Pharmacology is one of the most heavily tested subjects on the NCLEX, and for good reason—medications play a critical role in patient care. Memorizing drug names, classifications, side effects, and nursing considerations can feel overwhelming, but focusing on high-yield medications can make your studying more efficient.

In this guide, we’ll break down 20 must-know drugs for the NCLEX, categorized by their primary function, key nursing considerations, and memory tricks to help you recall them faster.

1. Digoxin (Lanoxin) – Cardiac Glycoside

• Use: Treats heart failure and atrial fibrillation
• Key Points:
  – Monitor apical pulse for 1 full minute before administration (hold if <60 bpm).
  – Watch for toxicity (early signs: nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances like yellow halos).
  – Monitor potassium (K+) levels—low potassium increases toxicity risk.

*Memory Trick: “Dig” (Digoxin) deeper for a slow and steady heart rate.

2. Metoprolol (Lopressor) – Beta-Blocker

• Use: Treats hypertension, angina, and heart failure
• Key Points:
  – Blocks beta-1 receptors, reducing heart rate and blood pressure.
  – Monitor for bradycardia and hypotension.
  – Do not abruptly stop—can cause rebound hypertension.

*Memory Trick: “LOL” drugs are beta-blockers (Metoprolol, Atenolol).

3. Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) – ACE Inhibitor

• Use: Lowers blood pressure, prevents heart failure
• Key Points:
  – Watch for cough, angioedema (swelling of lips/tongue), hyperkalemia.
  – Avoid potassium-rich foods.
  – Contraindicated in pregnancy.

*Memory Trick: “ACE” inhibitors can cause Angioedema, Cough, and Elevated potassium.

4. Losartan (Cozaar) – ARB (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker)

• Use: Treats hypertension, heart failure
• Key Points:
  – Alternative for patients who can’t tolerate ACE inhibitors (no cough side effect).
  – Monitor blood pressure and kidney function.

*Memory Trick: “Sartan” sounds like “Satan”, who raises BP—this med lowers it.

5. Furosemide (Lasix) – Loop Diuretic

• Use: Treats edema, heart failure, hypertension
• Key Points:
  – Causes potassium loss—monitor electrolytes.
  – Can lead to ototoxicity (ringing in ears).
  – Monitor daily weight and urine output.

*Memory Trick: “Lasix lasts for six hours” (short-acting diuretic).

6. Spironolactone (Aldactone) – Potassium-Sparing Diuretic

• Use: Treats hypertension, heart failure
• Key Points:
  – Retains potassium—monitor for hyperkalemia.
  – Avoid potassium-rich foods and salt substitutes.

*Memory Trick: “Spiro” saves K+ (potassium).

7. Warfarin (Coumadin) – Anticoagulant

• Use: Prevents blood clots
• Key Points:
  – Monitor INR (2-3 is therapeutic).
  – Antidote: Vitamin K.
  – Avoid green leafy vegetables (high in vitamin K).

*Memory Trick: “Warfarin is like war—watch for bleeding.”

8. Heparin – Anticoagulant

• Use: Prevents blood clots (faster-acting than warfarin)
• Key Points:
  – Monitor aPTT (1.5-2x normal range).
  – Antidote: Protamine sulfate.

*Memory Trick: “Heparin = Heparapid” (fast-acting anticoagulant).

9. Insulin – Antidiabetic

• Use: Lowers blood sugar
• Key Points:
  – Know onset, peak, duration for different types (rapid-acting: Lispro, long-acting: Glargine).
  – Rotate injection sites to avoid lipodystrophy.
  – Hypoglycemia signs: Sweating, shakiness, confusion.

*Memory Trick: “Hot & dry = sugar high, cold & clammy = need some candy.”

10. Metformin (Glucophage) – Oral Antidiabetic

• Use: Lowers blood sugar in Type 2 Diabetes
• Key Points:
  – Hold before contrast dye tests—can cause kidney damage.
  – Can cause GI upset (diarrhea, nausea).

*Memory Trick: “Metformin = May cause stomach issues.”

11. Albuterol (Proventil) – Bronchodilator

• Use: Treats asthma, COPD
• Key Points:
  – Fast-acting rescue inhaler.
  – Side effects: Tachycardia, tremors.

*Memory Trick: “Albuterol = Airway opener.”

12. Prednisone – Corticosteroid

• Use: Treats inflammation (asthma, autoimmune diseases)
• Key Points:
  – Causes hyperglycemia.
  – Taper dose—don’t stop abruptly.

*Memory Trick: “Prednisone = Puffs you up” (weight gain, moon face).

13. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) – Statin (Cholesterol-Lowering)

• Use: Lowers LDL cholesterol
• Key Points:
  – Monitor liver enzymes.
  – Can cause muscle pain (rhabdomyolysis).

*Memory Trick: “Statins save your arteries.”

14. Levothyroxine (Synthroid) – Thyroid Hormone Replacement

• Use: Treats hypothyroidism
• Key Points:
  – Take on an empty stomach (AM).
  – Too much = hyperthyroidism symptoms.

*Memory Trick: “Levo = Level up your thyroid.”

15. Omeprazole (Prilosec) – PPI (Acid Reducer)

• Use: Treats GERD, ulcers
• Key Points:
  – Take before meals.
  – Long-term use can cause osteoporosis.

*Memory Trick: “Omeprazole = Overproduction of acid is stopped.”

16-20: Other High-Yield Drugs

16. Morphine – Opioid (watch for respiratory depression).
17. Epinephrine – Emergency drug for anaphylaxis.
18. Ceftriaxone – Antibiotic (watch for allergies).
19. Nitroglycerin – Treats angina (watch for low BP).
20. Hydrochlorothiazide – Diuretic (watch potassium levels).

Final Tips for NCLEX Pharmacology

• Memorize drug endings (e.g., -olol for beta-blockers).
• Focus on safety (monitor vitals, lab values, side effects).
• Use mnemonics and flashcards.