By Molly Lewis
In my previous antiarrhythmic post, I gave you two mnemonics to help you remember the mechanisms of action of each of the antiarrhythmic classes.
Now, while I still can’t spell the word “antiarrhythmic” (yay for spell check!), let’s see if I can help you remember the subclasses of the type I agents!
(Also, be sure to check out First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, too, for more mnemonics for the antiarrhythmics!).
The class I antiarrhythmics are frustrating because their names sound so similar! “-amide”, “-idine”, “-ocaine”, “-etine”, “-ainide” – not much help there in remembering which drugs belong to which class!
So, try these mnemonics:
(PS: there are more agents than the ones I’ve listed here, but I’m only including the ones that are more often used and more likely to be tested).
Class I agents:
Now, next time you see a list of answer choices including a long list of these oh-so-similar sounding drugs, you will know which is which! (and maybe get a quick brain vacation while thinking about that delicious lunch you have planned for after the test!).
Do you have a mnemonic for the class I antiarrhythmics subclasses? Post it below!
Bibliography
- Rx Bricks: Class I, II, III, and IV Drugs
- Burger and fries mnemonics: http://www.urch.com/forums/fpgee/105947-mnemonics-help-remember-antiarrhythmics.html
