Pharmacology Rank-Booster Day
Hey, future AIIMS Nursing Officers! Day 187 at logyanlo.in is your complete Pharmacology masterclass for AIIMS NORCET 2025, RRB Staff Nurse, JIPMER, SGPGI & DSSSB. We're covering the 7 most repeated topics: Common Toxicities & Antidote Management, Essential Antidote Set, Blood-Related Pharmacology, Thrombolytics, Digoxin Clinical Pharm, Emergency Management of Hypotension, and Vasodilators vs Vasoconstrictors. These appear in every shift - master them and lock 15–20 marks! Let’s dominate 2025!
Why Pharmacology Is Exam Gold
Pharmacology = guaranteed high weightage:
- 15–20 % questions in AIIMS NORCET & RRB exams
- Antidotes, toxicities & digoxin are favourite scenario questions
- Thrombolytics & vasopressors appear in both theory + case-based sections
- Blood-related drugs & hypotension management are repeated every year
logyanlo.in gives you only the high-yield, rank-making points!
Key Topics in Pharmacology Nursing
Common Toxicities and Antidote Management
Quick Fact
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the antidote for paracetamol overdose.
Complete Coverage
Key Poisonings & Antidotes Table
| Substance / Poison | Clinical Clues / Signs | Antidote / Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Cocaine | Mydriasis, tachycardia, agitation, MI risk | Benzodiazepines (avoid beta-blockers alone) |
| Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) | Hepatotoxicity (jaundice, RUQ pain, ↑ LFTs) | N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – best within 8–10 hrs |
| Carbon Monoxide | Headache, cherry-red skin, confusion | 100 % O₂ or hyperbaric oxygen |
| Digoxin | Yellow vision, bradycardia, anorexia, arrhythmias | Digibind (Digoxin Immune Fab), correct K⁺ |
| Magnesium Sulfate OD | ↓ DTRs, respiratory depression, hypotension | Calcium gluconate (IV) |
| Organophosphates | SLUDGE (salivation, lacrimation, urination, etc.) | Atropine + Pralidoxime (2-PAM) |
Special Nursing Points for MgSO₄ in Eclampsia
- Monitor DTRs hourly, respiratory rate >12/min
- Toxicity signs: loss of patellar reflex → stop infusion
- Antidote ready: calcium gluconate 10 mL IV
Exam Pearl
Organophosphate = SLUDGE syndrome + atropine first.
Essential Antidote Set
Quick Fact
Naloxone is the antidote for opioid overdose.
Complete Coverage
Must-Know Antidotes
- Opioids (morphine, heroin) → Naloxone (Narcan) – reverses respiratory depression
- Benzodiazepines → Flumazenil – use cautiously (risk of seizures)
- Heparin → Protamine sulfate – 1 mg neutralizes 100 units heparin
- Warfarin → Vitamin K (slow) or FFP/PCC (rapid reversal)
- Iron toxicity → Deferoxamine – chelates free iron
- Beta-blocker overdose → Glucagon – increases cAMP independently
Exam Pearl
Protamine for heparin, vitamin K for warfarin – classic pair.
Blood-Related Pharmacology (Antiplatelets)
Quick Fact
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits TXA₂ pathway.
Complete Coverage
Antiplatelets Overview
- Aspirin: COX-1 inhibitor → blocks TXA₂ → antiplatelet effect lasts 7–10 days
- Clopidogrel: ADP receptor inhibitor (P2Y12) → prevents platelet activation
Uses
Primary/secondary prevention of MI, stroke, post-stent
Risks
Bleeding (GI, intracranial), monitor for petechiae, bleeding gums, black stools
Nursing Monitoring
Signs of bleeding: ecchymosis, hematuria, epistaxis, report immediately
Exam Pearl
Dual antiplatelet (aspirin + clopidogrel) post-PCI.
Thrombolytics / Clot Busters
Quick Fact
Alteplase (tPA) is recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.
Complete Coverage
Drugs
Alteplase (tPA), Streptokinase, Tenecteplase
Indications
STEMI (<12 hrs), acute ischemic stroke (<4.5 hrs), massive PE
Contraindications
Recent surgery, hemorrhagic stroke, active bleeding, severe hypertension
Complications
Intracranial hemorrhage (most feared), systemic bleeding
Nursing
Monitor for bleeding, no IM injections, bed rest
Exam Pearl
Absolute contraindication = recent brain surgery or stroke.
Digoxin Clinical Pharm
Quick Fact
Therapeutic digoxin level: 0.5–2.0 ng/mL.
Complete Coverage
Actions
Positive inotrope (↑ contractility), negative chronotrope (↓ HR)
Indications
Heart failure, atrial fibrillation rate control
Toxicity Signs
Nausea, yellow vision (xanthopsia), bradycardia, arrhythmias
Nursing Action
Apical pulse 1 full minute → hold if HR <60 (adults) or <90 (infants)
Electrolyte Link
Hypokalemia potentiates toxicity – monitor K⁺ closely
Exam Pearl
Hold digoxin if apical pulse <60.
Emergency Management of Hypotension
Quick Fact
First-line for hypotension: IV crystalloids (NS or RL).
Complete Coverage
Stepwise Approach
- IV fluids (crystalloids) – 20 mL/kg bolus
- If fluids fail → vasopressors
Vasopressors
- Norepinephrine – first line in septic shock (vasoconstriction)
- Dopamine – low dose renal perfusion, medium dose inotropic
- Dobutamine – cardiogenic shock (pure inotrope)
Exam Pearl
Septic shock → norepinephrine first.
Vasodilators vs. Vasoconstrictors
Quick Fact
Nitroglycerin is a venous vasodilator (reduces preload).
Complete Coverage
Comparison Table
| Category | Mechanism | Drugs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vasoconstrictors | ↑ SVR, ↑ BP | Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Phenylephrine | Used in shock, hypotension |
| Vasodilators | ↓ SVR, ↓ BP, coronary relaxation | Nitroglycerin, Nitroprusside, Hydralazine | Angina, hypertension, heart failure |
Exam Pearl
Nitroglycerin = venous dilator → reduces preload → angina relief.
Mini FAQ: Pharmacology 2025 Hacks
Q: Paracetamol antidote? → N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
Q: Opioid overdose antidote? → Naloxone
Q: Digoxin toxicity antidote? → Digibind
Q: First-line in septic shock? → Norepinephrine
Q: Hold digoxin if HR? → <60 in adults
Why logyanlo.in?
Your 2025 pharmacology rank partner with free PYQs, diagram quizzes & Telegram community!
Conclusion: Your Pharmacology Marks Are Locked!
Day 187 just gave you the complete pharmacology package. Keep practising daily on our Daily Question Bank and watch your name in the merit list!
Call to Action
Share this post with your batchmates & Telegram groups – let's make 2025 ours!
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