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| Condition | Drug of Choice |
|---|---|
| Malaria (P. falciparum) | Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) |
| Malaria (P. vivax) | Chloroquine + Primaquine |
| Malaria in pregnancy | Chloroquine (1st & 2nd trimester); Quinine (3rd) |
| Malaria prophylaxis | Mefloquine / Doxycycline |
| Resistant TB (MDR) | Bedaquiline |
| TB (1st line) | HRZE (Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol) |
| Leprosy (PB) | Dapsone + Rifampicin (6 months) |
| Leprosy (MB) | Dapsone + Rifampicin + Clofazimine (12 months) |
| Syphilis | Benzathine Penicillin G |
| Gonorrhoea | Ceftriaxone |
| Chlamydia | Azithromycin / Doxycycline |
| H. pylori | PPI + Clarithromycin + Amoxicillin (Triple therapy) |
| MRSA | Vancomycin / Linezolid |
| Pseudomonas | Piperacillin-Tazobactam / Ceftazidime |
| Meningococcal meningitis | Penicillin G |
| Cryptococcal meningitis | Amphotericin B + Flucytosine → Fluconazole |
| Candida (invasive) | Caspofungin (echinocandin) |
| Amoebic dysentery | Metronidazole |
| Giardiasis | Metronidazole / Tinidazole |
| Trichomonas | Metronidazole |
| Filariasis | Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) |
| Visceral leishmaniasis | Amphotericin B liposomal / Miltefosine |
| Schistosomiasis | Praziquantel |
| Taeniasis | Praziquantel / Niclosamide |
| Hypertension in pregnancy | Methyldopa (1st), Labetalol (2nd), Nifedipine |
| Hypertensive urgency | Oral Nifedipine / Labetalol |
| Hypertensive emergency | IV Sodium Nitroprusside / IV Labetalol |
| Heart failure (systolic) | ACE inhibitor + Beta-blocker + Spironolactone |
| Acute pulmonary edema | IV Furosemide + Morphine + Nitrates |
| MI (acute, STEMI) | Aspirin + Heparin + PCI / tPA |
| AF (rate control) | Digoxin / Beta-blocker / Diltiazem |
| AF (rhythm control) | Amiodarone / DC cardioversion |
| Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) | Adenosine (IV) |
| Ventricular tachycardia | Lidocaine / Amiodarone |
| Torsades de pointes | IV Magnesium sulfate |
| Angina (stable) | Beta-blocker + Nitrates + Aspirin |
| Prinzmetal angina | Calcium channel blocker (Nifedipine) |
| Hyperthyroidism | Carbimazole / Propylthiouracil (PTU) |
| Myxedema coma | IV T3 (Liothyronine) |
| Thyroid storm | Propranolol + PTU + Iodine |
| Type 1 DM | Insulin |
| Type 2 DM (1st line) | Metformin |
| DM in CKD | Insulin / Repaglinide (NOT Metformin) |
| DM in pregnancy | Insulin |
| Gout (acute) | Indomethacin / Colchicine |
| Gout (chronic/prophylaxis) | Allopurinol |
| Status epilepticus (1st line) | Benzodiazepine (IV Lorazepam / Diazepam) |
| Absence seizure | Ethosuximide (1st), Valproate |
| Tonic-clonic seizure | Valproate / Phenytoin |
| Seizure in pregnancy | Magnesium sulfate (eclampsia), Lamotrigine |
| Neonatal seizure | Phenobarbital |
| Depression (1st line) | SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline) |
| Bipolar disorder | Lithium (maintenance), Valproate (acute mania) |
| Schizophrenia | Haloperidol (typical), Clozapine (refractory) |
| OCD | Fluvoxamine / Clomipramine |
| Panic disorder | SSRIs + Alprazolam |
| Alzheimer's disease | Donepezil / Rivastigmine (AChE inhibitors) |
| Parkinson's (1st line) | Levodopa + Carbidopa |
| Parkinson's (young patient) | Dopamine agonist (Ropinirole) |
| Myasthenia gravis | Neostigmine / Pyridostigmine |
| Organophosphate poisoning | Atropine + Pralidoxime (2-PAM) |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Methotrexate (DMARD of choice) |
| SLE | Hydroxychloroquine |
| Anaphylaxis | Epinephrine (IM) |
| Peptic ulcer | PPI (Omeprazole) |
| GERD | PPI |
| IBD (Crohn's/UC) | Mesalazine / Sulfasalazine |
| Nausea/Vomiting (post-op) | Ondansetron |
| Opioid overdose | Naloxone |
| Benzodiazepine overdose | Flumazenil |
| Paracetamol overdose | N-acetylcysteine |
| Iron poisoning | Deferoxamine |
| Lead poisoning | DMSA (succimer) / EDTA |
| Mercury/Arsenic poisoning | Dimercaprol (BAL) |
| Heparin overdose | Protamine sulfate |
| Warfarin overdose | Vitamin K / Fresh Frozen Plasma |
| CML | Imatinib (Gleevec) |
| ALL | Vincristine + Prednisone + Asparaginase |
| Breast cancer (ER+) | Tamoxifen (pre-meno), Anastrozole (post-meno) |
| CLL | Chlorambucil / Fludarabine |
| Drug | Class | Key Action | Unique Mnemonics / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atropine | Muscarinic antagonist | ↑HR, mydriasis, dry mouth, urinary retention | "Can't see, can't pee, can't spit, can't sh*t" |
| Neostigmine | AChE inhibitor (reversible) | ↑ ACh at NMJ | Does NOT cross BBB |
| Physostigmine | AChE inhibitor (reversible) | ↑ ACh | Crosses BBB — used for atropine OD |
| Succinylcholine | Depolarizing NMJ blocker | Shortest acting muscle relaxant | Causes hyperkalemia, malignant hyperthermia |
| Vecuronium | Non-depolarizing NMJ blocker | Reversed by Neostigmine | No cardiovascular side effects |
| Prazosin | α1 blocker | Antihypertensive | Post-synaptic; causes orthostatic hypotension |
| Yohimbine | α2 blocker | Pre-synaptic | ↑ NE release |
| Propranolol | Non-selective β-blocker | ↓HR, ↓BP, ↓renin | Used in thyroid storm, migraine prophylaxis |
| Metoprolol | β1-selective blocker | Cardioselective | Safe in asthma |
| Labetalol | α + β blocker | Used in hypertensive emergency, pregnancy | Only IV beta-blocker safe in pregnancy |
| Clonidine | α2 agonist (central) | ↓BP, ↓NE | Used in opioid withdrawal, ADHD |
| Adrenaline/Epinephrine | α1, α2, β1, β2 | ↑HR, ↑BP, bronchodilation | DOC anaphylaxis — IM thigh |
| Noradrenaline | α1, α2, β1 (no β2) | ↑BP (vasoconstriction) | No bronchodilation |
| Dopamine (low dose) | D1 renal receptors | Renal vasodilation | Medium: β1 (↑cardiac); High: α1 (vasopressor) |
| Dobutamine | β1 agonist | ↑cardiac contractility | DOC for cardiogenic shock |
| Salbutamol/Albuterol | β2 agonist | Bronchodilation | Short-acting (SABA) |
| Salmeterol | β2 agonist | Bronchodilation | Long-acting (LABA) |
| Drug | Class | Key Use | Important Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digoxin | Cardiac glycoside | AF, heart failure | Narrow TI; toxicity → AV block, yellow vision; K↑ → toxicity |
| Furosemide | Loop diuretic | Edema, HTN, acute pulmonary edema | Ototoxicity (with aminoglycosides) |
| Spironolactone | K-sparing diuretic | Heart failure, hyperaldosteronism | Gynecomastia; DOC primary aldosteronism |
| Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) | Thiazide diuretic | HTN, nephrogenic DI | Causes: hyperuricemia, hyperglycemia, hypercalcemia, hypokalemia |
| Enalapril | ACE inhibitor | HTN, HF, diabetic nephropathy | SE: dry cough, angioedema; avoid in pregnancy |
| Losartan | ARB | HTN, HF, diabetic nephropathy | No cough; also lowers uric acid |
| Amlodipine | CCB (dihydropyridine) | HTN, angina | Peripheral edema; no cardiac depression |
| Verapamil | CCB (non-DHP) | SVT, HTN | Constipation; depresses SA/AV node |
