...and this is my 100th powerpoint.....!! Sincerely thanking everyone who have supported me in my journey till now :) :) This powerpoint deals with drug mnemonics, easy to remember mnemonics, that can be helpful for easy memory of some aspects of Pharmacology!! Happy reading!!

1. PRESENTED BY:
(DR.) VISHNU.R.NAIR,
PHARM.D INTERN(AMRI HOSPITAL ACADEMIC TRAINEE),
NATIONAL COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, KOZHIKODE, KERALA.

2.  Pharmacology  one of the most difficult subjects in medical science!
 Along with newer drugs that get approved each year  remembering the older ones 
poses a significant impediment in the path of smooth memory!
 Use of easy-to-remember mnemonics  helps in the following:
- Easy interpretation
- Easy memorizing
- Contributes to smart work!
 Hence this powerpoint  aims at presenting some clinically relevant drug mnemonics, that
may be worthwhile for some!
HAPPY READING!!

3. GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY

4. To remember the names of drugs that undergo first-pass metabolism
Remember the code: “Nitrates Have Large Pre Systemic Metabolism”
Nitrates
Morphine
Salbutamol
Propranolol
Lignocaine
Hydrocortiso
ne

5. To remember the relevance of protein binding of drug
Remember the code “DDDD(4D)”
PPB: Plasma protein binding.
Duration of action:
Drugs with high PPB
 Long-acting!
Dialysis:
Drugs with high PPB
 Can’t be
removed by dialysis!
Displacement:
A high PPB drug 
can displace
another high PPB
drug!
Distribution:
Drugs with high
PPB  stay in
plasma  low
distribution!

6. To remember the names of drugs, which cannot be eliminated by dialysis
Remember the code “AVOID Dialysis”
Amphetamines
Digitalis
Imipramine
Diazepam
Organophosph
ates, opioids
Verapamil

7. To remember the names of prodrugs
Remember the code: “All Prefer Doing MD In Clinical Subjects”
*Except captopril & lisinopril
ACE-
inhibitors*
Sulfasalazine
Cyclophosphamide,
carbimazole, clopidogrel
Irinotecan,
INH
Dopamine
precursor(L-
dopa)
Mercaptopurine
, Methyldopa,
Minoxidil
Dipivefrine
Prednisone,
Proguanil,
PPIs

8. To remember the names of drugs/substances that are enzyme inducers
Remember the code: “GPRS Cell Phone”
*Carbamazepine
Griseofulvin
CBZ*
Phenobarbitone
Smoking(Nic
otine)Rifampicin
Phenytoin

9. To remember the names of drugs that cause enzyme inhibition
Remember the code: “Vitamin K Cannot Cause Enzyme Inhibition”
*Isoniazid
Valproate
Ketoconazole
INH*
ErythromycinCiprofloxacin
Cimetidine

10. To remember the names of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes
Remember the code: “CT-SCAN”
Cyclosporine,
CCBs
Tacrolimus,
terfenadine Statins
Cisapride
Astemizole,
amiodarone
Navirs(Protease
Inhibitors)

11. To remember the names of drugs that require TDM(Therapeutic Drug Monitoring)
Remember the code: “A Drug Possessing Low Therapeutic Index”
*Tricyclic antidepressants
Aminoglycosides
Immunomodulators(Cyclo
sporine)
TCAs*LithiumPhenytoinDigoxin

12. To remember the drugs that cause SLE
Remember the code: “SHIP”
*Hydrochlorothiazide causes SLE(as published in American Journal of Case Reports, 2019)
Sulfonamides
Hydralazine,
Hydrochlorothiazide*
Isoniazid Procainamide

14. To remember the names of drugs that cause hemolysis in G,6-PD(Glucose-6-phosphate
dehydrogenase deficiency) patients
Remember the code : “PINS MCQ”
*Nitrofurantoin
Primaquine
Quinine
Chloroquine
Menadione
Sulfonamides
NTU*,
Nalidixic
acidIsoniazid

15. AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

16. To remember the names of drugs used in overactive bladder
Remember the name “SOFT BladDAR”
Solefenacin Darifenacin
Tolterodine,
trospium
Flavoxate,
fesoterodine
Oxybutynine

17. To remember the contraindications of non-selective beta-blockers
Remember the code : “ABCD”
*Congestive Heart Failure
** Diabetes Mellitus
Asthma DM**CHF*Block(AV)

18. To remember the names of cardioselective beta-blockers
Remember the code: “New Beta Blockers Acting Exclusively At Myo Cardium”
*Nebivolol  most cardioselective beta-blocker
Nebivolol* Betaxolol Bisoprolol Acebutolol Esmolol Atenolol Metoprolol Celiprolol

