5 answers
Mackenzie
Student
Zebulon
1
Question
Asked
706 views
What are some tips to memorize the Pharmacy drugs name and generic names? #Spring25
What are some tips to memorize the Pharmacy drugs name and generic names? #Spring25
Login to comment
4 answers
Deborah Kaiser`
Contract Manager
11
Answers
Schenectady, New York
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Great question Mackenzie! Thanks for asking...I use a system where I make a comparison with the word I am trying to memorize...for example, I memorize scientific plant names (I am a gardener) by seeing if there is something in common with a word I already ready know...for instance, any plant with "purpurea" means the plant comes in the color purple! Same with violet colored plants...the scientific name is "Violacea". Perhaps that will give you some direction to start...I hope this helps!
Riya Patel
Pharmacy Technician
3
Answers
Westford, Massachusetts
Updated
Riya’s Answer
This is a very valid questions as there are so many drugs that we are required to have knowledge of and ultimately memorize. To better memorize drug names here are some ideas:
- Create mnemonics or acronyms for various drugs
- Categorize drugs into smaller groups to maximize understanding
- Create visual associations that relate to drug action or effects to its name
- Create flashcards with drug names and action
Here are just a few examples of ways you can try to memorize drug names. However, I recommend getting a job as a pharmacy technician as this will greatly help you become familiar with drug names and what they are used for.
- Create mnemonics or acronyms for various drugs
- Categorize drugs into smaller groups to maximize understanding
- Create visual associations that relate to drug action or effects to its name
- Create flashcards with drug names and action
Here are just a few examples of ways you can try to memorize drug names. However, I recommend getting a job as a pharmacy technician as this will greatly help you become familiar with drug names and what they are used for.
Kathy Guthrie
2
Answers
Liberty, South Carolina
Updated
Kathy’s Answer
1. Sort items into different groups.
2. Learn about common word endings.
3. Connect new facts to words you already know.
4. Start with normal dosage amounts.
5. Use charts and other visual tools.
6. Use flashcards to practice.
7. Create mental images to help remember.
8. Link ideas together.
2. Learn about common word endings.
3. Connect new facts to words you already know.
4. Start with normal dosage amounts.
5. Use charts and other visual tools.
6. Use flashcards to practice.
7. Create mental images to help remember.
8. Link ideas together.
Jeff Kreitman
Regional Pharmacy Director
11
Answers
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Not sure what your situation is but frankly working as a pharmacy technician will immerse you and is probably the fastest way to pick them up.
Drugs in the same class often share a common suffix but this is only relevant for the generic names. For example the cholesterol meds statins are called that because they are lovastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, etc.
Brand names are really just marketing so there often is not a clear connection. In the same order the respective brand names are Mevacor, Lipitor, Pravachol, and Crestor.
Drugs in the same class often share a common suffix but this is only relevant for the generic names. For example the cholesterol meds statins are called that because they are lovastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, etc.
Brand names are really just marketing so there often is not a clear connection. In the same order the respective brand names are Mevacor, Lipitor, Pravachol, and Crestor.