pharm quick

Master Sheet of Drugs for Exam Preparation

CNS / PSYCH DRUGS

1. Ritalin (methylphenidate)

   • Indication: ADHD
   • Watch For: ⚠️ insomnia, ↑HR
   • Tip: give in the morning

2. Ativan / Xanax / Valium / Restoril / Versed (Benzodiazepines)

   • Indication: anxiety, seizures, sedation
   • Watch For: ⚠️ ❗ respiratory depression + NO alcohol
   • Tip: don’t stop abruptly

3. Ambien (zolpidem)

   • Indication: sleep
   • Watch For: ⚠️ drowsiness, fall risk

4. Prozac (fluoxetine)

   • Indication: depression (SSRI)
   • Watch For: ⚠️ takes weeks, suicidal thoughts early

5. Elavil (amitriptyline)

   • Indication: depression (TCA)
   • Watch For: ⚠️ sedation, low BP

6. Risperdal (risperidone)

   • Indication: schizophrenia, bipolar
   • Watch For: ⚠️ ❗ NMS (fever, rigidity)

7. Lithium (Lithobid)

   • Indication: bipolar
   • Watch For: ⚠️ ❗ toxicity (tremor, confusion)
   • Tip: monitor levels + sodium

NEURO / SEIZURE DRUGS

1. Dilantin (phenytoin)

   • Indication: seizures
   • Watch For: ⚠️ ❗ gum overgrowth
   • Tip: oral care is important

2. Depakote (valproate)

   • Indication: seizures, bipolar
   • Watch For: ⚠️ liver issues

3. Gabapentin (Neurontin)

   • Indication: nerve pain, seizures
   • Watch For: ⚠️ dizziness

PARKINSON / ALZHEIMER’S DRUGS

1. Sinemet (carbidopa-levodopa)

   • Indication: Parkinson’s
   • Watch For: ⚠️ dyskinesia (uncontrolled movement)

2. Exelon (rivastigmine)

   • Indication: Alzheimer’s
   • Watch For: ⚠️ GI upset

3. Neostigmine

   • Indication: myasthenia gravis
   • Watch For: ⚠️ diarrhea, salivation

4. Baclofen

   • Indication: muscle spasms
   • Watch For: ⚠️ drowsiness

PAIN MEDICATIONS

1. Morphine / Fentanyl / Dilaudid / Demerol (Opioids)

   • Indication: severe pain
   • Watch For: ⚠️ ❗ respiratory depression
   • Tip: antidote = Narcan

2. Tramadol

   • Indication: moderate pain
   • Watch For: ⚠️ seizures possible

3. NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin)

   • Indication: pain, inflammation
   • Watch For: ⚠️ ❗ GI bleeding
   • Specifics:
     • Aspirin: ⚠️ ❗ NO kids (Reye’s syndrome)
     • Tylenol (acetaminophen): ⚠️ ❗ LIVER DAMAGE
     • Tip: antidote = acetylcysteine

GOUT MEDICATIONS

1. Colchicine

   • Indication: ACUTE gout
   • Watch For: ⚠️ diarrhea

2. Allopurinol

   • Indication: CHRONIC gout
   • Watch For: ⚠️ rash

ANTIBIOTICS / ANTI-INFECTIVES

1. Vancomycin

   • Indication: MRSA
   • Watch For: ⚠️ ❗ Red Man Syndrome ⚠️ kidney + ear damage

2. Zosyn (piperacillin-tazobactam)

   • Indication: broad infection
   • Watch For: ⚠️ allergy (penicillin)

3. Cephalosporins

   • Indication: infection
   • Watch For: ⚠️ cross allergy