19. To remember the names of beta-blockers that can be safely used in patients prone to severe
bradycardia
Remember the code: “COntain Partial Agonistic Activity”
Celiprolol Oxprenolol
Pindolol,
penbutolol
Alprenolol Acebutolol

20. To remember the beta-blockers that possess anti-arrhythmic activity
Remember the code “Possess Membrane stabilizing or Local Anesthetic Property”
*Propranolol  shows maximum antiarrhythmic activity.
Propranolol* Metoprolol Labetalol Acebutolol Pindolol

21. To remember the names of lipid-insoluble beta-blockers
Remember the code: “Not Soluble ABC”
*Nadolol  longest-acting beta-blocker(Esmolol is shortest acting)
Nadolol* Celiprolol
Betaxolol,
bisoprolol
Atenolol,
acebutolol
Sotalol

22. AUTACOIDS

23. To remember the anti-cholinergic uses of H1-antihistaminics
Remember the code: “Possess Anti Cholinergic Properties”
Parkinsonism
Prophylaxis
of motion
sickness
Common
cold
Acute
muscular
dystonia

24. To remember the uses of Colchicine
Remember the code: “SLUM”
*Colchicine  indicated for prophylaxis of recurrent attacks of gouty arthritis.
Sarcoid
arthritis
Mediterranean
fever
Uric acid
elevation*
Liver cirrhosis

25. CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

26. To remember the contraindications of digoxin
Remember the code: “Contraindicated IN Weak HEART”
* Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
** Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Carditis
Thyroid
dysfunction**
Hypokalemia,
hypomagnesemia
Renal
failure
AV
block(partial)
Elderly
WPW
syndrome*
Increased
calcium

27. To remember the properties of ACE-Inhibitors
Remember the code: “CAPTOPRIL”
* Except captopril & lisinopril
** Especially when combined with diuretics
C: Cough P: Pregnancy(contraindicated!)
A: Angioedema R: Renal artery stenosis(contraindicated!)
P: Prodrugs* Increased K+ (contraindicated!)
T: Taste disturbances Lower the formation of Angiotensin-II
(Mechanism of action)
O: Orthostatic hypotension**

28. To remember the names of Class-III antiarrhythmics
Remember the code: “BInDAS”
Bretylium SotalolAmiodarone
Dofetilide,
dronedarone
Ibutilide

29. To remember the adverse effects of amiodarone
Remember the code: “The Periphery of My Lung Liver and Cornea is Photosensitive”
Thyroid
dysfunction
Peripheral
neuropathy
Myocardial
depression
Lung
fibrosis
Liver toxicity
(cirrhosis)
Corneal
microdeposits
Photosensitivity

30. To remember the special features of pravastatin(compared to other statins)
Remember the code: “5 MINIMUMs”
*Pravastatin  metabolized by non-microsomal enzymes  lesser risk of drug interactions!
** Food  increases absorption of all statins except pravastatin!
Minimum
drug
interactions*
Minimum
food
interactions**
Minimum
risk of
myopathy
Minimum
CNS
penetration
Minimize
(decrease)
fibrinogen level

31. To remember the drugs that cause gynecomastia
Remember the code: “DISCO”
Other drugs that cause gynecomastia include “Ketoconazole” & “Anti-testosterones”!
Digitalis INH Oestrogens
Cimetidi
ne
Spironola
ctone

32. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

33. To remember the indications of somatostatin analogs
Remember the code: “SOMATOStatin”
Secretory
diarrhea
Overdose of
sulfonylureas
TSH-
secreting
adenoma
Acromegaly
Malignancy(Islet
cell tumors)
Oesophageal
varices

34. To remember the indications of bromocriptine
Remember the code “DOPAMINe”
Diabetes
Mellitus(Type
II)
Acromegaly
Milk secretion
inhibition(suppression of
lactation)
Parkinsonism
Oversecretion of
prolactin

35. To remember the risk factors for developing lactic acidosis with metformin therapy
Remember the code: “LAURELS”
Liver
disease
Alcoholics
Severe
hypoxemia
Unstable
CHF
Renal
dysfunction
Elderly
Lactic acidosis
history(or any form
of acidosis)

36. To remember the adverse effects & contraindications of steroids
Remember the code: “GLUCOCORTICOIDS”
G: Glaucoma(on topical use) T: Tuberculosis*
L: Limb muscle atrophy I: Impaired healing
U: Ulcer(Peptic Ulcer) C: CHF(Contraindicated!)
C: Cushing syndrome O: Oedema
O: Osteoporosis(contraindicated!) I: Infections(owing to immunosuppression)
C: Cataract(on systemic use) D: Diabetes mellitus
O: Osteonecrosis(avascular necrosis) S: Suppression of HPA-axis
R: Renal failure(contraindicated!)
*Corticosteroids are
contraindicated in
ileo-caecal TB!

