how to create effective surveys

Thousands of books and articles have been written about survey methodology, but in case you don’t have hours to devote to becoming a guru, here are ten best practices to consider when building and distributing your survey.

1. Make Sure That Every Question Is Necessary

You’re building your survey to obtain important insights, so every question in the survey should play a direct part. It’s best to plan your survey by first identifying the data you need to collect and then writing your questions.

2. Keep it Short and Simple

Respondents are less likely to complete long surveys, or surveys that bounce around haphazardly from topic to topic. Therefore, make sure your survey follows a logical order and that it takes a reasonable amount of time to complete.

3. Ask Direct Questions

Vague or poorly worded questions confuse respondents and make your data less useful. Strive for clear and precise language that will make your questions easy to answer.

See an example:

4. Ask One Question at a Time

Take a closer look at questions in your survey that contain the word “and”—it can be a red flag that your question has two parts. Here’s a sample: “Which of these cell phone service providers has the best customer support and reliability?” In this case, a respondent may feel that one service is more reliable, but another has better customer support.

See an example:

5. Avoid Leading and Biased Questions

Some descriptive words and phrases may interject some bias into your questions, or point the respondent in the direction of a particular answer. In particular, scrutinize adjectives and adverbs in your questions. If they’re not needed, take them out.

In addition, an unbalanced response scale can lead a respondent in the same way a poorly worded question might. Make sure your response scales have a definitive midpoint (aim for odd numbers of possible responses) and that they cover the whole range of possible reactions to the question.

See an example:

6. Speak Your Respondent’s Language

Use language and terminology that your respondents will understand. Make words and sentences as simple as possible and avoid technical jargon. However, don’t oversimplify a question to the point that it will change the way the question will be interpreted.

See an example:

7. Use Response Scales Whenever Possible

Response scales that give the direction and intensity of attitudes provide rich data. By contrast, categorical or binary response options, such as true/false or yes/no response options, generally produce less informative data.

Avoid using scales that ask respondents to agree or disagree with statements, however. Some people are biased toward agreeing with statements, and this can result in invalid and unreliable data.

See an example:

8. Avoid Using Grids or Matrices for Responses

Oftentimes respondents don’t fill in grids correctly or accurately according to their true feelings. Also, grids aren’t mobile-friendly. It’s better to separate questions with grid responses into multiple questions in your survey with regular response scales.

See an example:

9. Rephrase Yes/No Questions if Possible

Many yes/no questions can be reworked by including phrases such as “How much,” “How often,” or “How likely.” Make this change whenever possible and include a response scale for richer data.

See an example:

10. Take Your Survey for a Test Drive

Ask at least five people to test your survey to help you catch and correct problems before you distribute.

Reference: 

https://www.qualtrics.com/blog/10-tips-for-building-effective-surveys/

PHARMACOLOGY MNEMONICS

Pharmacology Mnemonics

 RTI: drugs to treat viral respiratory infections "You'd geta respiratory infection if you shoot an ARO (arrow) laced with viruses into the lungs":ARO:
Amantadine
Rimantadine
Oseltamivir

Medication administration: short checklist TRAMP:
· Before dispensing medication, ensure have correct:
Time
Route
Amount
Medication
Patient

Opiates: overdose findings "Cool to the touch, unresponsiveto pain,
Hunger diminished, and scars over vein.
Pupils pinpointed, and blood pressure low,
Urine diminished, and breathing is slow."

Cocaine: cardiovascular effect COcaine causes bloodvessels toCOnstrict (unlike other local anesthetics which cause vasodilation).

Aminoglycosides: common characteristics AMINO:
Active Against Aerobic gram negative
Mechanism of resistance are Modifying enzymes
Inhibit protein synthesis by binding to 30S subunit
Nephrotoxic
Ototoxic

Sulfonamides: common characteristics SULFA:
Steven-Johnson syndrome/ Skin rash / Solubility low
Urine precipitation/ Useful for UTI
Large spectrum (gram positives and negatives)
Folic acids synthesis blocker (as well as synthesis of nucleic acids)
Analog of PABA

Diuretics: groups "Leak Over The CAN":
Loop diuretics
Osmotics
Thiazides
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Aldosterone inhibitors
Na (sodium) channel blockers
· Note: "leak" is slang for urination and "can" is slang for a toilet.

