ATI Capstone Content Review: Pharmacology - Tips of the Week

Pharmacology can be a tough area to review. There is so much info that it can be difficult to feel confident. While it is not possible to memorize it all, having a strong knowledge base of the classifications goes a long way. The ATI pharm review book is organized by classifications. Medications in the same classification often act in similar ways. So if you don't know much about a medication, but you know what classification the medication belongs to, you will better grasp the action and purpose for the client's needs. Here are some helpful tips to help you remember some of your classifications: Antiemetics An antiemetic is a medication used in the treatment and/or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Generic names are more consistent, because their endings may be the same, whereas brand names come and go. Here are some common classes of antiemetics and their generic names – notice the similarities in the generic names: 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (serotonin antagonists) Dolasetron (Anzemet) Granisetron (Kytril, Sancuso) Ondansetron (Zofran) Tropisetron (Navoban) It's ‘Tron’ to the rescue! Dopamine antagonists Promethazine (Phenergan) prochlorperazine (Compazine) Metoclopramide (Reglan). Now this one is different in generic name because it can have some different side effects – watch for extra-pyramidal side effects with metoclopramide.