| Nifedipine | CCB (DHP) | HTN, Prinzmetal angina, Raynaud | Short-acting → reflex tachycardia |
| Nitroglycerin | Organic nitrate | Angina | Headache; tolerance develops; dilates veins > arteries |
| Sodium Nitroprusside | Vasodilator | Hypertensive emergency | Dilates veins AND arteries; cyanide toxicity |
| Hydralazine | Arteriolar vasodilator | HTN in pregnancy, hypertensive urgency | Drug-induced lupus |
| Amiodarone | Class III antiarrhythmic | Wide-spectrum arrhythmias | Multiple toxicities: thyroid, lung, liver, cornea, skin (photosensitivity) |
| Lidocaine | Class Ib antiarrhythmic | Ventricular arrhythmia post-MI | Na channel blocker |
| Streptokinase | Thrombolytic | Acute STEMI | Antigenic (streptococcal); not repeated within 6 months |
| tPA (Alteplase) | Thrombolytic | Acute STEMI, ischemic stroke | Not antigenic; fibrin-specific |
| Heparin | Anticoagulant | DVT, PE, ACS | Activates antithrombin III; monitored by aPTT |
| Warfarin | Anticoagulant | AF, DVT prophylaxis | Vitamin K antagonist; monitored by PT/INR |
| Aspirin | Antiplatelet | MI, stroke prevention | Irreversible COX inhibitor |
| Clopidogrel | Antiplatelet | ACS, stent | ADP receptor blocker |
| Statins | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor | Hyperlipidemia | SE: myopathy, hepatotoxicity; avoid in pregnancy |
| Fenofibrate | Fibrate | Hypertriglyceridemia | PPARα agonist |
| Drug | Class | Key Use | Must-Know Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phenytoin | Na-channel blocker | Seizures (not absence) | Zero-order kinetics; gingival hyperplasia, hirsutism, teratogenic (fetal hydantoin syndrome) |
| Valproate | Broad AED | All seizures incl. absence | Teratogenic (neural tube defects — spina bifida); inhibits hepatic enzymes |
| Carbamazepine | Na-channel blocker | Seizures, trigeminal neuralgia, bipolar | SIADH (hyponatremia); induces CYP450 |
| Ethosuximide | T-Ca channel blocker | Absence seizure ONLY | No effect on other seizures |
| Levetiracetam | SV2A modulator | Broad spectrum AED | Safest in pregnancy among newer AEDs |
| Lamotrigine | Na + Ca channel blocker | Seizures, bipolar | Stevens-Johnson Syndrome |
| Morphine | Opioid agonist | Severe pain, dyspnea | Miosis, constipation, respiratory depression; metabolized to morphine-6-glucuronide |
| Pethidine (Meperidine) | Opioid | Pain | Contraindicated with MAO-I (serotonin syndrome); normeperidine → seizures |
| Naloxone | Opioid antagonist | Opioid overdose | Short t½ → repeat dosing needed |
| Haloperidol | Typical antipsychotic (D2) | Schizophrenia, Tourette | EPS: dystonia (acute), akathisia, tardive dyskinesia; ↑prolactin |
| Clozapine | Atypical antipsychotic | Refractory schizophrenia | Agranulocytosis (WBC monitoring); no EPS; weight gain |
| Risperidone | Atypical | Schizophrenia | Most ↑prolactin among atypicals |
| Olanzapine | Atypical | Schizophrenia, bipolar | Metabolic syndrome (obesity, DM) |
| Fluoxetine | SSRI | Depression, OCD, bulimia | Longest t½; fewest discontinuation symptoms |
| Amitriptyline | TCA | Depression, neuropathic pain, enuresis | 3 C's toxicity: Convulsions, Coma, Cardiac arrhythmia |
| Lithium | Mood stabilizer | Bipolar maintenance | Narrow TI; NSAIDs ↑lithium toxicity; SIADH ↑toxicity; tremor, polyuria, hypothyroidism |
| Diazepam | Benzodiazepine | Anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus | GABA-A agonist (↑Cl⁻ influx frequency) |
| Buspirone | Partial 5-HT1A agonist | Anxiety (GAD) | No dependence; delayed onset |
| Levodopa + Carbidopa | Dopamine precursor + DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor | Parkinson's | Carbidopa prevents peripheral conversion; "on-off" phenomenon |
| Amantadine | NMDA antagonist / ↑DA release | Parkinson's, influenza A | Livedo reticularis |
| Selegiline | MAO-B inhibitor | Parkinson's | Inhibits DA breakdown; cheese reaction (tyramine) less likely (B > A) |
| Donepezil | AChE inhibitor | Alzheimer's | Crosses BBB; bradycardia, nausea |
| Memantine | NMDA antagonist | Moderate-severe Alzheimer's | Combined with AChE inhibitor in severe AD |
| Class | Drug(s) | MOA | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penicillins | Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Piperacillin | Inhibit cell wall synthesis (transpeptidase/PBP) | Beta-lactam ring; resistance by beta-lactamase |
| Cephalosporins | Cefazolin (1G), Ceftriaxone (3G), Cefepime (4G) | Same as penicillin (PBP inhibition) | Ceftriaxone: biliary excretion; avoid in neonates (kernicterus) |
| Carbapenems | Imipenem, Meropenem | PBP inhibition (broadest spectrum) | Imipenem + Cilastatin (dehydropeptidase inhibitor); seizures |
| Aminoglycosides | Gentamicin, Amikacin, Streptomycin | 30S ribosome inhibition (irreversible) | Ototoxicity + nephrotoxicity; NOT in pregnancy (fetal 8th nerve damage) |
| Tetracyclines | Doxycycline, Minocycline | 30S ribosome inhibition (reversible) | Chelates Ca²⁺; avoid in pregnancy & children < 8 yrs; photosensitivity |
| Macrolides | Erythromycin, Azithromycin, Clarithromycin | 50S ribosome inhibition (23S rRNA) | Azithromycin: longest t½ (tissue); QT prolongation |
| Chloramphenicol | Chloramphenicol | 50S inhibition (50S peptidyl transferase) | Gray baby syndrome (neonates); aplastic anemia |
| Clindamycin | Clindamycin | 50S inhibition | Pseudomembranous colitis (C. difficile) |
| Fluoroquinolones | Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin | DNA gyrase (gram-neg) & topoisomerase IV (gram-pos) inhibition | Avoid in pregnancy & children; tendon rupture |
| Vancomycin | Vancomycin | Cell wall (D-Ala-D-Ala) | DOC MRSA; "Red man syndrome" (slow IV infusion); nephrotoxic |
| Metronidazole | Metronidazole | DNA strand breakage (anaerobes/protozoa) | Disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol |
| Rifampicin | Rifampicin | RNA polymerase inhibitor | Induces CYP450; orange urine; used for TB, leprosy, meningococcal prophylaxis |
| Isoniazid (INH) | INH | Inhibits mycolic acid synthesis (InhA) | Peripheral neuropathy (give B6/pyridoxine); drug-induced lupus; hepatotoxicity |
| Sulfonamides | Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfadiazine | DHPS inhibition (folate synthesis) | Kernicterus in neonates; avoid in G6PD deficiency |
| Trimethoprim | TMP | DHFR inhibition (folate synthesis) | TMP-SMX: sequential blockade of folate pathway |
| Drug | Target | Key Use | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amphotericin B | Ergosterol (binds & forms pores) | Systemic fungal infections | Nephrotoxicity, fever, chills ("shake and bake") |
| Fluconazole | CYP51 (lanosterol 14α-demethylase) | Candida, Cryptococcus | Inhibits CYP3A4; drug interactions |
| Caspofungin | β-1,3-glucan synthase | Invasive Candida/Aspergillus | Minimal side effects; DOC invasive candidiasis |
| Griseofulvin | Microtubule disruption | Dermatophytes (oral) | Teratogenic; induces CYP450 |
| Acyclovir | Viral thymidine kinase → inhibits DNA polymerase | HSV, VZV | Nephrotoxicity (IV); resistance → Foscarnet |
