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Questions use brand and generic names interchangeably. Learning the pair together, and learning the class stems, lets you place drugs you never memorized.
One of six knowledge areas in the Medications domain, and the one most preparation treats as the whole thing.
Both directions, from the start
Questions use brand and generic interchangeably. A candidate drilled only from brand to generic is fluent in one direction and slow in the other. A list is always incomplete.
Learn the pair as a unit rather than learning generics and adding brands later.
The stems do the heavy lifting
Many therapeutic classes share a naming stem, so an unfamiliar generic name can often be placed into a class from its ending alone. On an exam sampling from a large universe of drugs, being able to place an unknown is worth considerably more than having memorized a longer list of knowns.
Why the class matters more than the name
Two other knowledge areas - therapeutic duplications, and drug interactions - are answered from the class rather than the name. A candidate holding names without classes cannot reach them. The stem does the work.
Practical method
- Group by class rather than alphabetically
- For each class, learn the stem, three members, one indication and one common adverse effect
- Drill both directions
- Say the answer before checking, because recognition flatters you
Watch the look-alike pairs
Similar names from different classes are both a Medications question and a Patient Safety one. Learning them as pairs serves both domains, and the confusion is exactly what look-alike sound-alike questions test. Both directions.
How much is enough
Enough classes to place most unfamiliar generics, not a fixed number of drugs. The exam samples widely and a list is always incomplete.
Common questions
Do I need to learn brand and generic names?
Yes, both directions. Questions use them interchangeably.
Are drug name stems useful?
Very. They let you place an unfamiliar generic into a class without having memorized it.
Why does class matter more than the name?
Duplications and interactions are answered from the class, not the name.
How should I drill?
By class, saying the answer before checking, in both directions.
How many drugs is enough?
Enough classes to place unfamiliar generics. A fixed list is always incomplete.