Pharmacology may seem like a daunting task to understand as there are 183 pharmaceuticals that need to be understood. Let’s break it down systematically on the approximate percentages that will be asked on NPLEX 2:
- Hematology drugs: 8%
- Neurological drugs: 18%
- Gastroenterology drugs: 10%
- Cardiovascular drugs: 14%
- Immunology drugs: 16%
- Endocrinology drugs: 14%
- Respirology drugs: 10%
- Other miscellaneous drugs (oncology, vaccines, chelation agents): 10%
Within each system, pharmaceutical drugs are then grouped based on its class and indication for faster recall and overall organization. Individual drugs are then broken down in terms of Therapeutic Class, Pharmacologic Class, Method of Action (MOA), Clinical Use, Adverse Effects, Interactions, and Contraindications.
For example, Hyperchlorhydria and Peptic Ulcer disease can be treated with Ranitidine, Esomeprazole and/or Misoprostol.
For study tips, remember that Misoprostol is NOT safe for patients who have heartburn during pregnancy.
Although there are many side effects for each drug, it’s important to remember the key Adverse Effects. In this case, Esomeprazole will cause a malabsorption of Vitamin B12.
Continue to review frequently allocating time based on the percentage breakdown of each pharmacological systems so you can gauge the time needed to master it.
For those who have not bought the textbook yet, there are still a few left in stock.
If there are any questions, feel free to post your comments below and we’d be happy to answer them!
The NPLEX Review Team