PHARMACOLOGY....How in the world do you study this stuff?

shrimpchips, LPN · Feb 10, 2009

This site is awesome: http://www.nova.edu/optometry/pharmacy/

And this one is pretty in-depth but it has some useful information: http://www.pharmacology2000.com/learning2.htm

aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Feb 10, 2009

I wish there were some trick I could tell you but for me Pharm was nothing but just plain 'ol memorization.

uh_huh? · Feb 10, 2009

i used this and it helped me a lot.

pharmacology made insanely easy (paperback)

by loretta manning (author), sylvia rayfield (author)

9livesRN, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2009

pharm was ok untill we started antihistamines bronchodilators decongestants, anti inflamatory and all that good stuff!

featherz17 · Feb 10, 2009

Memorization, knowing all your equivalents and formulas, and keep studying.

Good Luck.

jjjoy, LPN · Feb 11, 2009

The first test can be a real shock since you aren't sure exactly what you'll be tested on and aren't sure what of all that information you ought to focus on. Since different instructors test differently, I can't say what will work best for your class. Did reviewing the test give you any idea of how you might alter your study strategy the next time?

Sometimes, I suspect that some (not all!) instructors make the first test particularly difficult to make sure that students don't take the class lightly... to hit home early on that finishing nursing school isn't a sure thing. Some schools do seem to like to make it very clear from day one through graduation day that students are always just one step away from failing.

Other students have made it through this class and you're likely no less capable. So as long you keep putting in the effort, you've got a good chance of passing this class. Keep on keeping on!

inland18mempire · Feb 11, 2009

study whatever your instructor tells you to study. try to group medications together that sounds familiar... -cins (usually antibiotics), - olol (beta blockers), and so on. some certain drugs will have very unique side effects... remember those. remember anything that must be done before you give a medication. i failed a couple of drug tests, too, but i still passed with an A. Thankfully we had a ton of quizzes and it all balanced out in the end. You can do it, too!

Robinson1953 · Feb 11, 2009

Thank you so much for your advice!!! I took my second test yesterday and made an 84! Hey..I passed.

fromthedyt · Feb 11, 2009

I make flash cards for all of my drugs with the name on one side and the classification on the other. When I have a couple of minutes I look them over. Also try making up sentences that will help you memorize them when you see them. Beta Blockers LOL a lot. While Alpha Blockers tend to be SINners.

maram0 · Feb 12, 2009

Memorization is not the way to go. I am a person who memorize everything but for pharm I dont think thats the answer. I agree with Inland----, try to group the drugs as beta blockers, antiulcers H2 RAs ... etc, and try to remember the side effect that stand out more than the others. Also be able to trace your thoughts back and think what beta blockers do, what PGs do and so on.

Good luck

Harparia · Feb 12, 2009

I used the Feuer Pharmacology audio review to get a strong foundation down. There are 6 cd's, and the drugs are grouped together by classification. The lecturer is excellent and gives lots of examples, mnemonics, and stories to help you remember how the drugs work. I wish I had it before NS.

It is a bit pricey at $99.00, but I believe my money was extremely well spent. Plus, I can listen while I'm in traffic, or chugging away on the treadmill.

Here's a link:

http://www.f-n-r.net/Pharm-home-page.html

Best of Luck!