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USMLE Step 1 High-Yield Pharmacology

Mechanism, class effects, and the adverse reactions Step 1 keeps asking about, organised by system rather than alphabetically. High-yield in the literal sense: the drugs that actually recur on the exam.

🎓 161 cards Advanced ⏱ 81 min Medical Students
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Mechanism of acetaminophen toxicity?

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Hepatic CYP2E1 oxidizes APAP → toxic NAPQI metabolite. Glutathione normally detoxifies; in overdose glutathione is depleted → centrilobular hepatic necrosis.

Antidote for acetaminophen overdose?

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N-acetylcysteine — replenishes glutathione.

Aspirin mechanism?

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Irreversible COX-1 / COX-2 inhibitor → ↓ thromboxane A₂ in platelets (antithrombotic) + ↓ prostaglandins (analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory).

Aspirin overdose acid-base picture?

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Mixed: respiratory alkalosis (early — direct medullary stimulation) + anion-gap metabolic acidosis (later — uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation).

ACE inhibitor side effects?

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Cough (↑ bradykinin), angioedema, hyperkalemia, creatinine bump, teratogenic.

ARBs differ from ACE-Is how?

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Block AT1 receptor instead of ACE → no bradykinin increase → no cough, less angioedema. Same K+/Cr risks.

Beta-blocker contraindications?

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Severe bradycardia, AV block, decompensated heart failure, severe asthma (esp. non-selective).

Cardioselective beta-blockers?

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β₁-selective: metoprolol, atenolol, esmolol, bisoprolol ('A through M = β1-selective except carvedilol/labetalol').

Statin mechanism and side effect?

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HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor → ↓ cholesterol synthesis. Side: myopathy/rhabdomyolysis (esp. + fibrate), hepatotoxicity.

Warfarin mechanism?

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Inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase → ↓ active vitamin K → ↓ synthesis of factors II, VII, IX, X (1972) and proteins C, S.

Warfarin reversal?

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Vitamin K (slow, hours-days); fresh frozen plasma or 4-factor PCC for urgent reversal.

Heparin mechanism?

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Activates antithrombin III → inactivates thrombin (IIa) and factor Xa. Monitor with aPTT.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Are these useful for USMLE preparation?

Our medical decks cover anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and physiology topics aligned with USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 content outlines.

Do you cover nursing topics as well?

Yes, we offer flashcards on nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, patient assessment, and clinical concepts relevant to NCLEX preparation.

How current is the medical content?

Our medical flashcards are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current clinical guidelines and medical knowledge.

Which medical specialties are covered?

Our decks span anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical medicine across major specialties including cardiology, neurology, and more.

Are these aligned with USMLE content?

Yes, our medical flashcards are structured around USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 content outlines, covering high-yield topics tested on board exams.

Do you cover pharmacology?

We offer comprehensive pharmacology cards covering drug classes, mechanisms of action, side effects, interactions, and clinical applications.