37. To remember the protective effects of tamoxifen
Remember the code “BBB(TRIPLE B)”
Bone(reduces
bone resorption)
Blood(reduces LDL
& increases HDL)
Breast(prevents
breast carcinoma)

38. To remember the indications of Mifepristone
Remember the code: “MIFEPRIStone”
Meningioma
Induction of
abortion
Fibroid Endometriosis
Progesterone
receptor positive
breast cancer
Increased
steroids(Cushing
Syndrome)

39. To remember the non-contraceptive protective effects of oral contraceptives
Remember the code: “Other BENEFITS”
Other: Ovarian cyst F: Fibroids
B: Benign breast disease I: Iron-deficiency anemia
E: Ectopic pregnancy T: Tension(Pre-menstrual tension syndrome)
N: Neoplasia(ovarian, endometrial, colon
cancer)
S: Skeletal benefits(RA & Osteoporosis)
E: Endometriosis

40. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

41. To remember the drugs that are contraindicated in porphyria
Remember the code: “SEVERE PORPHYriA”
*Also other barbiturates like thiopentone.
S: Sulfonamides P: Phenobarbitone*
E: Erythromycin OR: Oral contraceptives
V: Valproate acid P: Phenytoin
E: Ergot alkaloids HY: Hydralazine
R: Rifampicin A: Alcohol
E: Estrogens

42. To remember the names of short-acting benzodiazepines
Remember the code: “LOT*”
*Estazolam is also a short-acting benzodiazepine
Lorazepam TriazolamTemazepamOxazepam

43. To remember the adverse effects of phenytoin
Remember the code: “MILK OATH”
M: Megaloblastic anemia O: Osteomalacia
I: Inhibition of insulin
release(hyperglycemia)
A:Ataxia, arrhythmias
L: Lymphadenopathy T: Teratogenicity
K: Vitamin “K” deficiency H: Hirsutism, hypertrophy of gums.

44. To remember the adverse effects of valproate
Remember the code: “VALPROATE”
V: Vomiting O: Obesity
A: Alopecia A: Agranulocytosis
L: Liver damage T: Tremors
P: PCOD, Pancreatitis E: Epigastric pain
R: Rash

45. To remember the uses of anti-psychotics
Remember the code: “ANTI PSY-CHO-TIC”
Anti-emetic Psychosis
Tic disorders (Gilles de
la Tourette syndrome)
Chorea

46. To remember the indications of antidepressants
Remember the code: “DEPRESSION”
D: Depression S: Smoking cessation(bupropion)
E: Enuresis(imipramine) S: Stress disorder(Post-traumatic)
P: Phobia I: Impulse disorder(Kleptomania)
R: Recurrent panic attacks O: Obsessive compulsive disorder
E: Eating disorder(bulimia) N: Neuropathic pain

47. To remember the drugs that cause disulfiram-like reaction
Remember the code: “Cyclic-GMP”
Cefoperazone CefomandoleChlorpropamideCefotetan
Griseofulvin
Metronidazole,
moxalactam
Procarbazine

48. To remember the names of drugs that reduce alcohol craving
Remember the code: “None Of The Above”
Naltrexone Ondansetron Topiramate Acamprosate

49. ANAESTHETICS

50. To remember the names of local anesthetics that cause methemoglobinemia
Remember the code: “BPL”
*Prilocaine has maximum risk of causing methemoglobinemia
Benzocaine Prilocaine* Lignocaine

51. To remember the properties of halothane
Remember the code: “HALOTHANE CCC”
H: Hyperthermia(malignant
hyperthermia)
H: Heart(cardio depressant activity 
reduces C.O)
A: Arrhythmias(sensitizes heart to
adrenaline
A: Asthma(bronchodilator)
L: Liver toxic NE: Non-Explosive
O: Orthostatic hypotension C: Chills(Post- anesthetic shivering)
T: Tocolytic C: Children(Safe in children)

52. To remember the names of inhalational anesthetics that can cause seizures
Remember the code: “SEIzure”
*Enflurane  maximum potentiality to precipitate seizure!
Sevoflurane IsofluraneEnflurane*