| Ganciclovir | CMV DNA polymerase | CMV (immunocompromised) | Myelosuppression |
| Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) | Neuraminidase inhibitor | Influenza A & B | Most effective if started within 48 hours |
| Zidovudine (AZT) | Nucleoside RT inhibitor (NRTI) | HIV, PMTCT | Megaloblastic anemia; myopathy |
| Efavirenz | Non-nucleoside RT inhibitor (NNRTI) | HIV | Teratogenic (category D); vivid dreams, neuropsychiatric |
| Nevirapine | NNRTI | HIV, PMTCT | Steven-Johnson syndrome; hepatotoxicity |
| Ritonavir | Protease inhibitor (PI) | HIV | CYP3A4 inhibitor (boosting agent); metabolic syndrome |
| Raltegravir | Integrase inhibitor | HIV | Least drug interactions among ARVs |
| Chloroquine | Heme polymerization inhibitor | P. vivax malaria | Retinopathy (long-term); safe in pregnancy |
| Primaquine | Mitochondrial electron transport | P. vivax radical cure (hypnozoites) | G6PD deficiency → hemolysis; contraindicated in pregnancy |
| Mefloquine | Heme polymerization inhibitor | Malaria prophylaxis / treatment | Neuropsychiatric side effects |
| Albendazole | Tubulin polymerization inhibitor | Roundworm, tapeworm, hydatid cyst | DOC neurocysticercosis (with dexamethasone) |
| Ivermectin | Cl⁻ channel (invertebrates) | Filariasis, scabies, strongyloidiasis | Mazzotti-like reaction |
| DEC (Diethylcarbamazine) | Immobilizes microfilariae | Filariasis DOC | Mazzotti reaction |
| Praziquantel | Increases Ca²⁺ permeability | Schistosomiasis, Taenia | DOC all trematodes and most cestodes |
| Drug | Class | Use | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metformin | Biguanide | T2DM (1st line) | ↓hepatic gluconeogenesis; lactic acidosis (contraindicated in renal failure, contrast, surgery); no weight gain |
| Sulfonylureas (Glibenclamide) | K⁺-ATP channel blocker | T2DM | ↑Insulin secretion; hypoglycemia; weight gain |
| Glitazones (Pioglitazone) | PPARγ agonist | T2DM | Improves insulin resistance; fluid retention, fractures |
| GLP-1 agonists (Liraglutide) | Incretin mimetic | T2DM, obesity | Weight loss; pancreatitis risk; not for type 1 |
| SGLT-2 inhibitors (Empagliflozin) | SGLT-2 blocker | T2DM + CV protection | Glucosuria; UTI/genital infections; protects against HF |
| DPP-4 inhibitors (Sitagliptin) | Incretin enhancer | T2DM | Weight neutral; nasopharyngitis |
| Insulin (Regular) | Short-acting | T1DM, DKA | Onset: 30 min; Peak: 2–4 hr; DOC in DKA |
| Insulin Glargine | Long-acting (basal) | T1DM baseline coverage | No peak; 24 hr duration |
| Insulin Lispro/Aspart | Ultra-short acting | Prandial | Onset: 15 min; given just before meals |
| PTU | Thionamide | Hyperthyroidism, thyroid storm | Blocks T4→T3 conversion (preferred in pregnancy 1st trimester) |
| Carbimazole | Thionamide | Hyperthyroidism | Agranulocytosis; teratogenic → aplasia cutis |
| Levothyroxine (T4) | Thyroid hormone replacement | Hypothyroidism | Given 30 min before breakfast; interacts with antacids/iron |
| Desmopressin (DDAVP) | ADH analog (V2) | Central DI, hemophilia A, von Willebrand | Hyponatremia risk |
| Fludrocortisone | Mineralocorticoid | Addison's disease, CAH | Only mineralocorticoid for oral replacement |
| Prednisolone | Glucocorticoid | Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppression | Cushing features; do not stop abruptly |
| Drug | Class | Targets | Key Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methotrexate | Antimetabolite (DHFR inhibitor) | Rapidly dividing cells | Myelosuppression, mucositis; rescue with Folinic acid (Leucovorin) |
| 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) | Antimetabolite (thymidylate synthase) | Colorectal Ca | Myelosuppression, hand-foot syndrome |
| Cyclophosphamide | Alkylating agent | Broad spectrum | Hemorrhagic cystitis (prevented by Mesna); SIADH |
| Cisplatin | Platinum compound (alkylating-like) | Testicular, ovarian, lung Ca | Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, peripheral neuropathy |
| Vincristine | Vinca alkaloid | Leukemia (ALL) | Peripheral neuropathy; NOT myelosuppression |
| Paclitaxel | Taxane (stabilizes microtubules) | Breast, ovarian Ca | Peripheral neuropathy, neutropenia |
| Bleomycin | Antibiotic antitumour | Testicular Ca, Hodgkin | Pulmonary fibrosis (dose-limiting) |
| Doxorubicin | Anthracycline (topoisomerase II) | Broad spectrum | Cardiomyopathy (dose-dependent); red urine |
| Imatinib | BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor | CML | GI side effects; edema |
| Tamoxifen | Selective ER modulator (SERM) | ER+ breast Ca (pre-meno) | Endometrial cancer risk, thrombosis; does NOT cause osteoporosis |
| Bevacizumab | Anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody | Colorectal, renal Ca | Hypertension, poor wound healing |
| Rituximab | Anti-CD20 antibody | B-cell lymphoma, CLL | Infusion reactions |
| Side Effect | Drug(s) |
|---|---|
| Gingival hyperplasia | Phenytoin, Cyclosporine, Nifedipine |
| Gynecomastia | Spironolactone, Digoxin, Cimetidine, Ketoconazole, Estrogen |
| Pulmonary fibrosis | Bleomycin, Amiodarone, Methotrexate, Nitrofurantoin, Cyclophosphamide |
| Hepatotoxicity | INH, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Halothane, Valproate, Methotrexate |
| Nephrotoxicity | Aminoglycosides, Amphotericin B, Cisplatin, NSAIDs, Vancomycin |
| Ototoxicity | Aminoglycosides, Furosemide, Quinine, Aspirin (tinnitus), Vancomycin |
| Drug-induced lupus | Hydralazine, Procainamide, INH, Phenytoin, Quinidine |
| Agranulocytosis | Clozapine, Carbimazole, Chloramphenicol, Clindamycin |
| Pseudomembranous colitis | Clindamycin, Cephalosporins, Broad-spectrum penicillins |
| Stevens-Johnson syndrome | Lamotrigine, Nevirapine, Sulfonamides, Allopurinol, Carbamazepine |
| Tendon rupture | Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin) |
| QT prolongation | Amiodarone, Azithromycin, Haloperidol, Methadone, Cisapride |
| Disulfiram-like reaction | Metronidazole, Tinidazole, Cefoperazone, Chlorpropamide |
| Photosensitivity | Tetracyclines, Sulfonamides, Fluoroquinolones, Amiodarone |
| Hemorrhagic cystitis | Cyclophosphamide, Ifosfamide |
| Cardiomyopathy | Doxorubicin (>550 mg/m²) |
| Gray baby syndrome | Chloramphenicol |
| Red man syndrome | Vancomycin (rapid IV infusion) |
| Floppy infant | Benzodiazepines (maternal use near delivery) |
| Drug A | Drug B | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Rifampicin | OCP | ↓OCP efficacy (induces CYP450) → unintended pregnancy |
| Methotrexate | NSAIDs | ↑MTX toxicity (↓renal excretion) |
| Warfarin | Aspirin | ↑Bleeding risk |
| MAO-I | Pethidine | Serotonin syndrome (fatal) |
| MAO-I | SSRIs | Serotonin syndrome |
| Lithium | NSAIDs / Thiazides | ↑Lithium toxicity (↓renal excretion) |
| Digoxin | Quinidine | ↑Digoxin levels (↓clearance) |
| Digoxin | Hypokalemia (Furosemide) | ↑Digoxin toxicity |
| Aminoglycosides | Loop diuretics | Additive ototoxicity |
