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

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
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
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
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
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

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
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.
Beta-blockers: members “The NEPAL Prime
M-Minister”:
T-Timolol
N-Nadolol
E-Esmolol
P-Pindolol
A-Atenolol
L-Labetalol
P-Propranolol
M-Metoprolol
Insulin: mixing regular insulin and NPH “Not Ready,
Ready Now”:
Air into NPH
Air into Regular
Draw up Regular
Draw up NPH
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.
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.
Guanethidine: mechanism GuaNEthidine prevents NE
(norepinephrine) release.
Opioids: mu receptor effects “MD CARES“:
M-Miosis
D-Dependency
C-Constipation
A-Analgesics
R-Respiratory depression
E-Euphoria
S-Sedation
Adrenoceptors: the vasomotor function of alpha vs. beta ABCD:
Alpha = Constrict.
Beta = Dilate.
Beta 1 selective blockers “BEAM ONE up, Scotty”:
Beta 1 blockers:
E-Esmolol
A-Atenolol
M-Metoprolol
Atropine use: tachycardia or bradycardia “A goes with
B“:
Atropine used clinically to treat Bradycardia.
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)
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
Tricyclic antidepressants: members worth knowing “I have to
hide, the CIA is after me”:
C-Clomipramine
I-Imipramine
A-Amitriptyline
Torsades de Pointes: drugs causing APACHE:
A-Amiodarone
P-Procainamide
A-Arsenium
C-Cisapride
H-Haloperidol
E-Erythromycin
Asthma drugs: leukotriene inhibitor action zAfirlukast:
Antagonist of lipoxygenase
zileuton: Inhibitor of LT receptor
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.
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.
Antirheumatic agents (disease-modifying): members CHAMP:
C-Cyclophosphamide
H-Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine
A-Auranofin and other gold compounds
M-Methotrexate
P-Penicillamine
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
Serotonin syndrome: components Causes HARM:
H-Hyperthermia
A-Autonomic instability (delirium)
R-Rigidity
M-Myoclonus
Therapeutic index: formula TILE:
TI = LD50 / ED50
Antiarrhythmics: class III members BIAS:
B-Bretylium
I-Ibutilide
A-Amiodarone
S-Sotalol

Read, More

Neuriva Brain Performance Review: Is this memory supplement worth it?

Prevagen Review: Is this brain booster Worth It?

Pharmacology Mnemonics 33-66

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
K+ increasing agents K-BANK:
K-K-sparing diuretic
B-Beta blocker
A-ACEI
N-NSAID
K-K supplement
Ribavirin: indications RIBAvirin:
R-RSV
I-Influenza B
A-Arenaviruses (Lassa, Bolivian, etc.)
SIADH-inducing drugs ABCD:
A-Analgesics: opioids, NSAIDs
B-Barbiturates
C-Cyclophosphamide/ Chlorpromazine/ Carbamazepine
D-Diuretic (thiazide)
Diuretics: thiazides: indications “CHIC to use
thiazides”:
C-CHF
H-Hypertension
I-Insipidous
C-Calcium calculi
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)
Thrombolytic agents USA:
U-Urokinase
S-Streptokinase
A-Alteplase (tPA)
Morphine: effects at mu receptor PEAR:
P-Physical dependence
E-Euphoria
A-Analgesia
R-Respiratory depression
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
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
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
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)
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
Pulmonary infiltrations inducing drugs “Go BAN Me!”:
Go-Gold
B-Bleomycin/ Busulphan/ BCNU
A-Amiodarone/ Acyclovir/ Azathioprine
N-Nitrofurantoin
M-Melphalan/ Methotrexate/ Methysergide
Respiratory depression inducing drugs “STOP
breathing”:
S-Sedatives and hypnotics
T-Trimethoprim
O-Opiates
P-Polymyxins
Benzodiazepines: ones not metabolized by the liver (safe to use in
liver failure) LOT:
L-Lorazepam
O-Oxazepam
T-Temazepam
TB: antibiotics used STRIPE:
St-STreptomycin
R-Rifampicin
I-Isoniazid
P-Pyrazinamide
E-Ethambutol
Vigabatrin: mechanism Vi-GABA–Tr–In:
Via GABA Transferase Inhibition
Propylthiouracil (PTU): mechanism It inhibits PTU:
P-Peroxidase/ Peripheral deiodination
T-Tyrosine iodination
U-Union (coupling)
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
Enoxaparin (prototype low molecular weight heparin): action,
monitoring EnoXaprin only acts on factor Xa.
Monitor Xaconcentration, rather than APTT.
Nicotinic effects MTWTF (days of the week):
M-Mydriasis/ Muscle cramps
T-Tachycardia
W-Weakness
T-Twitching
H-Hypertension/ Hyperglycemia
F-Fasciculation
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
Hypertension: treatment ABCD:
ACE inhibitors/ AngII antagonists (sometimes Alpha agonists
also)
B-Beta blockers
C-Calcium antagonists
D-Diuretics (sometimes vasoDilators also)
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
Gynaecomastia-causing drugs DISCOS:
D-Digoxin
I-Isoniazid
S-Spironolactone
C-Cimetidine
O-Oestrogens
S-Stilboestrol
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
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.
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
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: members “PIT of
despair”:
P-Phenelzine
I-Isocarboxazid
T-Tranylcypromine
· A pit of despair, since MAOs treat depression.
Antibiotics contraindicated during pregnancy MCAT:
M-Metronidazole
C-Chloramphenicol
A-Aminoglycoside
T-Tetracycline
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
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.