Thalidomide: effect on cancer cells "Thalidomidemakes the blood vessels hide":
Use thalidomide to stop cancer cells from growing new blood vessels.

Tuberculosis: treatment If you forget your TB drugs, you'lldie and might need a PRIEST":
Pyrazinamide
Rifampin
Isoniazid (INH)
Ethambutol
STreptomycin

Warfarin: interactions ACADEMIC QACS:
Amiodarone
Cimetidine
Aspirin
Dapsone
Erythromycin
Metronidazole
Indomethacin
Clofibrates
Quinidine
Azapropazone
Ciprofloxacin
Statins

Patent ductus arteriosus: which prostaglandin keeps it openkEEpopEn with prostaglandin E.

Carbamazepine (CBZ): use CBZ:
Cranial Nerve V (trigeminal) neuralgia
Bipolar disorder
Zeisures

Morphine: side-effects MORPHINE:
Myosis
Out of it (sedation)
Respiratory depression
Pneumonia (aspiration)
Hypotension
Infrequency (constipation, urinary retention)
Nausea
Emesis

Corticosteroids: adverse side effects CUSHINGS BAD MD:
Cataracts
Up all night (sleep disturbances)
Suppression of HPA axis
Hypertension/ buffalo Hump
Infections
Necrosis (avascular)
Gain weight
Striae
Bone loss (osteoporosis)
Acne
Diabetes
Myopathy, moon faces
Depression and emotional changes

Tricyclic antidipressents (TCA): side effects TCA'S:
Thrombocytopenia
Cardiac (arrhymia, MI, stroke)
Anticholinergic (tachycardia, urinary retention, etc)
Seizures

Bromocriptine [for USA gang members] The CRYPTS arean LA street gang that likes to smoke DOPE.
BromoCRYPTine is a DOPamine agonist.

Beta blockers: members "The NEPAL Prime
Minister":
Timolol
Nadolol
Esmolol
Pindolol
Atenolol
Labetalol
Propranolol
Metoprolol

Microtubules: drugs that act on microtubules. "The MicroTubule Growth Voiding Chemicals":
Thiabendazole
Mebendazole
Taxol
Griseofulvin
Vincristine/ Vinblastine
Colchicine

Insulin: mixing regular insulin and NPH "Not Ready,
Ready Now":
Air into NPH
Air into Regular
Draw up Regular
Draw up NPH

Benzodiazepins: 3 members that undergo extrahepatic metabolism
"Outside The Liver":
Oxazepam
Temazepam
Lorazepam
These undergo extrahepatic metabolism and do not form active metabolites.

Guanethidine: mechanism GuaNEthidine prevents NE(norepinephrine) release.

Parasympathetic vs. sympathetic neurotransmitters "Nosympathy for a Pair of Aces":
Norepinephren is secreted in by the Sympathetic nervous systemwhile Acetylcholine is secreted in the Parasympathetic nervoussystem.

Adrenoceptors: vasomotor function of alpha vs. beta ABCD:
Alpha = Constrict.
Beta = Dilate.

Beta 1 selective blockers "BEAM ONE up, Scotty":
Beta 1 blockers:
Esmolol
Atenolol
Metropolol

Opiods: mu receptor effects "MD CARES":
Miosis
Dependency
Constipation
Analgesics
Respiratory depression
Euphoria
Sedation

Cancer drugs: time of action between DNA->mRNA ABCDEF:
Alkylating agents
Bleomycin
Cisplastin
Dactinomycin/ Doxorubicin
Etoposide
Flutamide and other steroids or their antagonists (eg tamoxifen,leuprolide)

Busulfan: features ABCDEF:
Alkylating agent
Bone marrow suppression s/e
CML indication
Dark skin (hyperpigmentation) s/e
Endrocrine insufficiency (adrenal) s/e
Fibrosis (pulmonary) s/e

Tricyclic antidepressants: members worth knowing "I have tohide, the CIA is after me":
Clomipramine
Imipramine
Amitrptyline
· If want the next 3 worth knowing, the DND is also after me:
Desipramine
Norrtriptyline
Doxepin

Asthma drugs: leukotriene inhibitor action zAfirlukast:
Antagonist of lipoxygenase
zIlueton: Inhibitor of LT receptor