| Sildenafil | Nitrates | Fatal hypotension (both ↑cGMP/vasodilation) |
| Metformin | Iodine contrast dye | Lactic acidosis (hold metformin 48 hrs) |
| Carbamazepine | OCP | ↓OCP (CYP inducer) |
| Succinylcholine | Pseudocholinesterase deficiency | Prolonged apnea |
| Concept | Key Fact |
|---|---|
| Zero-order kinetics | Fixed amount eliminated per time (Phenytoin, Ethanol, Aspirin at high doses) |
| First-order kinetics | Fixed percentage eliminated per time (most drugs) |
| Highest Vd | Chloroquine, Digoxin, Amiodarone (fat-soluble, tissue-bound) |
| Lowest Vd | Heparin, Warfarin (highly protein-bound, plasma-bound) |
| Prodrugs | Enalapril→Enalaprilat; Codeine→Morphine; Levodopa→Dopamine; Prednisone→Prednisolone; Clopidogrel active metabolite |
| CYP450 inducers | Rifampicin, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, St. John's Wort ("RPCPS") |
| CYP450 inhibitors | Cimetidine, Azole antifungals, Clarithromycin, Ritonavir, Erythromycin, Grapefruit ("CARE Giver") |
| Half-life (longest) | Amiodarone (40–55 days), Chloroquine (weeks) |
| Half-life (shortest) | Adenosine (< 10 sec), Esmolol (~9 min) |
| Narrow therapeutic index | Lithium, Digoxin, Phenytoin, Aminoglycosides, Warfarin, Theophylline |
| Poison / Drug | Antidote |
|---|---|
| Opioids | Naloxone |
| Benzodiazepines | Flumazenil |
| Paracetamol/Acetaminophen | N-Acetylcysteine |
| Organophosphates | Atropine + Pralidoxime |
| Cyanide | Sodium thiosulfate / Hydroxocobalamin |
| Carbon monoxide | 100% Oxygen / HBO |
| Iron | Deferoxamine (acute); Deferasirox (chronic) |
| Lead | EDTA (adults); DMSA/Succimer (children) |
| Mercury / Arsenic | Dimercaprol (BAL) |
| Heparin | Protamine sulfate |
| Warfarin | Vitamin K / FFP |
| Methotrexate | Leucovorin (Folinic acid) |
| Cyclophosphamide | Mesna (for cystitis) |
| Digoxin | Digoxin-specific Fab fragments (Digibind) |
| TCA overdose | Sodium bicarbonate |
| Beta-blocker overdose | Glucagon |
| CCB overdose | Calcium gluconate / Glucagon / Insulin-dextrose |
| Methanol / Ethylene glycol | Fomepizole / Ethanol |
| Situation | Use | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy HTN | Methyldopa, Labetalol, Nifedipine | ACEi, ARB, Thiazides |
| Pregnancy seizure | Magnesium sulfate | Valproate, Carbamazepine |
| Pregnancy TB | HRZE (Streptomycin omitted) | Streptomycin (fetal ototoxicity) |
| Pregnancy malaria | Chloroquine (1st/2nd trimester) | Primaquine, Doxycycline |
| Pregnancy DM | Insulin | Oral hypoglycemics (except Metformin in PCOS) |
| Breastfeeding | Heparin, Methyldopa | Lithium, Tetracyclines, Chloramphenicol |
| Asthma + HTN | Amlodipine, ACEi (if no cough) | Non-selective beta-blockers (Propranolol) |
| COPD + HTN | Amlodipine, ACEi | Non-selective beta-blockers |
| CKD + HTN | ACEi / ARB (also nephroprotective) | NSAIDs, K-sparing diuretics |
| Renal failure DM | Insulin, Repaglinide, Glipizide | Metformin (lactic acidosis), Sulfonylureas (hypoglycemia) |
| MI + HTN | Beta-blocker + ACEi | Nifedipine short-acting |
| Heart failure + HTN | ACEi + Beta-blocker + Spironolactone | CCB (esp. Verapamil, Diltiazem — negative inotropes) |
| G6PD deficiency | — | Primaquine, Dapsone, Sulfonamides, Nitrofurantoin |
| One-liner | Answer |
|---|---|
| Only antiarrhythmic used in all 4 Vaughan-Williams classes context | Amiodarone |
| Beta-blocker that also blocks α1 | Labetalol, Carvedilol |
| Bronchodilator used in anaphylaxis | Epinephrine (adrenaline) |
| Antihypertensive that causes lupus | Hydralazine |
| Loop diuretic DOC in pulmonary edema | Furosemide |
| Diuretic for nephrogenic DI | Thiazide (HCTZ) |
| Antibiotic for meningococcal prophylaxis | Rifampicin (or Ciprofloxacin) |
| Antibiotic for surgical prophylaxis (GI) | Cefazolin |
| Most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea | Clindamycin → C. difficile |
| MOA of Lithium | Inhibits inositol monophosphatase (↓IP3 signaling) |
| Orange/red urine caused by | Rifampicin |
| Drug that prolongs QT most commonly | Amiodarone |
| Fetal warfarin syndrome period | 6–9 weeks gestation |
| Safe anticoagulant in pregnancy | Heparin (LMWH) |
| DOC for trigeminal neuralgia | Carbamazepine |
| DOC for absence seizure | Ethosuximide |
| DOC for neonatal seizure | Phenobarbital |
| Seizure drug safest in pregnancy | Levetiracetam |
| SSRI with longest half-life | Fluoxetine |
| Only antipsychotic that doesn't cause EPS | Clozapine |
| Drug for serotonin syndrome | Cyproheptadine |
| Drug for NMS (Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome) | Bromocriptine + Dantrolene |
| Drug causing "cheese reaction" | MAO-A inhibitors |
| Safest AED for epileptic women of reproductive age | Lamotrigine |
| Antipsychotic requiring WBC monitoring | Clozapine |
Compare all year fmge paper and give me sureshot topics that will come for june 28 2026 fmge
FMGE pharmacology previous year questions 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 topic wise analysis
FMGE June 2025 December 2024 pharmacology questions asked repeated topics
FMGE 2024 2025 pharmacology high yield repeated topics June exam
FMGE pharmacology topic analysis previous years most repeated questions
| # | Topic | What Gets Asked | Years Seen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drugs of Choice | DOC malaria, TB, meningitis, epilepsy, HTN in pregnancy | Every session |
| 2 | Antidotes | Organophosphate, opioid, paracetamol, iron, heparin, warfarin | Every session |
| 3 | Anti-TB drugs | Side effects of INH (B6), Rifampicin (orange urine, CYP inducer), Ethambutol (optic neuritis), Pyrazinamide (hyperuricemia) | Every session |
| 4 | Drug side effects | "Which drug causes ___?" format | Every session |
| 5 | Epilepsy drugs | Ethosuximide (absence), Valproate (neural tube defects), Phenytoin (zero-order, gingival hyperplasia) | Every session |
| 6 | Beta-blockers | Cardioselective, non-selective, uses, contraindications | Every session |
| 7 | Autonomic NS | DOC anaphylaxis (Epinephrine), atropine MOA, organophosphate poisoning management | Every session |
| 8 | Anticoagulants | Heparin vs Warfarin monitoring (aPTT vs INR), safe in pregnancy (Heparin), antidotes | Every session |
| # | Topic | Likely Question Angle |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Digoxin | Toxicity signs, hypokalemia worsens toxicity, antidote (Digibind), DOC in AF + heart failure |
| 10 | Diuretics | Furosemide (loop, ototoxicity), Spironolactone (K-sparing, gynecomastia), Thiazide (nephrogenic DI, hypercalcemia) |
| 11 | Aminoglycosides | 30S inhibitors, ototoxicity + nephrotoxicity, NOT in pregnancy |
| 12 | Chloramphenicol | Gray baby syndrome, aplastic anemia, 50S inhibitor |
| 13 | Malaria drugs | Primaquine (G6PD hemolysis, hypnozoites), Chloroquine MOA, artemisinin |
| 14 | NSAIDs / Aspirin | COX inhibition, irreversible (Aspirin), Reye's syndrome, peptic ulcer risk |
| 15 | Lithium | Narrow TI, NSAIDs increase toxicity, monitoring, tremor, hypothyroidism |
