Letter
A
Stands For
ACE inhibitors (and Angiotensin receptor blockers)
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Pharmacology Mnemonics PDF (Easy to Remember)
Pharmacology in 2nd Year MBBS involves memorising drug classes, mechanisms, and adverse effects across almost every system in the body. This page compiles a set of easy-to-remember mnemonics for some of the most commonly tested pharmacology topics, so you can hold the lists steady in your memory while you build an understanding of why each drug works the way it does. These are memory aids to support your revision, not a substitute for understanding drug mechanisms.
SME-reviewed. Updated 2026.
Open GeckoMed for the full pharmacology mnemonics collection and notes in one place.Antihypertensive Drug Classes: ABCD
A widely used clinical mnemonic for the major first-line antihypertensive drug classes.
| Letter | Stands For |
|---|---|
| A | ACE inhibitors (and Angiotensin receptor blockers) |
| B | Beta blockers |
| C | Calcium channel blockers |
| D | Diuretics |
Letter
B
Stands For
Beta blockers
Letter
C
Stands For
Calcium channel blockers
Letter
D
Stands For
Diuretics
Antihypertensive Drugs Classification Chart
Cephalosporin Generations: Count the Gram-Negative Shift
A simple way to remember how cephalosporin coverage shifts as generations increase.
| Generation | What to Remember |
|---|---|
| 1st Generation | Strongest Gram-positive cover, weakest Gram-negative |
| 2nd Generation | Balanced cover, added anaerobic activity |
| 3rd Generation | Strong Gram-negative cover, some cross the blood-brain barrier |
| 4th Generation | Broadest cover, active against Pseudomonas |
Generation
1st Generation
What to Remember
Strongest Gram-positive cover, weakest Gram-negative
Generation
2nd Generation
What to Remember
Balanced cover, added anaerobic activity
Generation
3rd Generation
What to Remember
Strong Gram-negative cover, some cross the blood-brain barrier
Generation
4th Generation
What to Remember
Broadest cover, active against Pseudomonas
As you move from 1st to 4th generation, Gram-negative coverage increases while Gram-positive coverage generally decreases.
Antibiotic Classification Chart
Opioid Overdose Triad: Pinpoint, Pause, Pass Out
A quick recall device for the classic opioid toxicity triad.
| Word | Sign |
|---|---|
| Pinpoint | Miosis (pinpoint pupils) |
| Pause | Respiratory depression |
| Pass Out | CNS depression / decreased consciousness |
Word
Pinpoint
Sign
Miosis (pinpoint pupils)
Word
Pause
Sign
Respiratory depression
Word
Pass Out
Sign
CNS depression / decreased consciousness
NSAID Adverse Effects: GRUB
A memory aid for the major systems affected by NSAID toxicity.
| Letter | System Affected |
|---|---|
| G | Gastrointestinal (peptic ulcer, bleeding) |
| R | Renal (reduced renal blood flow, nephrotoxicity) |
| U | Ulceration (mucosal damage) |
| B | Bleeding (antiplatelet effect) |
Letter
G
System Affected
Gastrointestinal (peptic ulcer, bleeding)
Letter
R
System Affected
Renal (reduced renal blood flow, nephrotoxicity)
Letter
U
System Affected
Ulceration (mucosal damage)
Letter
B
System Affected
Bleeding (antiplatelet effect)
How These Mnemonics Appear in Exams
- Short answer questions asking you to classify a drug group, such as "Classify antihypertensive drugs with examples"
- Viva questions asking you to list adverse effects of a drug class, such as NSAIDs or cephalosporins
- Case-based questions describing a toxidrome, such as opioid overdose, where you identify the underlying drug class from the clinical picture
- Essay questions where a classification mnemonic helps you structure a complete answer without missing a drug class
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these official examination mnemonics?
No. These are memory aids compiled by GeckoMed to help you retain drug classifications and effects. They support revision but are not a substitute for understanding drug mechanisms.
Which MBBS year uses these mnemonics most?
Pharmacology is a 2nd Year MBBS subject, so these mnemonics are most relevant then, though Final Year students often revisit them for General Medicine and General Surgery cases.
Can mnemonics replace understanding drug mechanisms?
No. Mnemonics help you recall lists completely and in order. You still need to understand the mechanism of action, indications, and contraindications for exam questions that go beyond simple recall.
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