Topic primers
A quick on-ramp for each area: the handful of facts that anchor it. Read one, then go practice. These are a launchpad, not a lecture.
PRIMER · Medications
Medications, patterns first
- Class suffixes: -pril is an ACE inhibitor, -sartan an ARB, -olol a beta blocker, -statin a statin.
- ACE inhibitors classically cause a dry cough; ARBs do not.
- Warfarin is monitored by INR; metformin is held around IV iodinated contrast.
- One generic can carry several brands (albuterol is ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil).
- Unopened insulin is refrigerated until it expires, never frozen.
PRIMER · Medications
Top drug classes cheat sheet
- ACE inhibitors (-pril) and ARBs (-sartan) lower blood pressure; ACE inhibitors can cause a dry cough.
- Beta blockers (-olol) slow the heart rate; statins (-statin) lower cholesterol.
- PPIs (-prazole) and H2 blockers (-tidine) reduce stomach acid.
- Benzodiazepines (-pam, -lam) are Schedule IV; SSRIs treat depression and anxiety.
- Opioids relieve pain and are controlled; watch for respiratory depression and constipation.
PRIMER · Medications
Interactions and counseling
- Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4 and raises levels of drugs like simvastatin.
- Warfarin plus aspirin or NSAIDs increases bleeding risk; acetaminophen is the safer OTC pain option.
- ACE inhibitors can cause a dry cough; an ARB is a common alternative.
- Tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones cause photosensitivity; advise sun protection.
- Doxycycline and levothyroxine absorption drops with calcium, iron, or antacids; separate the doses.
Showing Medications only. See every primer.