What are the best strategies to memorize the top 200 drugs for pharmacy technician exams?

Question

I'm studying to become a pharmacy technician and struggling to remember the top 200 drugs-especially brand vs. generic names, drug classifications, and their uses. What memory tricks or study strategies can help with long-term retention?

Answer 1

Memorizing the Top 200 drugs can feel overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into smaller, organized chunks makes a big difference. Here are my top strategies:

1. Group by Drug Class:
2. Start by organizing the drugs into categories (e.g., antibiotics, antihypertensives, statins). When you understand the function of the class, it's easier to remember the names and uses.
3. Flashcards (Digital or Paper):
4. Use flashcards for brand/generic names, indications, and common side effects. Apps like Anki or Quizlet let you study in short sessions, which helps long-term retention.
5. Mnemonics:
6. Use simple memory tricks. For example, “LOL” drugs are beta-blockers (like atenolol, metoprolol). Mnemonics make recall easier under exam pressure.
7. Daily Mini-Reviews:
8. Review 10–15 drugs per day rather than cramming all at once. Repetition over time builds stronger memory.
9. Teach It Back:
10. Try explaining the drug names or their purpose out loud or to a friend. Teaching helps lock the information in your mind.
11. Focus on High-Frequency Drugs:
12. Prioritize drugs that appear frequently in practice, such as amoxicillin, lisinopril, metformin, etc. These are more likely to appear on exams.

As a certified pharmacy technician, I help students build confidence with these techniques and more. If you're preparing for an exam or want structured help, I'd be happy to tutor you one-on-one!