Overview
This lecture explains the purpose of the top 200 drugs list and provides effective strategies for memorizing these commonly used medications in the United States.
What is the Top 200 Drugs List?
- The top 200 drugs list contains the most commonly used medications in the U.S.
- There is no single official list; different groups create their versions based on their data and updates.
- The list changes over time as new drugs are introduced and prescribing patterns shift.
- Healthcare professionals and students use the list as a reference to familiarize themselves with essential medications.
Ineffective Memorization Strategies
- Do not memorize the list in order; knowing order is not necessary.
- Do not attempt to memorize each drug independently at first, as grouping is more effective.
Effective Memorization Strategies
- Memorize drugs by indication (purpose) and drug class first, grouping drugs with similar uses and suffixes.
- Learn the suffixes that indicate drug class, such as “-statin” for cholesterol-lowering drugs (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors).
- After mastering drug classes, memorize individual brand and generic names within each class (e.g., atorvastatin = Lipitor).
- Study drugs in mixed order (not by class or alphabetical) to reinforce memory and recognition.
- For drugs not in a common class, use repetition and flashcards, focusing more on drugs you find difficult.
- Use practice quizzes to assess your knowledge and identify weak areas for further review.
Summary of Steps for Memorization
- Start with memorizing by class and indication.
- Learn each drug within the class.
- Practice with mixed orders.
- Rely on repetition for unique or miscellaneous drugs.
- Test yourself with quizzes for ongoing improvement.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Top 200 Drugs List — a compilation of the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S.
- Indication — the medical condition a drug is used to treat.
- Drug Class — a group of drugs with similar chemical structure and therapeutic effects.
- Suffix — the ending part of a drug’s generic name that often indicates its drug class (e.g., “-statin”).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Group drugs by class and indication to begin studying.
- Make or use flashcards for both grouped and unique drugs.
- Take practice quizzes to track progress and reinforce learning.