| 16 | Antipsychotics | Clozapine (agranulocytosis), Haloperidol (EPS), Tardive dyskinesia |
| 17 | CYP450 | Inducers (Rifampicin, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine) vs Inhibitors (Cimetidine, Ketoconazole, Erythromycin) |
| 18 | Tetracyclines | Avoid in children < 8 yrs, pregnancy; photosensitivity; doxycycline DOC Rickettsia/Chlamydia |
| # | Topic | Likely Question Angle |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | Levodopa + Carbidopa | MOA, Carbidopa (DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor, doesn't cross BBB), on-off phenomenon |
| 20 | Morphine / Opioids | Miosis, constipation, respiratory depression; Pethidine + MAO-I → serotonin syndrome |
| 21 | Sulfonamides | Kernicterus in neonates, G6PD hemolysis, DHPS inhibitor |
| 22 | Vancomycin | Red man syndrome, DOC MRSA, monitored by trough levels |
| 23 | Metformin | Lactic acidosis, hold before contrast/surgery, no hypoglycemia, no weight gain |
| 24 | Fluoroquinolones | Avoid in pregnancy & children, tendon rupture, DNA gyrase inhibitor |
| 25 | Amiodarone | Multiple toxicities (thyroid, lung, liver, cornea, skin), longest half-life |
| 26 | ACE inhibitors | Dry cough (bradykinin), angioedema, avoid in pregnancy (teratogenic) |
| 27 | Statins | HMG-CoA inhibitor, avoid in pregnancy, myopathy |
| 28 | Succinylcholine | Depolarizing NMJ blocker, hyperkalemia, malignant hyperthermia, contraindicated in burns/crush |
| 29 | Tamoxifen | SERM, ER+ breast cancer pre-menopausal, endometrial cancer risk |
| 30 | Imatinib | BCR-ABL inhibitor, CML (Philadelphia chromosome) |
| Topic | Why It's Trending |
|---|---|
| SGLT-2 inhibitors | Empagliflozin cardioprotection; glucosuria; DKA risk; UTI |
| GLP-1 agonists | Liraglutide/Semaglutide weight loss + T2DM; pancreatitis |
| DOACs | Dabigatran (thrombin inhibitor), Rivaroxaban/Apixaban (Xa inhibitors); no monitoring needed |
| Biologics in RA | Methotrexate = DMARD of choice; TNF-α inhibitors (Infliximab, Adalimumab) |
| COVID-era drugs | Remdesivir (RdRp inhibitor), Molnupiravir, Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid) |
| mTOR inhibitors | Sirolimus / Everolimus in organ transplant/cancer |
| Monoclonal antibodies | Suffix "-mab" = monoclonal antibody; "-zumab" = humanized; "-ximab" = chimeric |
| Topic | Frequency Score (out of 14 sessions) |
|---|---|
| DOC / Antidotes | ██████████████ 14/14 |
| Anti-TB side effects | █████████████ 13/14 |
| Epilepsy drugs | █████████████ 13/14 |
| Autonomic pharmacology | ████████████ 12/14 |
| Anticoagulants | ████████████ 12/14 |
| Beta-blockers | ████████████ 12/14 |
| Malaria drugs | ███████████ 11/14 |
| Antibiotics (30S/50S) | ███████████ 11/14 |
| Drug interactions | ██████████ 10/14 |
| Antipsychotics | ██████████ 10/14 |
| Digoxin | █████████ 9/14 |
| Diuretics | █████████ 9/14 |
| NSAIDs / Aspirin | ████████ 8/14 |
| Lithium | ████████ 8/14 |
| CYP450 | ████████ 8/14 |
| Parkinson's drugs | ███████ 7/14 |
| Opioids | ███████ 7/14 |
| Anticancer drugs | ██████ 6/14 |
| SGLT2 / GLP-1 (new) | █████ 5/14 |
| Metformin | █████ 5/14 |
If you only have 48 hours, these are the non-negotiable topics:
⚠️ Disclaimer: No one can guarantee exact questions. This analysis is based on PYQ pattern trends from 2012–2025. FMGE is a minimum qualifying exam — focus on scoring at least 1 mark per question in pharma, not mastering every drug. These topics give you the best return on study time.
I asked for all 19 subjects
FMGE 2023 2024 2025 all subjects topic wise question analysis frequency
FMGE June 2025 December 2024 all 19 subjects high yield topics repeated questions analysis
FMGE = 150 MCQs | Passing = 50% (75 marks) | Time = 3.5 hours Question distribution below is based on historical average per subject.
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Brachial plexus | Roots, trunks, cords, branches; Erb's palsy (C5,C6), Klumpke's (C8,T1), Saturday night palsy |
| Femoral triangle | Boundaries (SAIL mnemonic), contents (VAN: Vein-Artery-Nerve lateral to medial) |
| Axillary artery | Parts, branches — 1 branch (Superior thoracic), 2 (thoracoacromial, lateral thoracic), 3 (subscapular, anterior/posterior circumflex) |
| Circle of Willis | Components, most common aneurysm site (anterior communicating artery) |
| Foramen of skull base | What passes through foramen ovale (V3), rotundum (V2), spinosum (middle meningeal artery), jugular (IX,X,XI) |
| Dermatomes | C6 (thumb), C7 (middle finger), C8 (little finger), L4 (medial leg), L5 (big toe), S1 (lateral foot) |
| Applied anatomy nerve injuries | Radial nerve (wrist drop), ulnar nerve (claw hand, guttering), median nerve (ape thumb hand), common peroneal (foot drop) |
| Inguinal canal | Boundaries, contents, direct vs indirect hernia |
| Pituitary gland | Relations, blood supply, hypophyseal portal |
| Lymph drainage | Breast → axillary (main); testis → para-aortic; penis → superficial inguinal |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Cardiac action potential | Phases 0–4, which ion, which cell type; Automaticity = SA node (pacemaker potential) |
| Cardiac output | Starling's law, CO = HR × SV, normal CO = 5 L/min; factors affecting |
| Renal tubule transport | Na reabsorption sites; aldosterone acts on DCT/collecting duct; glucose max transport (Tm) |
| Spirometry | FRC, RV, TLC, FEV1/FVC ratio — obstructive vs restrictive pattern |
| Hemoglobin & O2 dissociation curve | Shifts right: ↑CO2, ↑temp, ↑2,3-BPG, ↓pH (Bohr effect); Fetal HbF = left shift |
| Nerve fiber types | A-alpha (motor, proprioception), A-delta (fast pain, temp), C fibers (slow pain) |
| Resting membrane potential | −70 mV neurons; K⁺ main ion responsible; Na-K ATPase |
| GFR | Normal 125 mL/min; inulin clearance = GFR gold standard; creatinine ≈ GFR |
| Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone | Triggers, effects, feedback |
| Cerebellar signs | DANISH mnemonic; ipsilateral signs |
| CSF | Normal values — pressure 70–180 mmH2O, protein 15–45 mg/dL, glucose 2/3 of serum |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Enzyme inhibition | Competitive (↑Km, same Vmax), Non-competitive (same Km, ↓Vmax), Uncompetitive (↓both) |
| Lysosomal storage diseases | Gaucher (glucocerebrosidase), Niemann-Pick (sphingomyelinase), Tay-Sachs (hexosaminidase A), Fabry (α-galactosidase A) |
| Glycogen storage diseases | Von Gierke (G6Pase, Type I), Pompe (acid maltase, Type II), McArdle (muscle phosphorylase, Type V) |
| Collagen | Most abundant (Type I); bone/skin; Type II = cartilage; Type III = blood vessels; Type IV = basement membrane |
| Vitamins | B1 (TPP, beriberi), B3 (NAD, pellagra), B6 (PLP, homocysteine), B12 (methylcobalamin, pernicious anemia), Vit C (collagen, scurvy) |
| Amino acid metabolism | PKU (phenylalanine hydroxylase), homocystinuria, maple syrup urine disease |
| DNA replication & repair | Leading vs lagging strand; Okazaki fragments; XP = nucleotide excision repair defect |
