Pharmacology
Core framework
Pharmacology questions test mechanism, kinetics, and adverse effect profiles. Organize every drug by its target, its therapeutic use, its key adverse effects, and its clinically important interactions. Master autonomic pharmacology, cardiovascular drugs, antimicrobials, analgesics, psychotropics, endocrine drugs, and the principles of pharmacokinetics including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.
Concepts you must own
Receptor types and the consequence of agonism versus antagonism. First-order versus zero-order kinetics and what that means for dosing. Half-life, steady state, and loading dose logic. Cytochrome P450 induction and inhibition. The antidotes and reversal agents for common poisonings.
Traps
- Mechanism versus effect: a beta-blocker's mechanism is receptor antagonism; its effect on airway tone is bronchoconstriction. Read which is asked.
- Zero-order drugs accumulate with dose escalation; do not apply half-life logic linearly.
- Adverse effect timing: some effects occur early, others only with chronic use.
Worked rule of thumb
For any drug-interaction stem, ask whether the perpetrator induces or inhibits metabolism, then predict the victim drug's level. An inhibitor raises the level and precipitates toxicity; an inducer lowers it and precipitates treatment failure. This single step resolves most interaction questions.