Torsades de Pointes: drugs causing APACHE:
Amiodarone
Procainamide
Arsenium
Cisapride
Haloperidol
Eritromycin

Serotonin syndrome: components Causes HARM:
Hyperthermia
Autonomic instability (delirium)
Rigidity
Myoclonus

Beta blockers: B1 selective vs. B1-B2 non-selective A
through N: B1 selective: Acebutalol, Atenolol, Esmolol, Metoprolol.
O through Z: B1, B2 non-selective:Pindolol, Propanalol, Timolol.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins): side effects,contraindications, interactions HMG-CoA:
· Side effects:
Hepatotoxicity
Myositis [aka rhabdomyolysis]
· Contraindications:
Girl during pregnancy/ Growing children
· Interactions:
Coumarin/ Cyclosporine

Therapeutic index: formula TILE:
TI = LD50 / ED50

Antirheumatic agents (disease modifying): members CHAMP:
Cyclophosphamide
Hydroxycloroquine and choloroquinine
Auranofin and other gold compounds
Methotrexate
Penicillamine

Auranofin, aurothioglucose: category and indication Aurumis latin for "gold" (gold's chemical symbol is Au).
Generic Aur- drugs (Auranofin, Aurothioglucose) are gold
compounds.
· If didn't learn yet that gold's indication is rheumatoid arthritis, AUR- ActsUpon Rheumatoid.

Antiarrhythmics: class III members BIAS:
Bretylium
Ibutilide
Amiodarone
Sotalol

MAOIs: indications MAOI'S:
Melancholic [classic name for atypical depression]
Anxiety
Obesity disorders [anorexia, bulemia]
Imagined illnesses [hypochondria]
Social phobias
· Listed in decreasing order of importance.
· Note MAOI is inside MelAnchOlIc.

SIADH-inducing drugs ABCD:
Analgesics: opioids, NSAIDs
Barbiturates
Cyclophosphamide/ Chlorpromazine/ Carbamazepine
Diuretic (thiazide)

K+ increasing agents K-BANK:
K-sparing diuretic
Beta blocker
ACEI
NSAID
Ksupplement

Diuretics: thiazides: indications "CHIC to use
thiazides":
CHF
Hypertension
Insipidous
Calcium calculi

Ribavirin: indications RIBAvirin:
RSV
Influenza B
Arenaviruses (Lassa, Bolivian, etc.)

Parkinsonism: drugs SALAD:
Selegiline
Anticholinenergics (trihexyphenidyl, benzhexol, ophenadrine)
L-Dopa + peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (carbidopa, benserazide)
Amantadine
Dopamine postsynaptic receptor agonists (bromocriptine, lisuride,pergolide)

Morphine: effects at mu receptor PEAR:
Physical dependence
Euphoria
Analgesia
Respiratory depression

Thrombolytic agents USA:
Urokinase
Streptokinase
Alteplase (tPA)

Anticholinergic side effects "Know the ABCD'S of
anticholinergic side effects":
Anorexia
Blurry vision
Constipation/ Confusion
Dry Mouth
Sedation/ Stasis of urine

Teratogenic drugs "W/ TERATOgenic":
Warfarin
Thalidomide
Epileptic drugs: phenytoin, valproate, carbamazepine
Retinoid
ACE inhibitor
Third element: lithium
OCP and other hormones (egdanazol)

Antiarrhythmics: classification I to IV MBA College
· In order of class I to IV:
Membrane stabilizers (class I)
Beta blockers
Action potential widening agents
Calcium channel blockers

Epilepsy types, drugs of choice "Military GeneralAttacked Weary Fighters Pronouncing 'Veni
VediVeci' After Crushing Enemies":
· Epilepsy types:
Myoclonic
Grand mal
Atonic
West syndrome
Focal
Petit mal (absence)
· Respective drugsy:
Valproate
Valproate
Valproate
ACTH
Carbamazepine
Ethosuximide

Respiratory depression inducing drugs "STOP
breathing":
Sedatives and hypnotics
Trimethoprim
Opiates
Polymyxins

Pulmonary infiltrations inducing drugs "Go BAN Me!":
Gold
Bleomycin/ Busulphan/ BCNU
Amiodarone/ Acyclovir/ Azathioprine
Nitrofurantoin
Melphalan/ Methotrexate/ Methysergide

Migraine: prophylaxis drugs "Very Volatile 
Pharmacotherapeutic Agents For Migraine Prophylaxis":
Verpamil
Valproic acid
Pizotifen
Amitriptyline
Flunarizine
Methysergide
Propranolol
· Bare bones version [eg Lippincott's two], just Migraine Prophylaxis,as above.

