Pharmacology-Mnemonics

ACEI, Side Effects 
CAPTOPRIL
Cough, 
anaphylaxis, 
palpitations, 
taste, 
orthostatic ↓BP, 
Potassium (↑K+),
Renal impairment, 
impotence, 
leucocytosis


Anti-epileptic side Effects
ABCDEFGH
Ataxia, 
blood dyscrasia, 
cleft lip,
dupuytrens / vit D def, 
exfoliation of skin & Stevens Johnson’s. Fits, 
GI upset / gum hypertrophy, 
hepatitis / hairy



Barbiturate side Effects
ABCD
Ataxia, 
behavioural disturbance, 
↓concentration / coma, 
depression / drowsy / diplopia


Cholinergic OD side Effects
DUMB BELS 
Diarrhoea, 
Urination, 
Miosis / muscle weakness, 
bronchorrea
Bradycardia, 
emesis, 
lacrimation, 
salivation / sweating


Cyclosporin Side Effects
4HRT
4H - Hyper K+, hypertension, gum hypertrophy, hairy
R – Renal toxicity
T - Tremor


Digoxin S/E 
GECCKO
GIT – n&v, abdo pain, ulcers
Eyes – blurring, halo, xanthopsia
CNS – depression, confusion, delirium, hallucinations
Cardiac – ANY arrhythmia
K - low


MAOI side Effects 
3Hs 
Hepatocellular jaundice, 
Hyperthermia, 
hypertension


TCAD side Effects
CAN WOO
Cvs, 
Anticholinergic, 
Neuro, 
Withdrawal, 
Overdose,
Others



Steroids Side Effects
HIGH COMPACT IMPS
Hypertension, 
Immunosuppression, 
Gastric Ulcer (bleeding), 
Heartburn
Cataract, 
Osteoporosis, 
Muscle weakness, 
Path # / Psychosis, 
Acne / Altered Glucose,
Cushingoid, 
Thin skin
Increased appetite, 
Myopathy, 
poor wound healing, 
stress response reduced


Or AM CUSHINGOID
Acne, 
Myopathy (prox) / muscle wasting (prox)
Cushingoid / Cataract, 
Ulcers, 
Striae, skin thin (bruising), 
Hypertension / hairy, 
Infection,
Glycosuria, 
Obesity / Osteoporosis / Oedema, 
Immunosuppression / Insomnia, 
Depression