Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Absurd (and thus effective) mnemonics

 I’ve been learning a bit about pharmacology.  And, since rout memorization really isn’t my thing, I thought I’d share a few of my mnemonics!  As with any device for memory, the more vivid and striking, the better.  And I’ve created quite the crew here.  For reference, I’ll put brand names in bold and generic names in italics.

 

THE VILLAINS

Aka, beta-blockers, which lower blood pressure.  Now, “beta” is another word for a critiquer/proofreader, so you know anyone who blocks them is a villain.  Besides, their names end in -lol, so you just know they’re laughing at you!  We have . . .

 Tenormin.  A villainous name, if ever I’ve heard one!  Probably because it’s almost like Norman.  That means he must be first alphabetically: Atenolol.

 Metoprolol, the robotic villain who can only mechanically repeat what he’s good for: Lopressor.  He’s also called Toprol, because he’s pretty uncreative.

 Coreg, the ex-carnie turned inquisitor: Carvedilol, who will coreg [correct] you.

 Zebeta, the dark business lady Bisoprolol.

 

All will cackle loudly -- -lol! – as they decrease your blood pressure.

 

 

THE HEROES

We also have heroes  These noble meds stop the firehose (aka proton pump) squirting acid into your stomach, protecting you from ulcers and acid reflux.  They are our proton pump inhibitors.  We have . . .

 The rabbit (Rabeprazole) with a hiccup who throws hexes – AcipHex

 The heavy with the huge proton gun he’s named Protonix.  He wears nothing but pants, so we know him as Pantoprazole.

 Esomeprazole (like Esme, Granny Weatherwax, the witch from Discworld).  She uses magic threads (a la Dealing With Dragons), so we call her Nexium.

 Lansoprazole, who is clearly Lancelot.  He prevaricates but also heroically prevents acid—Prevacid.

 Prilosec, the pinstriped-suit-wearing tall, thin, narrow one who looks like a secretary but is actually the omniscient (Omeprazole) leader.

 

Go -prazole razzle team!

 

 -

 

 Yes, this really, really helps me remember.