:
   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 drugs:
    V-Valproate
    V-Valproate
    V-valproate
    A-ACTH
    C-Carbamazepine
    E-Ethosuximide
14. Pulmonary infiltrations inducing drugs “Go BAN Me!”:
    Go-Gold
    B-Bleomycin/ Busulphan/ 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-Naldolol
    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 the 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 Ps:
    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 -> hypothyroidism
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 the 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.

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Pharmacology Mnemonics 66-100

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 eDrophonium
    is for Diagnosis.
    pyRIDostigmine is to get rid of the symptoms.
14. Narcotic antagonists The Narcotic Antagonists
    are NAloxone and NAltrexone.
    · Important clinically to treat a narcotic overdose
15. Inhalation anesthetics SHINE:
    S-Sevoflurane
    H-Halothane
    I-Isoflurane
    N-Nitrous oxide
    E-Enflurane
16. Disulfiram-like reaction inducing drugs “PM PMT” as
    in Pre Medical Test in the PM:
    P-Procarbazine
    M-Metronidazole
    PMT-Cefo (Perazone, Mandole, Tetan).
17. 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. meperidine)
    G-Geriatric psychiatric drugs
    E-ENT drugs
    I-Insomnia drugs
    N-NSAIDs (eg indomethacin, naproxen)
    M-Muscle relaxants
    S-Seizure medicines
18. Direct sympathomimetic catecholamines DINED:
    D-Dopamine
    I-Isoproterenol
    N-Norepinephrine
    E-Epinephrine
    D-Dobutamine
19. Nitrofurantoin: major side effects NitroFurAntoin:
    N-Neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy)
    F-Fibrosis (pulmonary fibrosis)
    A-Anemia (hemolytic anemia)
20. 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 (hemolytic)
21. 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
22. Sodium valproate: side effects VALPROATE:
    V-Vomiting
    A-Alopecia
    L-Liver toxicity
    P-Pancreatitis/ Pancytopenia
    R-Retention of fats (weight gain)
    O-Oedema (peripheral edema)
    A-Appetite increase
    T-Tremor
    E-Enzyme inducer (liver)
23. Lithium: side effects LITH:
    L-Leukocytosis
    I-Insipidus [diabetes insipidus, tied to polyuria] T-Tremor/ Teratogenesis
    H-Hypothyroidism
24. Lead poisoning: presentation ABCDEFG:
    A-Anemia
    B-Basophilic stripping
    C-Colicky pain
    D-Diarrhea
    E-Encephalopathy
    F-Foot drop
    G-Gum (lead line)
25. Beta-blockers: main contraindications, cautions ABCDE:
    A-Asthma
    B-Block (heart block)
    C-COPD
    D-Diabetes Mellitus
    E-Electrolyte (hyperkalemia)
26. Metabolism enzyme inducers “Randy’s Black Car
    Goes Putt Putt and Smokes“:
    R-Rifampin
    B-Barbiturates
    C-Carbamazepine
    G-Griseofulvin
    P-Phenytoin
    P-Phenobarb
27. Cholinergic (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
28. 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
29. Hepatic necrosis: drugs causing focal to massive necrosis “Very
    A-Angry Hepatocytes”:
    V-Valproic acid
    A-Acetaminophen
    H-Halothane
30. Bleomycin: action “Bleo–Mycin Blows 
    My DNA to bits”:
    Bleomycin works by fragmenting DNA (blowing it to bits).
    My DNA signals that its used for cancer (targeting self cells).
31. Beta-1 vs Beta-2 receptor location “You have 1 heart
    and 2 lungs“:
    Beta-1 are therefore primarily on the heart.
    Beta-2 primarily on lungs.
32. 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 hypoglycemia
33. Cisplatin: major side effect, action “Ci-Splat–In“:
    Major side effect: Splat (vomiting sound)–vomiting so severe that
    the anti-nausea drug needed.
    Action: Goes Into the DNA strand.
34. Ipratropium: action Atropine is buried in the middle:
    iprAtropium, so it behaves like Atropine.

End Of the Topic Pharmacology Mnemonics

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