I am really struggling with remembering the brand names and generic names of drugs. What's your trick?

Answer 1

I have a PDA and have downloaded the free program Epocrates Rx.

It basically lists all commonly used drugs, brand names, interactions side effects etc.

I only learn generic names - there's no point learning trade names - and only ever use generic names with patients or indeed anyone else (a habit I picked up from a pharmacology teacher at medschool). It keeps things simple.

Try learning generic names in classes - as I'm sure you know drugs with similar mechanisms of actions often have very similar names (e.g. -olol on betablockers, -pril on ACE inhibitors, -tan on ATII antagonists etc etc)

If a particular brand is SO common that you need to know it's tradename you will invariably have come across it enough times that it will be embedded in your memory anyway. And if you're learning for exams, no-one should ever examine you on trade names.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Break your list down into blocks of about 10-20 drugs.

Repeat the 1st drug's names 5 times.
Repeat the 1st and 2nd drug's names 5 times each
Repeat the 1st, 2nd ad 3rd drug's names 5 times each.
Continue until you've reached the last one.

When you're done, reverse the list and start over.

This method worked phenominally for me in school; better than flash cards or any of that mess, but whatever works for you will be the best.

Answer 3

As a nursing student, I learned to memorize brand names and generic names of drugs by making flashcards for myself. On one side I'd write the generic name and below that I'd write what classification of drug it was. Then, on the other side of the card, I'd write the brand name. It really helped to keep in mind the drug's classification.

Answer 4

dont worry too much about the brand names, the usmle only asks about drugs by generic names, once in residency you will pick up on the brand names as u begin to use them

Answer 5

Try to get a pen and use that pen for a week or two, then switch. It's a great way to learn as you'll always be seeing the drug names.

Answer 6

Flash cards really helped me. Also, depending on where you are at in your education, remember that when you get out there in practice, they will become second nature, and you build on this knowledge base from repetition and familiarity.

Good Luck!

Bill Findlay, MD
Milwaukee, WI

Answer 7

Elfie..... it all depends,

Once you are in your profession the usage will become so repeated that you'll not forget the brand names.

And as of those which you dont use repeatedly, you can always consult your seniors.

Answer 8

once you begin to work with them you won't need a "trick", it becomes second nature.
Until then, try flash cards.

Answer 9

time... i couldn't remember them well in school, but once you get out there and seeing them daily it helps... but until then, flash cards help

Answer 10

Pencil and paper
or
Keyboard and notepad