| Purine/Pyrimidine | Purines (A, G — 2 rings), Pyrimidines (C, T, U — 1 ring); gout = uric acid (purine catabolism) |
| HMP shunt | G6PD enzyme; G6PD deficiency → hemolysis with drugs/fava beans; NADPH generated |
| Krebs cycle | Rate-limiting enzyme = isocitrate dehydrogenase; generates 3 NADH, 1 FADH2, 1 GTP per turn |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Amyloidosis | Congo red stain → apple-green birefringence; AA (secondary), AL (primary/myeloma), β2-microglobulin (dialysis) |
| Cell injury | Coagulative necrosis (most organs), Liquefactive (brain, abscess), Caseous (TB), Fat necrosis (pancreatitis, breast trauma) |
| Tumour markers | AFP (HCC, yolk sac), CEA (colon), PSA (prostate), CA-125 (ovary), CA 19-9 (pancreas), β-hCG (choriocarcinoma) |
| Oncogenes & Tumour suppressors | BRCA1/2 (breast/ovary), p53 (most cancers), RB (retinoblastoma), APC (FAP colon), bcr-abl (CML), c-myc (Burkitt), HER2 (breast) |
| Inflammation mediators | Histamine (early), Bradykinin (pain), PGE2 (fever), IL-1/TNF (acute phase), complement (C3b opsonization, C5a chemotaxis) |
| Anaemia classification | MCV-based: microcytic (iron, thalassemia, sideroblastic), normocytic (aplastic, hemolytic), macrocytic (B12, folate) |
| Stains | PAS (glycogen, fungi), ZN (TB, leprosy — acid-fast), Perl's Prussian blue (iron/hemosiderin), Silver stain (fungi/spirochetes), Congo red (amyloid) |
| Wound healing | Primary vs secondary intention; granulation tissue; collagen types I (mature scar) vs III (early); keloid vs hypertrophic scar |
| DIC | PT ↑, aPTT ↑, platelet ↓, fibrinogen ↓, D-dimer ↑, schistocytes on smear |
| CML vs CML-like | Philadelphia chromosome t(9;22), BCR-ABL; low LAP score |
| Hodgkin lymphoma | RS cells (CD15+, CD30+); nodular sclerosis most common; EBV association (mixed cellularity) |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Staining & Identification | Gram +/− organisms, acid-fast (TB, leprosy, Nocardia), Giemsa (malaria, Leishmania), Dark-field microscopy (Treponema) |
| Gram positive cocci | S. aureus (coagulase +, protein A, MRSA); S. pyogenes (anti-streptolysin O, rheumatic fever); S. pneumoniae (capsule, optochin sensitive) |
| Gram negative organisms | N. meningitidis (meningococcal meningitis, Waterhouse-Friderichsen), N. gonorrhoeae (intracellular diplococci), H. influenzae (type b, meningitis in children) |
| Anaerobes | C. tetani (tetanospasmin, drum-stick spore), C. botulinum (flaccid paralysis, canned food), C. difficile (pseudomembranous colitis, toxin A+B) |
| Hepatitis viruses | HAV/HEV (fecal-oral); HBV markers (HBsAg = infection, anti-HBs = immunity, HBeAg = high infectivity); HCV (most common post-transfusion) |
| HIV | CD4 count (normal 500–1500; start ART <500; OI prophylaxis <200); gp120 (binds CD4); window period |
| TB | Ghon complex (primary); Langhans giant cells; caseous necrosis; ZN stain; LOWENSTEIN-JENSEN medium |
| Malaria | P. falciparum (ring forms, no Schüffner dots, banana gametocytes, most fatal); P. vivax/ovale (Schüffner dots, relapse via hypnozoites); P. malariae (quartan, nephrotic syndrome) |
| Virus vaccines | Live attenuated: BCG, OPV, MMR, Varicella, Yellow fever, Rotavirus. Killed/inactivated: IPV, Hepatitis A, Rabies, Influenza (inj) |
| Sexually transmitted infections | Syphilis stages + VDRL/FTA-ABS; chancroid (H. ducreyi, painful ulcer); LGV (Chlamydia trachomatis L1-L3) |
| Hospital-acquired infections | Most common: UTI (E. coli); Post-op wound: S. aureus; Ventilator-associated: Pseudomonas/Acinetobacter |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Time of death (TSD) | Rigor mortis (2–6 hrs onset, complete 12 hrs, passes 48–72 hrs); livor mortis (1–2 hrs); algor mortis |
| Wounds | Incised (sharp, clean edges), Lacerated (blunt, irregular), Contused, Gunshot (entry smaller, exit larger) |
| Poisons | Organo phosphate signs (SLUDGE/DUMBELS), arsenic (Mee's lines, garlic odor), lead (blue line of gum, wrist drop), cyanide (bitter almond smell) |
| Medico-legal aspects | Dying declaration (admissible even if patient dies), informed consent, negligence (Bolam test) |
| Age estimation | Ossification centers (Risser's sign), teeth eruption, carpal bones |
| Sexual offences | IPC sections — 375 (rape), 377 (unnatural offence), POCSO Act |
| DNA fingerprinting | Most accurate method of identification |
| Alcohol | Denatured alcohol (methanol), minimum lethal dose ethanol, Breathalyzer (esters of alcohol) |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Epidemiological measures | Incidence vs prevalence, sensitivity vs specificity, PPV/NPV; case fatality rate; attack rate |
| Screening tests | Sensitivity (rules OUT disease — SnNout), Specificity (rules IN — SpPin) |
| National Health Programs | RNTCP/NTP (TB), NVBDCP (vector-borne), NPCDCS (non-communicable), JSSK/JSY (maternal health) |
| Vaccines & Cold chain | Cold chain: +2 to +8°C (refrigerator), -15 to -25°C (freezer); VVM (Vaccine Vial Monitor) |
| Nutrition | PEM: Marasmus (calorie) vs Kwashiorkor (protein — edema, hypoalbuminemia); MUAC cut-off |
| Water quality | Chlorination, residual chlorine 0.5 ppm, coliform count, E. coli (indicator organism) |
| IMR / MMR / NMR | Infant mortality rate = deaths < 1 yr per 1000 live births; MMR = maternal deaths per 100,000 live births |
| Biostatistics | Mean/median/mode, SD, SEM, p-value, chi-square (categorical), t-test (means), correlation |
| ICDS / NHM | Components, beneficiaries, nutrition supplementation targets |
| Disease surveillance | Sentinel surveillance, passive vs active, epidemic investigation steps |
| Zoonotic diseases | Rabies (dog), brucellosis (cattle), leptospirosis (rats), anthrax (cattle), plague (rat fleas) |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | HbA1c (3-month average), diagnostic criteria (FBS ≥126, 2hrPP ≥200, random ≥200), DKA vs HHS |
| Hypertension | JNC/ISH classification, secondary causes, malignant HTN |
| Cardiac | MI (ECG changes, troponin I = most specific), heart failure (EF cut-offs), AF management |
| Thyroid | Hypothyroid symptoms + TSH ↑, T4 ↓; Hyperthyroid = TSH ↓, T4 ↑; Graves = TSH receptor antibodies |
| Respiratory | COPD (barrel chest, ↑RV, ↓FEV1/FVC), Asthma (reversible, ↑eosinophil), TB presentation |
| Rheumatology | RA (RF, anti-CCP, morning stiffness, ulnar deviation), SLE (ANA, anti-dsDNA, malar rash, butterfly), Gout (MSU crystals, negative birefringent) |
| Anaemia | Iron deficiency (↓ferritin, ↑TIBC, microcytic), B12 deficiency (macrocytic, subacute combined degeneration), Pernicious anemia (anti-intrinsic factor antibodies) |
| Liver disease | Child-Pugh score, hepatic encephalopathy (asterixis, ↑NH3), hepatorenal syndrome |
| Renal | CKD (creatinine ↑, GFR ↓), nephrotic (massive proteinuria, edema), nephritic (hematuria, hypertension) |
| Infectious disease | Dengue (NS1 antigen, thrombocytopenia), typhoid (Widal test, rose spots), malaria (thick/thin smear) |