Benzodiazapines: ones not metabolized by the liver (safe to use in
liver failure) LOT:
Lorazepam
Oxazepam
Temazepam

Vigabatrin: mechanism Vi-GABA-Tr-In:
Via GABA Transferase Inhibition

TB: antibiotics used STRIPE:
STreptomycin
Rifampicin
Isoniazid
Pyrizinamide
Ethambutol

Propythiouracil (PTU): mechanism It inhibits PTU:
Peroxidase/ Peripheral deiodination
Tyrosine iodination
Union (coupling)

Enoxaprin (prototype low molecular weight heparin): action,
monitoring EnoXaprin only acts on factor Xa.
Monitor Xaconcentration, rather than APTT.

Beta-blockers: nonselective beta-blockers "Tim PinchesHis Nasal Problem" (because he has a runny nose...):
Timolol
Pindolol
Hismolol
Naldolol
Propranolol

Nicotinic effects MTWTF (days of week):
Mydriasis/ Muscle cramps
Tachycardia
Weakness
Twitching
Hypertension/ Hyperglycemia
Fasiculation

Muscarinic effects SLUG BAM:
Salivation/ Secretions/ Sweating
Lacrimation
Urination
Gastrointestinal upset
Bradycardia/ Bronchoconstriction/ Bowel movement
Abdominal cramps/ Anorexia
Miosis

Phenytoin: adverse effects PHENYTOIN:
P-450 interactions
Hirsutism
Enlarged gums
Nystagmus
Yellow-browning of skin
Teratogenicity
Osteomalacia
Interference with B12 metabolism (hence anemia)
Neuropathies: vertigo, ataxia, headache

Gynaecomastia-causing drugs DISCOS:
Digoxin
Isoniazid
Spironolactone
Cimetidine
Oestrogens
Stilboestrol

Hypertension: treatment ABCD:
ACE inhibitors/ AngII antagonists (sometimes Alpha agonistsalso)
Beta blockers
Calcium antagonists
Diuretics (sometimes vasoDilators also)

Diuretics classification in order of site of action "COLTPee:"
· In their sequential site of action along the nephron:
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (at the proximal tubule)
Osmotic diuretics (at the Loop of Henle)
Loop diuretics (at the ascending loop)
Thiazides (at the distal tubule)
Potassium-sparing diuretics (at the collecting tubules)
· Diuretics make patient pee like a horse, hence "Colt Pee".

Aspirin: side effects ASPIRIN:
Asthma
Salicyalism
Peptic ulcer disease/ Phosphorylation-oxidation uncoupling/ PPH/
Platelet disaggregation/ Premature closure of PDA
Intestinal blood loss
Reye's syndrome
Idiosyncracy
Noise (tinnitus)

Clopidogrel: use CLOPIdogrel is a drug that preventsCLots, an Oral Platelet Inhibitor (OPI).

Teratogenic drugs: major non-antibiotics TAP CAP:
Thalidomide
Androgens
Progestins
Corticosteroids
Aspirin & indomethacin
Phenytoin

Physostigmine vs. neostigmine LMNOP:
Lipid soluble
Miotic
Natural
Orally absorbed well
Physostigmine
· Neostigmine, on the contrary, is:Water soluble
Used in myesthenia gravis
Synthetic
Poor oral absorption

Prazocin usage Prazocin sounds like an acronym of "praszzzour urine".
Therefore Prazocin used for urinary retention in BPH.

