Tips for studying pharmacology?

Browneyedgirl · Sep 1, 2004

anxiously awaiting anyone's reply. 1/2 of my class failed the first pharm test tonight.

oldiebutgoodie, RN · Sep 1, 2004

I'm so overwhelmed by this class! There are so many drugs, trade names, side effects, etc. I can't possibly remember it all, so any suggestions on how to study? Thanks

I found that I had to do multiple things to learn Pharm.

1. I made Flash Cards

2. I used a web site called http://www.studystack.com to make online flash cards, which I could also share with my class

3. I made an excel spread sheet and put the drugs on the spread sheet (one sheet per class of drugs), with columns for Trade Name, Generic Name, Indications, Adverse affects, etc...

4. I came up with silly but effective mental pictures:

Example:

BIGuanides are a class of oral diabetic medications. They work in the LIVER, which is BIG. Metformin is one of these medications. George Foreman, (sounds like Metformin), is BIG. Get it?

5. Sometimes it is more effective to learn the side effects for a group of medications, rather than looking at each med individually. That allows you to get the big picture. For example, all ACE inhibitors have similar adverse effects. Their generic names all end in "pril". Then, you can study the exceptions.

6. I drew pictures. I tend to be more visual/kinetic in learning. Figure out how you learn best, and do that. That may mean walking around the house and saying it out loud to yourselves.

7. Make yourself a test. Go through the chapter, and make up questions that you think might be on a test. Then, take your own test! Share with your friends!

8. Study in a group AFTER you have studied on your own. The group will give you a good idea of what you missed. But if you use the group before you have mastered the material, you will probably just goof off and eat a lot of junk food and complain about your instructors!

Good luck!

oldiebutgoodie

Farkinott, RN · Sep 1, 2004

Springhouse has an excellent drug book for nurses. I use it as a bible! It gives you much more info than a Mim's and has proved itself good value for money time and time again.

Here is a link.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1582552428/booksforyourheal/002-6016491-1542431

hllybenn · Sep 1, 2004

I learned them by their class (ACE, Beta Blockers, SSRIs, Benzos etc). I also do some of the word associations like the previous listers. Learn your nursing care with the drugs (increase intake? Decrease intake? Before or after meals, etc.)- not just how it is excreted and so forth.

enfermeraSG · Sep 1, 2004

I'm so overwhelmed by this class! There are so many drugs, trade names, side effects, etc. I can't possibly remember it all, so any suggestions on how to study? Thanks

Just like "oldiebutgoodie" says, I live by flashcards. Pharm is strictly memorization in my opinion. ( Thanks for that website!) SG

Browneyedgirl · Sep 1, 2004

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW....what a site! studystack is great!

Kellink · Sep 2, 2004

I am a certified pharmacy technician, if anyone needs help with anything, don't feel bad to ask. I am starting this nursing thing too so I may need some help from time to time :)

Fox · Sep 2, 2004

Thanks for the website!!!:)

I found that I had to do multiple things to learn Pharm.
1. I made Flash Cards
2. I used a web site called http://www.studystack.com to make online flash cards, which I could also share with my class
3. I made an excel spread sheet and put the drugs on the spread sheet (one sheet per class of drugs), with columns for Trade Name, Generic Name, Indications, Adverse affects, etc...
4. I came up with silly but effective mental pictures:
Example:
BIGuanides are a class of oral diabetic medications. They work in the LIVER, which is BIG. Metformin is one of these medications. George Foreman, (sounds like Metformin), is BIG. Get it?
5. Sometimes it is more effective to learn the side effects for a group of medications, rather than looking at each med individually. That allows you to get the big picture. For example, all ACE inhibitors have similar adverse effects. Their generic names all end in "pril". Then, you can study the exceptions.
6. I drew pictures. I tend to be more visual/kinetic in learning. Figure out how you learn best, and do that. That may mean walking around the house and saying it out loud to yourselves.
7. Make yourself a test. Go through the chapter, and make up questions that you think might be on a test. Then, take your own test! Share with your friends!
8. Study in a group AFTER you have studied on your own. The group will give you a good idea of what you missed. But if you use the group before you have mastered the material, you will probably just goof off and eat a lot of junk food and complain about your instructors!
Good luck!
oldiebutgoodie

enfermeraSG · Sep 2, 2004

I went on that website, studystack, how did you make those cards? (My brain feels like jelly this morning! ) Do you click on the make your own stack option, or what? I wasn't sure how to enter stuff on the cards. Also, were you able to print them off or do they remain virtual? Thanks! SG

oldiebutgoodie, RN · Sep 2, 2004

I went on that website, studystack, how did you make those cards? (My brain feels like jelly this morning! ) Do you click on the make your own stack option, or what? I wasn't sure how to enter stuff on the cards. Also, were you able to print them off or do they remain virtual? Thanks! SG

Go to the bottom of the screen, and click the link that says, "Create Stack". You will be directed to a login screen. Create a login, and then you will have to click a link that says, "Create new studystack". Then you can add or edit the cards. Yes, you can print them off, as well.

You can also use stacks that have been already created. To find nursing stacks, click the book on the left side of the screen that says, "Medicine". There will be folders for Nursing, Pharmacology, etc.

Good luck!

oldiebutgoodie

kathy_79 · Sep 2, 2004

i learn starting from

category of drugs,

-----------------------------------------------------------------

side effects toxicity action contra endings names of drugs

---------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ---------------

etc...

endings - find part which is common for given category ex; for antivirals - vir

i can clearly see what i need to know,

i do not put dosages because we learn only our pts dosages at the day when we have clinicals,

if you need any measures helps i love math so i can help as much as i can.