53. To remember the properties of ketamine
Remember the code: “KETAMINE”
*Hallucinations, illusions, vivid dreams, etc. observed while recovery from anesthesia
** Responsible for dissociative anesthesia
*** Maximum analgesic property among all anesthetics!
K: Kids(i.v anesthetic of choice in
children)
M: Meals(can be given in full stomach)
E: Emergence reaction* I: Increases all pressures (ICT, IOP, BP)
T: Thalamocortical junction(site of
action)**
N: NMDA antagonist
A: Analgesic*** E: Excellent for asthmatics

54. To remember the drugs useful for day care surgery
Remember the code “Dr. Manmohan Singh Is A Prime Minister”
*Benzodiazepine
Dr. : Desflurane A: Alfentanil
Manmohan: Midazolam(BZD)* Prime: Propofol
Singh: Sevoflurane Minister: Mivacurium(Muscle
relaxant)
Is: Isoflurane

55. HEMATOLOGICAL SYSTEM

56. To remember the causes of megaloblastic anemia
Remember the code : “Prime BATSMAN”
*Also folic acid deficiency!
Prime: Primidone, phenytoin S: Sulfasalazine
B: B-12 vitamin deficiency* M: Metformin
A: Alcohol A: Antifolates(methotrexate,
pyrimethamine, proguanil)
T: Trimethoprim N: Nitrous oxide

57. ANTIBIOTICS

58. To remember the names of antibiotics that can be safely used in renal disease
Remember the code: “DANCER*”
*Lincosamides(clindamycin) are also safe in renal disease!
D: Doxycyline C: Cefoperazone, ceftriaxone
A: Ampicillin E: Erythromycin
N: Nafcillin R: Rifampicin

59. To remember the names of acid-resistant penicillins
Remember the code: “VODKA”
Penicillin V Oxacillin Dicloxacillin Cloxacillin
Amoxicillin,
ampicillin

60. To remember the names of anti-pseudomonal penicillins
Remember the code: “CT-MAP”
Carbenicillin Ticarcillin Mezlocillin Azlocillin Piperacillin

61. To remember the principal indications of Penicillin ‘G’
Remember the code: “LASTMAn”
*Non-penicillinase producing
**Ciprofloxacin can also be considered as 1st line choice.
Leptospira Actinomyces
Streptococcus,
Staphylococcus*
Treponema,
Tetanus
Meningococcus Anthrax**

62. To remember the indications of tetracyclines
Remember the code: “RBC In PLASMA”
R: Rickettsia, relapsing fever L: LGV(Lymphogranuloma venereum)
B: Brucellosis A: Atypical pneumonia
C: Cholera, chlamydia S: SIADH
In: Inguinale(granuloma) M: Malaria
P: Plague, peptic ulcer, pleurodesmosis A: Amoebiasis.

63. To remember the adverse effects of tetracyclines
Remember the code: “KAPIL DEV”
*All tetracyclines are contraindicated in kidney dysfunction except minocycline.
K: Kidney failure* L: Liver toxicity(hepatic necrosis)
A: Antianabolic effect D: Dentition & bone defects
P: Photosensitivity(maximum with
demeclocycline)
E: Expired drugs  can cause Fanconi’s
syndrome
I: Insipidus(diabetes insipidus, maximum
with demeclocycline)
V: Vestibular dysfunction(maximum with
minocycline)

64. To remember the principal indications of macrolides
Remember the code : “CLAW”
*Azithromycin single dose is given.
C: Chancroid* by hemophilus ducreyi,
Corynebacterium(diphtheria) &
campylobacter
A: Atypical pneumonia
L: Legionella infections W: Whooping cough(by Bordetella
pertussis)

65. To remember the common indications of azithromycin & clarithromycin
Remember the code: “CHAT”
C: Chlamydia A: Avium complex(MAC)
H: H.influenzae T: Toxoplasma.

66. To remember the adverse effects of macrolides
Remember the code: “MACRO”
*Motilin receptor agonism  leads to diarrhea
Motilin receptor
agonism*
Allergy
Reversible
ototoxicity
Cholestasis

67. To remember the indications of clindamycin
Remember the code: “PACT”
P: Pneumocystis jiroveci, plasmodium
parasite
C: Cocci(Gram +ve)
A: Anaerobes T: Toxoplasma gondii

68. To remember the chief indications of co-trimoxazole
Remember the code: “Punjab National Bank”
Pneumocystis
Burkholderia
cepacia
Nocardia

69. To remember the adverse effects of sulfonamides
Remember the code: “ABC RASH”
*Most common adverse effect
**In G-6-PD(Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficient patients.
A: Aplastic anemia R: Rash*
B: Bilirubin displacement(kernicterus) AS: Acetylation leads to SLE
C: Crystalluria H: Hemolysis**

