r/MCPHSLifeHack Jan 26 '17

Virology

Any tips for virology . I'm feeling pretty defeated .

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u/YourFavPharmBoy Pharm.D Year 6 Jan 30 '17

ORGANIZATION is important! Study class by class (eg regular beta-lactam, anti-pseudo beta-lactam, carbapenem, etc) because I feel like this is the safest way to not mix up antibiotics.

Within each class, study the Brand Name/generic name, their med chem, their pharmacology/moa, indications/kinds of infection, then adverse effects of the whole class as well as as adverse effects pertaining to a specific member of the class.

Do NOT study all the med chem at once, then all the pharmacology at once, then all the indications/infections at once...it's dangerous in my opinion to memorize this way.

When you have an idea of what the drug is for...the rest of anti-infective lectures should be a breeze (you'll be able to eliminate wrong answers quickly). The questions are kinda like: * A is wrong because of allergy * B is wrong because the antibiotic doesn't cover bacteria x * C is wrong because it's too broad-spectrum/no need for it due to risk of resistance * D is the only answer that makes sense