| Neurology | Stroke (CT head first, thrombolysis within 4.5 hrs), Parkinson's triad, myasthenia gravis (fatigability, Tensilon test) |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Fluid and electrolytes | Isotonic (0.9% saline), Hartmann's (Ringer lactate) = plasma-like; hypo/hypernatremia management |
| Surgical infections | Necrotizing fasciitis (Type I = polymicrobial, Type II = GAS), gas gangrene (C. perfringens), Ludwig's angina |
| Hernias | Direct (Hesselbach's triangle, medial to inferior epigastric), indirect (congenital, through deep ring), femoral (below inguinal, medial to femoral vein) |
| Intestinal obstruction | Adhesions = most common cause; closed-loop = strangulation risk; Rigler's sign (air on both sides of bowel wall) |
| Appendicitis | McBurney's point, Rovsing's sign, Alvarado score, retrocecal = most common position |
| Thyroid surgery | RLN injury (hoarseness), STA/ITA ligation, parathyroid damage (hypocalcemia) |
| Burns | Rule of nines (adult), Lund-Browder (children), 1st/2nd/3rd degree classification, Parkland formula (4 mL × kg × %BSA) |
| Colorectal cancer | Duke's staging, most common site (rectosigmoid), CEA marker, FAP (APC gene) |
| Breast | FNAC vs core biopsy; BIRADS classification; Paget's disease of nipple; inflammatory breast cancer (worst prognosis) |
| Shock | Types (hypovolemic, distributive, obstructive, cardiogenic); SIRS criteria; initial resuscitation fluid |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Normal labor | Stages of labor (I: latent+active, II: delivery, III: placenta); Bishop score; partograph |
| Placenta previa | Painless bleeding, placenta covering OS; types (grade I–IV); management |
| Abruptio placentae | Painful bleeding, revealed/concealed; Couvelaire uterus; DIC complication |
| Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia | Criteria: BP ≥140/90 + proteinuria; severe (BP ≥160/110); Mg sulfate DOC for seizures |
| Postpartum hemorrhage | Primary (within 24 hrs, most common = uterine atony); 4 T's (Tone, Tissue, Trauma, Thrombin); DOC = oxytocin |
| Ectopic pregnancy | Most common site = ampulla of fallopian tube; β-hCG + empty uterus + adnexal mass; Methotrexate (unruptured) |
| PCOS | Rotterdam criteria (2 of 3); LH:FSH >2; insulin resistance; hyperandrogenism |
| Contraception | IUCD (Cu-T) mechanism (spermicidal + prevents implantation); emergency pill (within 72 hrs, Levonorgestrel); OCP mechanism |
| Cervical cancer | HPV 16,18; Pap smear screening; CIN classification; LLETZ/LEEP treatment |
| Gestational trophoblastic disease | Molar pregnancy (β-hCG ↑↑↑, snowstorm appearance on USG); choriocarcinoma (most sensitive to chemotherapy) |
| Menstrual disorders | DUB vs structural causes; PALM-COEIN classification; Asherman syndrome |
| Prenatal diagnosis | CVS (10–12 weeks), amniocentesis (15–18 weeks), NIPT (>10 weeks) |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Developmental milestones | Head control 3 months, sit with support 6M, stand 9M, walk 12M, 2-word sentences 24M |
| Vaccination schedule | BCG (birth), OPV+DPT+Hep B (6,10,14 weeks), MMR (9 months + 15 months), Vitamin A (9 months) |
| Neonatal resuscitation | APGAR score (1 min, 5 min); initial steps; epinephrine in NEC |
| Neonatal jaundice | Physiological vs pathological; phototherapy cut-off; ABO/Rh incompatibility; Coombs test |
| Nutritional deficiencies | Rickets (Vit D — cupping/fraying of metaphysis, Harrison's sulcus), Scurvy (Vit C — perifollicular hemorrhage, Trümmerfeld zone), night blindness (Vit A) |
| Respiratory | Bronchiolitis (RSV, most common infant wheeze, Tx: supportive), croup (parainfluenza, barking cough, steeple sign), epiglottitis (H. influenzae, cherry red epiglottis) |
| Congenital heart disease | Cyanotic (ToF = most common, VSD+PS+RVH+overriding aorta; TGA); Acyanotic (VSD = most common overall; PDA = continuous murmur) |
| Febrile seizures | Age 6 months–5 years; simple vs complex; no treatment for simple; Diazepam for recurrence |
| Nephrotic syndrome | Child: minimal change disease (lipoid nephrosis); responds to steroids; hypoalbuminemia, massive proteinuria, edema |
| Meningitis | Neonatal: GBS + E. coli; Infant/child: Meningococcus + Pneumococcus; CSF findings |
| Growth charts | Weight = 2 × (age+4) in kg (up to 7 yrs); length doubles by 4 yrs; head circumference (HC) = normal at birth 33–35 cm |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Fractures | Colles (FOOSH, dinner fork deformity), Smith's (volar angulation), Pott's (ankle bimalleolar), Boxer's (5th metacarpal neck) |
| Nerve injuries in fractures | Humeral shaft → radial nerve (wrist drop), Medial epicondyle → ulnar nerve (claw hand), Neck of fibula → common peroneal (foot drop), Surgical neck humerus → axillary nerve |
| Ortho infections | Osteomyelitis (S. aureus most common; Salmonella in sickle cell); septic arthritis |
| Disc prolapse | L4-L5 disc (L5 nerve affected — dorsiflexion weak), L5-S1 (S1 — ankle jerk absent, plantarflexion weak) |
| Bone tumors | Osteosarcoma (Codman triangle, sunburst pattern, distal femur/proximal tibia; teens); Ewing sarcoma (onion peel, diaphysis, teens); Giant cell tumor (soap bubble, epiphysis, 20–40 yrs) |
| Congenital | CTEV (club foot): Talipes equinovarus; DDH: Ortolani/Barlow tests; Congenital torticollis |
| Osteoporosis | DEXA scan (T-score: osteoporosis < −2.5); bisphosphonates treatment |
| Compartment syndrome | 6 P's; emergency fasciotomy |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma | Open-angle (painless, insidious, most common); Closed-angle (acute painful red eye, halos, dilated pupil); Normal IOP 10–21 mmHg; DOC = Timolol |
| Cataract | Posterior subcapsular (steroids, DM, radiation); nuclear (most common age-related); Mature → Morgagnian → Hypermature |
| Retinal detachment | Rhegmatogenous (most common, flashes + floaters + curtain); treatment = laser/cryotherapy/surgery |
| Diabetic retinopathy | Background → Pre-proliferative → Proliferative (new vessel formation); dot-blot hemorrhages; DOC = laser photocoagulation |
| Optic neuritis | RAPD (Marcus Gunn pupil); associated with MS; central scotoma; pain on eye movement |
| Strabismus | Cover test; pseudostrabismus (epicanthal fold); amblyopia treatment = patching |
| Corneal ulcer | Dendritic ulcer (HSV, stain with fluorescein); Hypopyon (pus in AC) = Pseudomonas or Aspergillus |
| Vitamin A deficiency | Night blindness (first sign), Bitot's spots, xerophthalmia, keratomalacia |
| Trachoma | C. trachomatis (A, B, Ba, C); leading infectious cause of blindness; follicular conjunctivitis → pannus |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| CSOM | Safe (tubotympanic, central perforation) vs Unsafe (atticoantral, marginal/attic perforation, cholesteatoma) |
| Otosclerosis | Conductive hearing loss; Carhart's notch (2000 Hz); Stapedectomy; Schwartze sign (flamingo pink blush) |
| Meniere's disease | Triad: episodic vertigo + sensorineural hearing loss + tinnitus; endolymphatic hydrops |
