Just started Pharmacy how does one learn all the drugs any tips?
Answers:
As drug names are usually something dreamed up by the Pharma-company marketing teams I thinl the best plan is to concentrate on their actions within the body and group them by action. Once you have groups of drugs it should be easier to learn their names.
By heart.
Take them.
Lots of time studying!
I found it easiest to learn by catergory. I don't think there is any real shortcut (like pnemonics) to help, just sheer hard work and concentration.
Good luck!
Use pneumonics. Have the first letter of every word and use it as a rhyme. Like the order of the plants for example.
go around the shelves pick things up read and learn its the only way believe me its the best way to pick things up give it a try and good luck interesting job.
Worked in a Pharmacy for three years and the only thing to cement everything in there is repetition, repetition, repetition.
A few tips, though: When you come across a drug you don't know the function or structure of, write the name down and research it later. Remember that drugs with similar functions will have similar names, so that can save you a bit of learning (e.g. atorvastatin, simvastatin and pravastatin).
I tended to put the corresponding groups on a coloured card and put them on the back of the loo door. It's subliminal learning and it's amazing how much time you spend in there. Also reccomend the fridge and kitchen cupboards as conspicuous places to stick learning aids.
Lastly, there's nothing wrong with having to look things up. A Pharmacist flicking through Martindale or BNF has a very professional look about him or her. Don't worry, no-one expects you to remember everything.
Try to picture a person with the condition related to the drug. This will fix it in your mind,with a bit of luck.
don't get caught. that's my tip. I thought you had to know all of this before you start your "own pharmacy" LOL.
Have a recent copy of the BNF and look up every new drug you come across. Gradually you will find yourself looking up less and less drugs as you get to know them. I also found, that althoughI memorised lists of drugs and their uses for exams, I didn't really retain the information until I started working in a hospital and saw the drugs used in patients.
The advice about learning by catagory ie all pain killers or antibiotics or betablockers, is also a good idea. So, try several methods until you find the one that suits you best.
Good luck :-)
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