Steroid side effects CUSHINGOID:
Cataracts
Ulcers
Skin: striae, thinning, bruising
Hypertension/ Hirsutism/ Hyperglycemia
Infections
Necrosis, avascular necrosis of the femoral head
Glycosuria
Osteoporosis, obesity
Immunosuppression
Diabetes

Beta blockers with CYP2D6 polymorphic metabolism "I MetTim Carver, the metabolic polymorph":
· The following beta blockers require dose adjustment due to CYP2D6 polymorphicmetabolism:
Metoprolol
Timolol
Carvedilol(in patients with lower or higher than normal CYP2D6 activity)

Beta blockers with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity
Picture diabetic and asthmatic kids riding away on a cartthat rolls on pinwheels.
Pindolol and Carteolol have high and moderate ISA respectively,making them acceptable for use in some diabetics or asthmatics despite the factthat they are non-seletive beta blockers.

Amiodarone: action, side effects 6 P's:
Prolongs action potential duration
Photosensitivity
Pigmentation of skin
Peripheral neuropathy
Pulmonary alveolitis and fibrosis
Peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 is inhibited -> hypothyroidism

Morphine: effects MORPHINES:
Miosis
Orthostatic hypotension
Respiratory depression
Pain supression
Histamine release/ Hormonal alterations
Increased ICT
Nausea
Euphoria
Sedation

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: members "PIT ofdespair":
Phenelzine
Isocarboxazid
Tranylcypromine
· A pit of despair, since MAOs treat depression.

Antimuscarinics: members, action "Inhibits ParasympatheticAnd Sweat":
Ipratropium
Pirenzepine
Atropine
Scopolamine
· Muscarinic receptors at all parasympathetic endings sweat glands insympathetic.

Patent ductus arteriosus: treatment "Come In and Close the door":
INdomethacin is used to ClosePDA.

Etoposide: action, indications, side effect "eTOPoside":
· Action:
Inhibits TOPoisomerase II
· Indications:
Testicular carcinoma
Oat cell carcinoma of lung
Prostate carcinoma
· Side effect:
Affects TOP of your head, causing alopecia

Antibiotics contraindicated during pregnancy MCAT:
Metronidazole
Chloramphenicol
Aminoglycoside
Tetracycline

Lithium: side effects LITHIUM:
Leukocytes Increased (leukocytosis)
Tremors
Hypothyroidism
Increased Urine
Moms beware (teratogenic)

Quinolones [and Fluoroquinolones]: mechanism "Topplethe Queen":
Quinolone interferes with Topoisomerase II.

MPTP: mechanism, effect MPTP:
Mitochondrial Parkinson's-Type Poison.
· A mitochondrial poison that elicits a Parkinson's-type effect.

Osmotic diuretics: members GUM:
Glycerol
Urea
Mannitol

Sulfonamide: major side effects · Sulfonamide sideeffects:
Steven-Johnson syndrome
Skin rash
Solubility low (causes crystalluria)
Serum albumin displaced (causes newborn kernicterus and potentiation ofother serum albumin-binders like warfarin)

Benzodiazepenes: antidote "Ben is off with theflu":
Benzodiazepine effects off with Flumazenil.

Narcotics: side effects "SCRAM if you see a drugdealer":
Synergistic CNS depression with other drugs
Constipation
Respiratory depression
Addiction
Miosis

Sex hormone drugs: male "Feminine Males NeedTestosterone":
Fluoxymesterone
Methyltestosterone
Nandrolone
Testosterone

Ca++ channel blockers: uses CA++ MASH:
Cerebral vasospasm/ CHF
Angina
Migranes
Atrial flutter, fibrillation
Supraventricular tachycardia
Hypertension
· Alternatively: "CHASM":
Cererbral vasospasm / CHF
Hypertension
Angina
Suprventricular tachyarrhythmia
Migranes

Benzodiazepenes: drugs which decrease their metabolism "I'mOverly Calm":
Isoniazid
Oral contraceptive pills
Cimetidine
· These drugs increase calming effect of BZDs by retarding metabolism.

Tetracycline: teratogenicity TEtracycline is aTEratogen that causes staining ofTEeth in the newborn.

Warfarin: metabolism SLOW:
· Has a slow onset of action.
· A quicK Vitamin K antagonist, though.
Small lipid-soluble molecule
Liver: site of action
Oral route of administration.
Warfarin

Myasthenia gravis: edrophonium vs. pyridostigmine eDrophoniumis for Diagnosis.
pyRIDostigmine is to get RIDof symptoms.

Narcotic antagonists The Narcotic Antagonistsare NAloxone and NAltrexone.
· Important clinically to treat narcotic overdose.