| Acoustic neuroma | CN VIII, CPA tumor; earliest sign = sensorineural hearing loss; MRI gadolinium |
| Sinusitis | Most commonly affected: maxillary sinus; most common organism: Streptococcus pneumoniae |
| Epistaxis | Kiesselbach's plexus (Little's area) — 90% anterior; posterior = sphenopalatine artery |
| Carcinoma larynx | Most common site: glottis (presents early with hoarseness); best prognosis; transglottic — worst prognosis |
| Pharyngeal pouch (Zenker's diverticulum) | Killian's dehiscence; regurgitation; dysphagia |
| Deafness | Weber test: lateralizes to affected ear (conductive), better ear (sensorineural); Rinne: BC > AC = conductive |
| Tracheostomy | Emergency vs elective; decannulation; complications (subglottic stenosis most common late) |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Leprosy | TT (type-specific immunity, few bacilli) → LL (no immunity, many bacilli); Lepra reactions Type I (reversal) vs Type II (ENL); Nerve involvement (ulnar most common) |
| Scabies | Sarcoptes scabiei; Norwegian (crusted) scabies in immunocompromised; burrow in web spaces; DOC = Permethrin |
| Psoriasis | Silvery scales, extensor surfaces; Auspitz sign; Koebner phenomenon; Nail pitting; Munro microabscesses |
| Pemphigus vulgaris | Intraepidermal (suprabasal split), IgG against desmoglein 3; Nikolsky sign +; DOC = steroids |
| Bullous pemphigoid | Subepidermal blister; IgG against BP180/BP230; Nikolsky sign −; elderly |
| Lichen planus | 5 P's (Pruritic, Purple, Polygonal, Planar, Papule); Wickham's striae; buccal mucosa lacy white |
| Tinea/Dermatophytosis | KOH mount = hyphae/spores; Wood's lamp (T. capitis — greenish); DOC = Terbinafine/Griseofulvin |
| Stevens-Johnson syndrome | Mucous membrane + skin involvement; >30% BSA = TEN; drugs: sulfonamides, anticonvulsants, allopurinol |
| Vitiligo | Autoimmune, melanocyte destruction, milk-white patches; Wood's lamp (chalky white); associations (DM, thyroid) |
| Acne vulgaris | Comedone (open = blackhead, closed = whitehead); MOA of drugs (retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, doxycycline) |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Schizophrenia | Positive (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech) vs Negative symptoms (flat affect, alogia, avolition); DOC = atypical antipsychotics |
| Depression | SIG-E-CAPS (Sleep ↓, Interest ↓, Guilt, Energy ↓, Concentration ↓, Appetite ↓, Psychomotor, Suicide); DOC = SSRIs |
| Bipolar disorder | Manic episode (DIGFAST), Lithium = DOC maintenance; Valproate = acute mania |
| Anxiety disorders | GAD, Panic disorder (unexpected attacks), OCD (ego-dystonic, obsessions + compulsions), PTSD |
| Defense mechanisms | Denial, repression, projection, rationalization, sublimation (mature); splitting (borderline PD) |
| Substance use | CAGE questionnaire (alcohol); alcohol withdrawal (delirium tremens on days 2–3); Wernicke (B1 deficiency — confusion, ataxia, ophthalmoplegia) |
| Childhood disorders | ADHD (inattention + hyperactivity, DOC = methylphenidate); autism spectrum disorder; enuresis (imipramine) |
| Personality disorders | Cluster A (odd — paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal), B (dramatic — antisocial, borderline, narcissistic, histrionic), C (anxious — avoidant, dependent, OCD) |
| ECT | Indications (severe depression, catatonia, acute mania refractory); contraindications; retrograde amnesia |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| X-ray signs | Air-crescent sign (aspergilloma), Hampton's hump (PE), Westermark sign (PE), Cannonball metastasis (RCC/Choriocarcinoma) |
| CT/MRI indications | CT head (acute stroke/bleed first), MRI (posterior fossa, spinal cord, soft tissue); Gadolinium (MRI contrast) |
| USG | First investigation in pregnancy (dating), gallstones (hyperechoic + shadow), hydronephrosis |
| Radiation safety | Gonadal shielding, thyroid (most sensitive organ), bone marrow; rem vs rad vs gray; inverse square law |
| Contrast agents | Barium (GI), Iodine-based (CT, vascular); contraindications: renal failure (iodine), perforated viscus (barium) |
| Chest X-ray patterns | Kerley B lines (pulmonary edema), air bronchogram (consolidation), pleural effusion (blunting of costophrenic angle) |
| Topic | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|
| Inhalational agents | Halothane (hepatotoxicity, malignant hyperthermia); Isoflurane (coronary steal); Desflurane (airway irritant); Nitrous oxide (no muscle relaxation, "laughing gas") |
| IV induction agents | Thiopentone (STP — ultra-short, histamine release, contraindicated in porphyria); Propofol (most popular, antiemetic effect, white milk); Ketamine (dissociative, ↑BP, bronchodilator, useful in asthma/shock) |
| Muscle relaxants | Succinylcholine (depolarizing, shortest acting, hyperkalemia, malignant hyperthermia); Non-depolarizing reversed by Neostigmine |
| Local anaesthetics | Lidocaine (amide, most common); Bupivacaine (longest acting; cardiotoxic); Max safe dose: lignocaine 4–5 mg/kg (7 with adrenaline) |
| Spinal vs Epidural | Spinal = subarachnoid (L3-L4/L4-L5), clear CSF confirms; Epidural = loss of resistance technique; spinal headache (leakage of CSF, Tx: blood patch) |
| Malignant hyperthermia | Triggered by Halothane + Succinylcholine; defect in RYR1 gene; Tx = Dantrolene |
| Pain management | WHO analgesic ladder (Step 1: NSAID → Step 2: Weak opioid → Step 3: Strong opioid); Fentanyl (100× morphine) |
| Airway | Difficult airway predictors (Mallampati, thyromental distance < 6 cm, mouth opening < 3 cm); RSI = Thiopentone + Succinylcholine |
| Priority | Subjects to Focus (by marks return) |
|---|---|
| Highest ROI | Community Medicine (14–15 Qs), Medicine (18–20 Qs), OBG (14–16 Qs), Paediatrics (12–14 Qs) |
| Medium ROI | Surgery (12–14 Qs), Pathology (12–14 Qs), Anatomy (10–12 Qs), Pharmacology (8–12 Qs), Microbiology (10–12 Qs) |
| Lower Qs but high scoring | Physiology, Biochemistry, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry |
| Quickest to revise | Forensics, Radiology, Anaesthesia (4–6 Qs each — memorize facts only) |
| Day | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Medicine + Pharmacology |
| Day 2 | OBG + Paediatrics |
| Day 3 | Surgery + Orthopaedics |
| Day 4 | Pathology + Microbiology |
| Day 5 | Community Medicine + Physiology + Biochemistry |
| Day 6 | Anatomy + Forensics + Radiology + Anaesthesia |
| Day 7 | ENT + Ophthalmology + Dermatology + Psychiatry + Full revision |
⚠️ This analysis is based on 12+ years of FMGE PYQ pattern data. Topics that repeat across ≥5 sessions are your highest-probability bets for June 28, 2026. Focus on clinical application questions — FMGE has shifted toward scenario-based MCQs since 2020.
Can you challenge me with 10 mcqs and analysis me because this is my third attempt 1st I got 126 next 142
Make a presentation comparing your 126→142 score pattern & weak areas to improve