Pharmacology
What to master
Pharmacology questions reward pattern recognition. Learn drug classes by prototype and mechanism-beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, statins, proton pump inhibitors, benzodiazepines, SSRIs, anticoagulants, insulins, opioids, and antibiotics-then attach the usual indication, the most common adverse effects, the serious or boxed warnings, key contraindications, and required monitoring. Memorize class suffixes: -olol, -pril, -sartan, -statin, -prazole, -dipine, -azepam/-azolam, -triptan, -navir, -gliptin, -glitazone. Know generic and brand names for the top 200 drugs and be able to convert between them.
Traps
- Class effect versus drug-specific effect: ACE inhibitor cough does not occur with ARBs; beta blockers can mask hypoglycemia symptoms; NSAIDs raise blood pressure and cause GI bleeding.
- Sound-alike pairs: hydrOXYzine versus hydrALAZINE, glipiZIDE versus glyBURIDE, DOPamine versus DOBUTamine.
- Duplicate therapy: two NSAIDs, or acetaminophen hidden inside a combination cold product.
- Timing rules: bisphosphonates on an empty stomach with water, staying upright at least 30 minutes; levothyroxine on an empty stomach and separated from calcium and iron.
- Half-life: steady state takes roughly five half-lives, so symptom change immediately after a dose adjustment may not be meaningful.
Worked example
A prescription reads metoprolol succinate 25 mg daily. The -olol suffix identifies a beta blocker, so expect a heart rate check, caution against abrupt discontinuation, and counseling that it can blunt tachycardia during hypoglycemia. A technician can identify the class and the counseling points but routes clinical questions to the pharmacist.
Rule of thumb: if two drug names sound alike, assume they are a documented safety pair and verify both name and indication before filling.