Inhalation anesthetics SHINE:
Sevoflurane
Halothane
Isoflurane
Nitrous oxide
Enflurane
· If want the defunct Methoxyflurane too, make it MoonSHINE.

Therapeutic dosage: toxicity values for most commonly monitoredmedications "The magic 2s":
Digitalis (.5-1.5) Toxicity = 2.
Lithium (.6-1.2) Toxicity = 2.
Theophylline (10-20) Toxicity = 20.
Dilantin (10-20) Toxicity = 20.
APAP (1-30) Toxicity = 200.

Opioids: effects BAD AMERICANS:
Bradycardia & hypotension
Anorexia
Diminished pupilary size
Analgesics
Miosis
Euphoria
Respiratory depression
Increased smooth muscle activity (biliary tract constriction)
Constipation
Ameliorate cough reflex
Nausea and vomiting
Sedations

Delerium-causing drugs ACUTE CHANGE IN MS:
Antibiotics (biaxin, penicillin, ciprofloxacin)
Cardiac drugs (digoxin, lidocaine)
Urinary incontinence drugs (anticholinergics)
Theophylline
Ethanol
Corticosteroids
H2 blockers
Antiparkinsonian drugs
Narcotics (esp. mepridine)
Geriatric psychiatric drugs
ENT drugs
Insomnia drugs
NSAIDs (eg indomethacin, naproxin)
Muscle relaxants
Seizure medicines

Disulfiram-like reaction inducing drugs "PM PMT" asin Pre Medical Test in the PM:
Procarbazine
Metronidazole
Cefo (Perazone, Mandole, Tetan).

Zafirlukast, Montelukast, Cinalukast: mechanism, usage "Zafir-luk-ast,Monte-luk-ast, Cina-luk-ast":
· Anti-Lukotrienes for Asthma.
· Dazzle your oral examiner: Zafirlukast antagonizes leukotriene-4.

4-Aminopyradine (4-AP) use "4-AP is For AP":
For AP (action potential) propagation in Multiple Sclerosis.

Direct sympathomimetic catecholamines DINED:
Dopamine
Isoproterenol
Norepinephrine
Epinephrine
Dobutamine

Vir-named drugs: use "-vir at start, middle or endmeans for virus":
· Drugs: Abacavir, Acyclovir, Amprenavir, Cidofovir,
Denavir, Efavirenz, Indavir, Invirase, Famvir,
Ganciclovir, Norvir, Oseltamivir, Penciclovir,
Ritonavir, Saquinavir, Valacyclovir, Viracept, 
Viramune, Zanamivir, Zovirax.

Nitrofurantoin: major side effects NitroFurAntoin:
Neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy)
Fibrosis (pulmonary fibrosis)
Anemia (hemolytic anemia)

Steroids: side effects BECLOMETHASONE:
Buffalo hump
Easy bruising
Cataracts
Larger appetite
Obesity
Moonface
Euphoria
Thin arms & legs
Hypertension/ Hyperglycaemia
Avascular necrosis of femoral head
Skin thinning
Osteoporosis
Negative nitrogen balance
Emotional liability

Methyldopa: side effects METHYLDOPA:
Mental retardation
Electrolyte imbalance
Tolerance
Headache/ Hepatotoxicity
psYcological upset
Lactation in female
Dry mouth
Oedema
Parkinsonism
Anaemia (haemolytic)

Sodium valproate: side effects VALPROATE:
Vomiting
Alopecia
Liver toxicity
Pancreatitis/ Pancytopenia
Retention of fats (weight gain)
Oedema (peripheral oedema)
Appetite increase
Tremor
Enzyme inducer (liver)

Captopril (an ACE inhibitor): side effects CAPTOPRIL:
Cough
Angioedema/ Agranulocystosis
Proteinuria/ Potassium excess
Taste changes
Orthostatic hypotension
Pregnancy contraindication/ Pancreatitis/ Pressure drop(first dose hypertension)
Renal failure (and renal artery stenosis contraindication)/ Rash
Indomethacin inhibition
Leukopenia/ Liver toxicity

Lead poisoning: presentation ABCDEFG:
Anemia
Basophilic stripping
Colicky pain
Diarrhea
Encephalopathy
Foot drop
Gum (lead line)

