How to understand pharmacology for paramedics?

Question

i just finished my first week of paramedic school. we have a drug test this week and i am well prepared ( i can memorize fairly well). our last class we had a lecture on pharmacology. i have a broad and confused understanding of this. what are some techniques to understand this material better? i know its only me first week but i do not want to get behind. will i understand this better as time goes on? any info and support will be appreciated and give confidence..thanks

Answer 1

I've been a medic for 12 years, and work with a formulary now that includes hundreds of drugs. There is no way to really memorize each drug; and save for a few emergency medications (epi, lido, amiodorone, narcan, d50, etc).

Try to think of it this way... Work on method of action/drug classification. Then group the drugs into each category. With a limited formulary, you can start by being pretty general: cardiac, altered ment, respiratory, etc. Learn each drug, not just its dosages, but what it does, how it does it, why we give it (and even more important, why we wouldn't).

A card for each drug with indications, dosage, contraindications, classification, etc will help you with the memorization parts for class; but understanding of the drug classes themsevelves will help with the long term.

And yes, this does get easier with time.

Stay safe.

Answer 2

put your drug lists on individual index cards.  make a habit of writing the meds multiple times a day on any available piece of paper you get your hands on: med name

indications

contraindications

side effects

dose & route