70. To remember the antibiotics that are effective against anaerobes
Remember the code: “Cyto Megalo Virus(CMV)”
N.B: Trovafloxacin was also active against anaerobes, but the drug is banned now.
C: Clindamycin, cefmetazole, cefotetan, cefoxitin, chloramphenicol
M: Moxifloxacin, metronidazole
V: Vancomycin

71. To remember the names of substances that cause “ototoxicity”
Remember the code: “DEAFNESS Causing Vital Medicines”
D: Diclofenac S: Salicylates
E: Ethacrynic acid S: Smoking
A: Aminoglycosides Causing: Cisplatin
F: Furosemide Vital: Vancomycin, vinblastine
N: Nitrogen mustards Medicines: Malarial drugs(quinine)
E: Erythromycin

72. ANTI-VIRALS

73. To remember the anti-virals that are effective against both HBV & HIV viruses
Remember the code: “LET”
L: Lamivudine
E: Emtricitabine
T: Tenofovir

74. ANTI-TUBERCULARS

75. To remember the names of aminoglycoside antitubercular drugs
Remember the code: “SACK”
Streptomycin KanamycinCapreomycinAmikacin

76. To remember the names of Group 1 antitubercular drugs*
Remember the code: “RIPE”
*Based on RNTCP guideline-associated classification.
Rifampin EthambutolPyrazinamideIsoniazid

77. ANTI-MALARIALS

78. To remember the names of fast-acting erythrocytic schizonticides
Remember the code: “Mango ACHAR”**
**Also lumefantrine, piperaquine.
Mango: Mefloquine H: Halofantrine
A: Atovaquone, amodiaquine A: Artemisinins
C: Chloroquine R: Res-Q(Quinine)

79. To remember the uses of chloroquine
Remember the code: “REDMI-LPG”
R: Rheumatoid arthritis I: Infectious mononucleosis
E: Extraintestinal amoebiasis L: Lepra reaction
D: Discoid lupus erythematosus P: Photogenic reactions
M: Malaria G: Giardiasis

80. DRUGS FOR AMOEBIASIS

81. To remember the preferential indications of metronidazole
Remember the code: “GUPTA”
G: Giardiasis, gardernella
vaginalis(bacterial vaginosis)
T: Trichomoniasis
U: Ulcer(H.pylori-associated peptic ulcer
disease)
A: Amoebiasis, anaerobic
bacteria(bacteroides, clostridium)
P: Pseudomembranous colitis, induced by
Clostridium difficile

82. ANTI-FUNGALS

83. To remember the adverse effects of Amphotericin-B
Remember the code: “AMPHOTERICIN-B”
A: Anemia R: Respiratory stridor
M: Muscle spasms I: Increased temperature(fever)
P: Phlebitis C: Chills
H: Headache, hypotension, hypokalemia I: Immediate
hypersensitivity(anaphylaxis)
O: Ototoxicity N: Nephrotoxicity
T: Thrombocytopenia
E: Emesis, encephalopathy B: Bronchospasm

84. ANTI-CANCERS

85. To remember the uses of methotrexate
Remember the code: “Inhibit CANCER”
Inhibit: Immunosuppressant C: Choriocarcinoma
C: Crohn’s disease E: Ectopic pregnancy
A: Abortion R: Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)
N: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma(NHL)

86. To remember the uses of rituximab
Remember the code: “ReLIANCe”
Re: Rheumatoid arthritis A: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
L: Lupus(SLE) N: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
I: ITP(Idiopathic thrombocytopenic
purpura)
Ce: CLL

87. To remember the tyrosine kinase inhibitors used for CML**
Remember the code: “BIND Proteins”
** Chronic myelogenous leukemia.
B: Bosutinib D: Dasatinib
I: Imatinib Proteins: Ponatinib
N: Nilotinib

88. To remember the names of tyrosine kinase inhibitors used for NSCLC**
Remember the code: “Operate After ECG”
**Non-small cell lung cancer
Operate: Osimertinib C: Crizotinib, ceritinib
After: Afatinib, alectinib G: Geftinib
E: Erlotinib

89. To remember the tyrosine kinase inhibitors indicated in GIST**
Remember the code: “SIR”!
**Gastro-intestinal stromal tumor
Sunitinib RegorafenibImatinib

90. To remember the tyrosine kinase inhibitors used for RCC**
Remember the code : “PASS”
**Renal cell carcinoma
P: Pazopanib S: Sorafenib
A: Axitinib S: Sunitinib

91. To remember the tyrosine kinase inhibitors indicated for malignant melanoma
Remember the code: “Cause DVT”
Cause: Cobemetinib V: Vemurafenib
D: Dabrafenib T: Trameltinib

92. THANK YOU!!!