Beta-blockers: main contraindications, cautions ABCDE:
Asthma
Block (heart block)
COPD
Diabetes mellitus
Electrolyte (hyperkalemia)

Lupus: drugs inducing it HIP:
Hydralazine
INH
Procanimide

Lithium: side effects LITH:
Leukocytosis
Insipidus [diabetes insipidus, tied to polyuria]
Tremor/ Teratogenesis
Hypothyroidism

SSRIs: side effects SSRI:
Serotonin syndrome
Stimulate CNS
Reproductive disfunctions in male
Insomnia

Metabolism enzyme inducers "Randy's Black CarGoes Putt Putt and Smokes":
Rifampin
Barbiturates
Carbamazepine
Grisoefulvin
Phenytoin
Phenobarb
Smokingcigarettes

Phenobarbitone: side effects Children are annoying (hyperkinesia,irritability, insomnia, aggression).
Adults are dosy (sedation, dizziness, drowsiness).

Cholinergics (eg organophosphates): effects If you knowthese, you will be "LESS DUMB":
Lacrimation
Excitation of nicotinic synapses
Salivation
Sweating
Diarrhea
Urination
Micturition
Bronchoconstriction

Routes of entry: most rapid ways meds/toxins enter body "Stickit, Sniff it, Suck it, Soak it":
Stick = Injection
Sniff = inhalation
Suck = ingestion
Soak = absorption

Depression: 5 drugs causing it PROMS:
Propranolol
Reserpine
Oral contraceptives
Methyldopa
Steroids

Hepatic necrosis: drugs causing focal to massive necrosis "VeryAngry Hepatocytes":
Valproic acid
Acetaminophen
Halothane

Warfarin: action, monitoring WePT:
Warfarin works on the extrinsic pathway and is monitored by PT.

Beta-blockers: side effects "BBC Loses Viewers
In Rochedale":
Bradycardia
Bronchoconstriction
Claudication
Lipids
Vivid dreams & nightmares
-ve Inotropic action
Reduced sensitivity to hypoglycaemia

Zero order kinetics drugs (most common ones) "PEAZ
(sounds like pees) out a constant amount":
Phenytoin
Ethanol
Aspirin
Zero order
· Someone that pees out a constant amount describes zero order kinetics (alwaysthe same amount out)

Benzodiazepines: actions "Ben SCAMs Pam intoseduction not by brain but by muscle":
Sedation
anti-Convulsant
anti-Anxiety
Muscle relaxant
Not by brain: No antipsychotic activity.

Beta-1 vs Beta-2 receptor location "You have 1 heartand 2 lungs":
Beta-1 are therefore primarily on heart.
Beta-2 primarily on lungs.

Cisplatin: major side effect, action "Ci-Splat-In":
Major side effect: Splat (vomiting sound)--vomiting so severe thatanti-nausea drug needed.
Action: Goes Into the DNA strand.

Pupils in overdose: morphine vs. amphetamine "MorPHINE:
Fine. AmPHETamine: Fat":
Morphine overdose: pupils constricted (fine).
Amphetamine overdose: pupils dilated (fat).

Atropine use: tachycardia or bradycardia "A goes withB":
Atropine used clinically to treat Bradycardia.

Reserpine action Reserpine depletes the 
Reserves of catecholamines [and serotonin].

Botulism toxin: action, related bungarotoxin Action: "BotulismBottles up the Ach so it can't be the released":
Related bungarotoxin: "Botulism is related to Beta Bungarotoxin
(beta-, not alpha-bungarotoxin--alpha has different mechanism).

Ipratropium: action Atropine is buried in the middle:
iprAtropium, so it behaves like Atropine.

Bleomycin: action "Bleo-Mycin Blows My DNA to bits":
Bleomycin works by fragmenting DNA (blowing it to bits).
MyDNA signals that its used for cancer (targeting self cells).

Propranolol and related '-olol' drugs: usage "olol"is just two backwards lower case b's.
Backward b's stand for "beta blocker".
· Beta blockers include acebutolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol,oxprenolol, propranolol.

Succinylcholine: action, use Succinylcholine gets 
Stuck to Ach receptor, then Sucks ions in through open pore.
You Suck stuff in through a mouth-tube, and drug is used for intubation.