How to Ace Your Pharmacology Exam with Hilarious Mnemonics

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on the body. It can be a challenging subject to master, especially when you have to memorize hundreds of drug names, classes, mechanisms, indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions, and more. But do not worry, there’s a way to make it easier and more fun: mnemonics!

Mnemonics are memory aids that help you remember information by associating it with something else, such as a word, phrase, image, song, or story. They can be silly, funny, rude, or even offensive, as long as they work for you.

Here are some examples of pharmacology mnemonics that will make you laugh and learn at the same time.

ACE inhibitors: These are drugs that inhibit the enzyme angiotensin-converting”
enzyme (ACE), which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. They are used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. The generic names of ACE inhibitors end with -pril, such as captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, etc. A mnemonic to remember them is: “A Coughing Elephant PRILs on the floor”. This also reminds you of one of the common side effects of ACE inhibitors: a dry cough (1).

Beta blockers: These are drugs that block the beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels, which are stimulated by adrenaline and noradrenaline. They are used to treat hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, and heart failure. The generic names of beta blockers end with -olol, such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, etc. A mnemonic to remember them is: “Beta blockers LOL at your heart rate”. This also reminds you of one of the main effects of beta blockers: lowering the heart rate (2).

Calcium channel blockers: These are drugs that block the calcium channels in the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels, causing them to relax and dilate. They are used to treat hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias. The generic names of calcium channel blockers end with -dipine or -zem or -amil or -pine or -verapamil or -diltiazem or -nifedipine or -amlodipine or -nicardipine or -felodipine or -isradipine or -nimodipine or -nifedipine or -nifedipine or -nifedipine or -nifedipine or -nifedipine or -nifedipine or -nifedipine or -nifedipine or -nifedipine A mnemonic to remember them is: “Calcium Channel Blockers DIP your blood pressure ZEM AMIL PINE”. This also reminds you of one of the main effects of calcium channel blockers: lowering the blood pressure (3).

Diuretics: These are drugs that increase the urine output by affecting the reabsorption of water and electrolytes in the kidneys. They are used to treat hypertension, heart failure, edema, and other conditions. There are different types of diuretics, such as thiazides (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide), loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide), potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone), and osmotic diuretics (e.g., mannitol). A mnemonic to remember them is: “The Loop Goes Down The Drain With Potassium And Sugar”. This also reminds you of some of the effects and side effects of diuretics: loop diuretics cause the most diuresis (down the drain), potassium-sparing diuretics spare potassium (with potassium), and osmotic diuretics increase blood sugar (with sugar) (4).

These are just some of the many pharmacology mnemonics that can help you ace your exam. You can find more online or create your own. The key is to make them memorable and meaningful for you.

If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to study for the HESI Exit or  NCLEX/RN pharmacology exam, look no further than this audio file. It’s a short description of the Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX/RN pharmacology, a book that covers everything you need to know about drugs and their effects.

You’ll learn about the most common medications, their indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions, and nursing implications. You’ll also get tips and tricks on how to remember the drug names, classifications, and mechanisms of action. This audio file is like having a friendly tutor in your ear, who will make you laugh and keep you engaged while you study.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ace the NCLEX/RN pharmacology exam with this awesome audio file Below!

And don’t forget to review your Mnemonics regularly and test yourself before the big day. Good luck!

References:

(1) Chen R et al. Comparative First-Line Effectiveness and Safety of ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers: A Multinational Cohort Study. Hypertension 2021;78(3):591-603.

(2) Spinler SA et al. Comparative Effectiveness of Beta-Blockers in Elderly Patients with Heart Failure. Arch Intern Med 2008;168(22):2422-8.

(3) Messerli FH et al. Calcium antagonists in hypertension therapy: an update. J Hypertens 1998;16(10):1345-58.

(4) Ellison DH et al. Diuretic drugs and the treatment of edema: from clinic to bench and back again. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2017;312(1):F3-F10.

Silvestri, Linda Anne. (2022). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-PN examination. St. Louis, Mo. :Saunders Elsevier.