For example, there are over 100 antibiotics divided into multiple different categories. [3] X Research source Memorizing all of them individually would be overwhelming. Start at the top and organize a general set of “Antibiotics” and then begin learning more specific information as you study. For other large drug categories, visit https://www. drugs. com/drug-classes. html.

Antibiotics, for example, work by fighting bacterial infections within the body. They do not have any effect on viruses. This is all important information to learn about the antibiotic set. [5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source

There are 7 main types of antibiotics. They are all similar in that they fight bacterial infections, but each type is more effective against different infections and has different side effects. Study these differences to develop a clear understanding of how drug types within the same class are distinct from each other. [7] X Research source

For example, if one class of drug lists nausea, diarrhea, and insomnia as potential side effects, insomnia is the important one to remember. The other two are very common and not unique to a particular drug.

For example, drugs that end in “-pril” are ACE inhibitors, meaning they affect the heart and kidneys. Drugs that end in “-olol” are Beta blockers, meaning they affect the heart, lungs, GI tract, and kidneys. For a comprehensive list of drug suffixes, visit the US National Library of Medicine portal at https://druginfo. nlm. nih. gov/drugportal/jsp/drugportal/DrugNameGenericStems. jsp.

List all the relevant information about each drug you have to study. Include class, category, interactions, side effects, dosage, etc. Use this spreadsheet as your master resource while studying. Refer back to it while making your flashcards and study guides.

A general study recommendation is that for every hour you spend in class, you should spend an hour studying. This might sound overwhelming, but keeping up with it will save you work in the future. This way, you won’t have to spend all night cramming before an exam.

Tell yourself, “For the next hour I will study Beta blockers,” and then don’t deviate. Spend that whole study session on that topic so you don’t get confused. Take breaks in between your study sessions. Even if it’s only for a short time, a few minutes of rest can help you return ready for your next session.

You can also purchase flashcards from study companies if you don’t want to make your own. Search online or at your university bookstore for some examples. Carry your flashcards around with you so you can make the most of all your downtime for study. Stuck on the bus? Take out your flashcards!

For example, you could make a graph that starts with a drug class all the way at the top, flows into smaller drug types, and then finally to individual drugs at the bottom. This organization allows you to get all the information you need at a quick glance. If you don’t want to make your own graphics, websites like Pinterest usually have uploaded graphics and study aids from students in your type of program. If you get graphics from the internet, double-check them for accuracy!

An example of a mnemonic device is that the drug Prazosin ends in “sin” and it is an Alpha blocker. Alpha is God, and God is the opposite of sin. If you don’t want to come up with your own mnemonics, search the internet or ask your classmates for ideas.

Meet with your study group regularly to quiz each other. You could also go over your exams together and talk through what you got wrong.

While you can do this exercise with your study group, it may be more helpful to teach someone who isn’t in your pharmacology program. Your classmates probably already know what you’re talking about, but teaching someone who has never seen the material before shows you how well you can break down information and present it clearly.