Adverse Reactions and Interactions

ABCDE: Augmented, Bizarre, Chronic, Delayed, End of treatment

A mnemonic for classifying adverse drug reactions.

Adrenaline intramuscularly into the anterolateral thigh, immediately

A memory aid for recognising and treating anaphylaxis.

Pharmacokinetic interactions alter concentration; pharmacodynamic interactions alter effect

A memory aid for how drugs interact with one another.

Inducers speed metabolism and reduce effect; inhibitors slow it and increase effect

A mnemonic for the common enzyme inducers and inhibitors.

Prescribed, over the counter, herbal, recreational, and the allergy detail

A memory aid for taking a complete medication history.

Hepatocellular, cholestatic or mixed; intrinsic or idiosyncratic

A memory aid for recognising and classifying drug induced liver injury.

Working backwards from the symptom to the likely drug

A memory aid for the drug causes of frequently seen adverse effects.

Warfarin, retinoids, ACE inhibitors, valproate and tetracyclines among others

A memory aid for the recognised teratogens.

FEVER: Fever, Encephalopathy, Vitals unstable, Elevated CK, Rigidity

A mnemonic for the features of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics with high polypharmacy risk

A memory aid for the principles of safe prescribing in older people.

The As: antiarrhythmics, antibiotics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiemetics

A mnemonic for the drug classes that prolong the QT interval.

Autonomic, neuromuscular and mental state changes, with clonus

A memory aid for recognising serotonin syndrome and separating it from its mimic.

Any reaction to a black triangle drug, and serious reactions to any drug

A memory aid for what to report to the UK pharmacovigilance scheme.