Pharmacology Cheat Sheet

Pharmacology Cheat Sheet

• Beta 1 and Beta 2 Receptors: Beta 1 affects the heart; Beta 2 affects the lungs.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Primarily impacts the liver.

• Benzodiazepines: Remembered with "I Am a Benzo!" to emphasize their presence and effect.

• Narcotic Antidote: Naloxone (Norcan) is used to reverse narcotic effects.

• Benzodiazepine Reversal Agent: Flumazenil is used to counteract benzodiazepine overdose.

• Migraine Treatment Expectation: Triptans are preferred for migraines, not acetaminophen.

• Barbiturates: Followed by the question "Tell me why I'm not taking a benzo instead?".

• NSAIDs: Associated with potential for bleeding complications.

• MAOIs: "Iso-Phen-Seleg-Tran" assists in remembering MAO inhibitors, which have dietary restrictions.

• Beta Blockers: Can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.

• ACE Inhibitors: Key side effects include angioedema, cough, and impact on electrolytes.

• Calcium Channel Blockers: Include Verapamil, Nifedipine, Diltiazem; remember them as "Very Nice Drugs".

• CCBs Contraindications: Not to use in patients with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).

• Atropine: Administered for slow heart rates and heart block conditions.

• Adenosine Administration: Fast administration is critical for treating tachycardia.

• Cardiac Glycoside: Digoxin treats heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter.

• Anticoagulant Monitoring: Heparin requires PTT monitoring; Coumadin requires PT.

• Heparin Antidote: Protamine sulfate is the reversal agent for heparin.

• Coumadin (Warfarin) Antidote: Vitamin K is given to counteract warfarin's effects.

• Clot Dissolution Medication: "ASE" or "PLASE" connect to thrombolytics.

• Cholesterol Reduction: Statins are prescribed to patients looking to lower cholesterol.

• Diuretics: Thiazide and loop diuretics (e.g., Furosemide) are common.

• Insulin Lispro (Humalog): A fast-acting insulin for quick blood sugar control.

• Inhalation Sequence: Correct sequence for multiple inhalers is bronchodilators, anticholinergics, corticosteroids.

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): ZOLE indicates their function in blocking gastric acid secretion.

• Steroid Class: Corticosteroids provide therapy for various conditions.

• Leukotriene Antagonist: Montelukast is prescribed for allergies and asthma management.

• Aminoglycoside Cautions: Contraindicated in pregnancy, associated with negative spectrum, nephrotoxicity, and ototoxicity.

Drug Class Highlights

• ACE Inhibitors: Enalapril is a primary example ending in -PRIL.

• Beta Blocker: Metoprolol serves as a well-known drug in this category.

• Calcium Channel Blocker: Nifedipine is noted for its effectiveness.

• Cardiac Glycoside: Digoxin recognized for heart-related treatments.

• Cardiac Dysrhythmics: Atropine sulfate used for managing cardiac rhythms.

• Beta 2 Agonist: Albuterol aids in bronchospasm relief.

• Corticosteroids: Methylprednisolone is a common therapeutic option.

• Cephalosporin: Cefazolin is classified under this antibiotic group.

• Aminoglycoside: Tobramycin is an example used for its antibiotic properties.

• Antivirals: Acyclovir is employed to treat viral infections.

• H2 Receptor Antagonist: Ranitidine is used for acid-related conditions.

• Proton Pump Inhibitors: Pantoprazole is effective in reducing stomach acid production.

• Loop Diuretics: Furosemide (Lasix) is a potent diuretic for fluid retention issues.