10 Drug Mnemonics Every Pharmacy Tech Must Know | Pass the PTCB Exam Faster!

By andrea172 | Updated: May 4, 2025, 11:41 a.m.

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Struggling to memorize drug classifications for the PTCB exam? You're not alone! In this video, we break down 10 powerful and easy-to-remember drug mnemonics to help you learn faster and retain more — from ACE inhibitors to PDE5 inhibitors. You'll discover clever ways to remember drug endings like '-pril', '-lol', '-statin', '-azole', and more — along with examples and vivid memory tricks designed specifically for pharmacy tech students. Whether you’re cramming for the PTCB or just starting your study journey, these mnemonics will boost your recall, save study time, and get you one step closer to certification success! ✅ Perfect for: • PTCB exam prep • Pharmacy tech students • Memorizing generic and brand-name drugs • Studying drug classifications • Learning drug suffixes quickly 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more test prep tips, flashcards, and pharmacy tech content!

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Studying for the PTCB exam and overwhelmed by all those drug names?
In this video, we’ll review 10 mnemonics to help you master drug classifications with ease. 
Think of them as your helpful friend ‘Pril’ — always there when your heart needs a hand."
1. ACE Inhibitors
Mnemonic: “A ‘PRIL’ in need is a friend indeed!
Lisinopril, Enalapril, Ramipril
High Blood Pressure
Heart Failure
Think of these drugs as helping your heart ‘laugh out loud’ — calming it down and easing the pressure.
2. Beta Blockers
Mnemonic: “Oh -LOL, it’s time to relax!”
Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol
High Blood Pressure
chest pain
Irregular Heartbeats
Think of them as “stating” the importance of heart health.
3. Statins
Mnemonic: “It’s no -STATIN the fact you need to lower your cholesterol.”
Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Simvastatin
lower cholesterol levels
Reduce risk of 
heart Disease and Stroke
Visualize a ‘zole’ or ‘hole’ where excess acid disappears.
4. Proton Pump Inhibitors
Mnemonic:  “In a -ZOLE, there’s less acid.”
Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Esomeprazole
Reduce The Amount of acid your stomach produces
Picture a sunny day that brings strength and relief from inflammation.
5. Glucocorticoids
Mnemonic:  “The -SONE is shining, you feel strong.”
Prednisone, Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone
allergies
inflammation
autoimmune conditions
Anti-inflammatory
Imagine fungi trying to have fun — but falling into a hole where they can't survive.
6. Antifungals
Mnemonic:  “FUNgal infections can’t survive in the -AZOLE.”
Ketoconazole, Fluconazole,  Itraconazole
treat fungal infections
Picture a calm, peaceful setting where your mind and body can relax.
7. Benzodiazepines
Mnemonic:  “It’s -ZOLAM quiet, time for rest.”
Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Diazepam
Anxiety
Insomnia
Seizures
Think of them as bringing affection and heart-boosting effects.
8. PDE5 Inhibitors
Mnemonic:  “-AFIL of love!”
Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil
erectile dysfunction
pulmonary hypertension
Picture these drugs sailing from the ARB’or to calm your blood pressure.
9. ARBs 
Mnemonic:  "Angiotensin ends in -sartan in the ‘ARB’or.”
Losartan, Valsartan, and Irbesartan
high blood pressure 
heart failure
Imagine them striding forward confidently, pushing away excess DHT.
 10. 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
Mnemonic:  “-STERIDE' off the DHT.”
Finasteride and Dutasteride
prostate enlargement 
hair loss
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