Any tips about memorizing drugs for Pharm?

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I have no problem remembering drug classes and what they do, but when I'm asked about a specific drug, I go blank. I am a very good student (GPA 3.8), but can't seem to wrap my brain around the simple task of memorizing drug names! Does anyone have a specific strategy that helped, because the best I can come up with is flashcards.

Specializes in Ambulatory care.
Esme12 thank you so much for posting your pharm notes, I'm taking pharmacology summer course in 18 days and just about to freak out. I totally winged my meds in nclex. This is for the RN-BSN class
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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Ididn't make them another student did...I just keepthemcirculating to help other students You're welcome!

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Specializes in Nursing Assistant.
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From AN sticky

Memorize. repetition, memorize repetition....It does get better.

Thanks for the links! You rock!

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Specializes in Nursing Assistant.

Focus on the endings. For example beta blockers end in lol, ACE inhibitors in ril. Simple step and it helped me.

Lol-that is the same thing my Pharm instructor had us do...and for those that you named above!

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Specializes in Nursing Assistant.

For the anticholinergic drugs, my instructor used a little 'diddy' that I will never forget...

Can't pee (urinary retention), can't see, can't spit (dry mouth) and can't s---...well, I hope you get it!

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I agree with the post about learning endings of drug names. That will really help you memorize these for the long term, not just for the NCLEX.

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