How to Study Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the study of how drugs affect the body and Pharmacokinetics is the study of how the body acts back on the given drugs, both are usually covered in a single Pharmacology course. This discipline covers drug mechanisms, interactions, metabolism, contraindications, and side effects. Studying Pharmacology can be a challenging task. Most courses are high-volume and require very detailed memorization. On top of all this, many drug names sound and act in similar ways which can easily confuse students. Try these study strategies and tips to help you learn how to study pharmacology.

Study Tip #1 - Focus on the prototype drug.

However, try and remember something unique about the other drugs in each class. The mechanism, interactions, and side effects of each prototype drug should be studied intensely. This will serve as your base from which you will branch out and add knowledge about the other related drugs. Common questions compare and contrast topics like, liver vs. renal metabolism, short vs. long half-life, route of administration, partial vs. full agonist, reversible vs. irreversible, and contraindications.

Study Tip #2 - Make Tables.

Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology

Pharm Phlash!: Pharmacology Flash Cards

Study Tip #3 - Make Tree Charts.

This is most helpful to organize drugs based on their clinical application. This is useful because some drugs are effective against a range of disorders and diseases and will turn up more than once. Cardiovascular disorders for example, may require several classes of drugs that are used to treat different aspects of the same condition. These schematics will keep the big picture in mind and show a broader perspective from which to compare and contrast the drugs.

Study Tip #4 - Break your studying down.

Studying pharmacology will seem overwhelming in the beginning. First, understand the main concept about where and how the prototype drug is working by quickly reviewing the appropriate anatomy and physiology of the corresponding organ system. Next, just try to remember all the drug names in a particular class and associate them with the prototype drug's actions. Then, try to memorize what clinical scenarios the drugs are used for and their side effects. Go on further to memorize specific details about each drug like metabolism, interactions, route of administration, or contraindications.

Study Tip #5 - Hard memorization.

It is inevitable, but you can use mnemonics to help the recall process. Focus on the suffix of the drug name, which will often end with the same syllable and make them easier to remember. Don't waste any effort on Trade Names or dosage, unless specifically instructed.