It’s no new that while prescription opioids can effectively alleviate pain, they can also be highly addictive. For this reason, the first thing you want to do after being prescribed these medications is to learn as much about them as possible. This way, you know what to expect and how…
Tag: Pharmacology
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Diacerin : Mnemonic
Diacerin is a DMOAD (Diseases Modifying Osteoarthritis Drug) – D – Diarrhea (not recommended in >65 years – more vulnerable to diarrhea) I – IL-1 Inhibition A – Anthraquinone C – Chondroprotective effects E – Eczema R – Rashes I – Increase in hepatic enzymes (contraindicated in patients with history…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Methotrexate : Mnemonic
Methotrexate is a dihydrofolate reductase (DHFRase) inhibitor which inhibits DNA repair, synthesis and cellular replication. Actively proliferating tissues such as malignant cells, bone marrow, fetal cells, buccal and intestinal mucosa, and cells of the urinary bladder are in general more sensitive to its effect. A convenient regimen for Low Dose…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Ketamine : Mnemonic
K: Kids (Induction agent of choice in children) E: Emergence reaction (floating sensations, vivid dreams and hallucination; reduced using benzodiazepines), Enantiomers (S-Ketamine and R-Ketamine) T: Thalamo-cortical dissociation with limbic system causing dissociative anesthesia A: Analgesic, Amnesic, Antidepressant, All routes (IV, IM, PO, Intranasal, Epidural, Intrathecal) M: Meals – can be…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Pharmacology of Clindamycin : Mnemonic
Class: Lincosamide Mechanism of action: Binds 50S subunit of ribosome and inhibits translation – bacteriostatic (Remember the mnemonic: buy AT 30 & CELLS at 50) Spectrum: Gram positive and Anaerobes Mnemonic: PAST Penicillinase producing Staphylococci Anaerobes (Bacteroides, Clostridium, Fusobacterium) Streptococci (Viridans, Pyogenes, Pneumoniae) Toxoplasma Uses: Mnemonic: PAST Peritonitis, Pelvic abscess,…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
NSAIDs : Mnemonics
Classification Mnemonic: Prescribed By SOFIA Propionic acid derivatives: Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Flurbiprofen, Naproxen Pyrrolo-pyrrole derivates: Ketoroloac Pyrazolone derivatives: Phenylbutazone, Oxybutazone Benzoxazocine derivatives: Nefopam Salicyaltes: Aspirin Selective COX-2 inhibitor: Celecoxib, Etoricoxib, Parecoxib Oxicam derivatives: Piroxicam, Tenoxicam Fenamic acid derivatives: Mefenamic acid (Anthranilic acid derivative) Indol derivatives: Indomethacin, Sulindac Aryl acetic acid derivatives:…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Management of Anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) induced Hepatitis
Definition of ATT induced hepatitis ALT > 3 X Normal + Symptoms OR ALT > 5 X Normal without Symptoms Management of ATT induced hepatitis 1. Hold all TB drugs for 7-10 days. Wait before restarting ATT until: Symptoms: Resolve ALT <2.5 X Normal For severe TB, patients should be…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Pregabalin vs Gabapentin
Both pregabalin and gabapentin are GABA analogues that bind to presynaptic neuron’s voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC), specifically to the alpha-2-delta protein leading to reduced calcium influx at the nerve terminals. This leads to reduced release of excitatory neurotransmitters. Though the compounds are similar they have few important differences that must…