Read related

Pharmacology Mnemonics 66-100

Lithium: side effects LITHIUM:
L-Leukocytes Increased (leukocytosis)
T-Tremors
H-Hypothyroidism
I-Increased Urine
M-Moms beware (teratogenic)
Osmotic diuretics: members GUM:
G-Glycerol
U-Urea
M-Mannitol
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
Benzodiazepines: antidote “Ben is off with the
flu“:
Benzodiazepine effects off with Flumazenil.
SSRIs: side effects SSRI:
S-Serotonin syndrome
S-Stimulate CNS
R-Reproductive dysfunctions in male
I-Insomnia
Depression: 5 drugs causing it PROMS:
P-Propranolol
R-Reserpine
O-Oral contraceptives
M-Methyldopa
S-Steroids
Sex hormone drugs: male “Feminine Males Need
Testosterone“:
F-Fluoxymesterone
M-Methyltestosterone
N-Nandrolone
Testosterone
Ca++ channel blockers: uses CA++ MASH:
C-Cerebral vasospasm/ CHF
A-Angina
M-Migraines
A-Atrial flutter, fibrillation
S-Supraventricular tachycardia
H-Hypertension
Benzodiazepines: drugs which decrease their metabolism“I‘m Overly Calm”:
I-Isoniazid
O-Oral contraceptive pills
C-Cimetidine
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
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
Tetracycline: teratogenicity TEtracycline is a
TE-TEratogen that causes staining of
TEeth in the newborn.
Myasthenia gravis: edrophonium vs. pyridostigmine eDrophonium
is for Diagnosis.
pyRIDostigmine is to get rid of the symptoms.
Narcotic antagonists The Narcotic Antagonists
are NAloxone and NAltrexone.
· Important clinically to treat a narcotic overdose
Inhalation anesthetics SHINE:
S-Sevoflurane
H-Halothane
I-Isoflurane
N-Nitrous oxide
E-Enflurane
Disulfiram-like reaction inducing drugs “PM PMT” as
in Pre Medical Test in the PM:
P-Procarbazine
M-Metronidazole
PMT-Cefo (Perazone, Mandole, Tetan).
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
Direct sympathomimetic catecholamines DINED:
D-Dopamine
I-Isoproterenol
N-Norepinephrine
E-Epinephrine
D-Dobutamine
Nitrofurantoin: major side effects NitroFurAntoin:
N-Neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy)
F-Fibrosis (pulmonary fibrosis)
A-Anemia (hemolytic anemia)
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)
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
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)
Lithium: side effects LITH:
L-Leukocytosis
I-Insipidus [diabetes insipidus, tied to polyuria] T-Tremor/ Teratogenesis
H-Hypothyroidism
Lead poisoning: presentation ABCDEFG:
A-Anemia
B-Basophilic stripping
C-Colicky pain
D-Diarrhea
E-Encephalopathy
F-Foot drop
G-Gum (lead line)
Beta-blockers: main contraindications, cautions ABCDE:
A-Asthma
B-Block (heart block)
C-COPD
D-Diabetes Mellitus
E-Electrolyte (hyperkalemia)
Metabolism enzyme inducers “Randy’s Black Car
Goes Putt Putt and Smokes“:
R-Rifampin
B-Barbiturates
C-Carbamazepine
G-Griseofulvin
P-Phenytoin
P-Phenobarb
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
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
Hepatic necrosis: drugs causing focal to massive necrosis “Very
A-Angry Hepatocytes”:
V-Valproic acid
A-Acetaminophen
H-Halothane
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).
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.
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
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.
Ipratropium: action Atropine is buried in the middle:
iprAtropium, so it behaves like Atropine.

End Of the Topic Pharmacology Mnemonics

Related Articles

Top 100 Extremely Important Pharmacology Mnemonics

Pharmacology Mnemonics

Pharmacology Mnemonics 33-66

Pharmacology Mnemonics 66-100

0 Reviews ( 0 out of 0 )

Write a Review

3 thoughts on “Top 100 Extremely Important Pharmacology Mnemonics”

Leave a Reply to maeen