How many drugs must you memorize?

[jjoeirv]

As a pharmacist, how many drugs must you have memorized? Do you have to know their side effects, appearance, chemical properties, etc. without having to look at a reference book or computer? How many new drugs typically come to market every week, and do you have time to even memorize all of those new drugs?

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[bgreet]

You should know about all the particular drugs you (assuming you are going into commercial) distribute, their side effects, interactions, and how they work. No, you do not have to know their appearence, size or shape as that is arbitrary especially when it comes to generics. Do you have to know about medications (iv if you are in retail) that other places, particularly hospitals distribute? No, but you should be aquainted with them at least. After all this is your job, you should know about it. 🙂 You did go to school 6 years.

 

[Dr JPH]

Originally posted by jjoeirv
As a pharmacist, how many drugs must you have memorized?

You don't have to memorize particular drugs.

Understand the different mechanisms for the CLASSES of drugs, then you can understand how the different pharmaceuticals work based on their class. Then you just need to know the major differences in the drugs in each class (different side effects, hypersensitivities, etc).

Once in practice, especially retail, you will be able to consult reference books and your computer for additional information. If you work for a larger retail chain they probably have a hotline number specifically for their pharmacists to gather additional information with polytherapy, contraindications, and other clinical info.

You should AT LEAST begin to gather an understanding of what drugs are for what disease/condition. But probably more important, know the CONTRAINDICATIONS. This is where the retail pharmacist can not only affect the patient, but can save my ass as a future physician.

Thanks.

 

[lord999]

Along with JPHazelton's statement, I have made it a special point to memorize certain "trouble" drugs, like Coumadin and Benadryl, verbatim. If a drug is normally used in peds and neonates, I would have general dose ranges memorized as well.

Also, it is imperative as a healthcare practitioner to absolutely know when you don't know and you should look it up. Knowing how to set those alarm bells in your head to trigger is a career make or break situation.

My top 10 list of "trouble" meds:
1. Coumadin
2. Morphine/derivatives
3. Prednisone/Prednisolone
4. Benadryl
5. Liquids that are dosed in ml not tea (Zantac, Roxinal, dig, etc.)
6. Dilantin
7. APAP/ASA (because of OD)
8. Digoxin
9. AGN particularly amikacin
10. ACLS meds

 

[Dr JPH]

Originally posted by lord999
Knowing how to set those alarm bells in your head to trigger is a career make or break situation.

Absolutely.

Good follow up with the top 10 list as well.

I'm never prescribing for dig or warfarin!

 

[Caverject]

Good follow up chart, Lord. Your right on the money with those 10. JPHazelton: there is no reason to be scared of Digoxin and Coumadin. I know it looks scarry now, but both of them are pretty main stream. Its just vital to keep reports on them. Also, most hospitals have "Coumadin Clinics" that the pharmacy is in charge of to make sure the pt is getting the correct dose. Have no fear, your (future) pharmacists are here! (God, did I just say that? How corny!!!)