The pharmacology section of the NCLEX can feel overwhelming—dozens of drug classes, endless side effects, and tricky prioritization questions. In 2025, the Next Gen NCLEX (NGN) adds case studies and clinical judgment scenarios that make knowing your meds more important than ever.
This guide breaks down must-know NCLEX drugs, includes easy-to-remember mnemonics, and gives you real NCLEX-style practice questions. Whether you’re reviewing for an exam or building a personalized study plan with GoodNurse, this article simplifies your pharmacology prep so you can pass the NCLEX with confidence.
Why Pharmacology Matters for the NCLEX
Pharmacological Therapies account for 13–19% of the NCLEX, according to the latest NCSBN test plan. That means nearly 1 out of every 5 questions may involve medications—how they work, what to watch for, and what to do if something goes wrong.
You’ll see:
- Medication side effects and contraindications
- Prioritization of patients with drug reactions
- Dosage calculations and lab monitoring
- Drug class comparisons (e.g., ACE inhibitors vs. ARBs)
AI-powered study platforms like GoodNurse now help students learn smarter by generating instant rationales, mnemonics, and flashcards—so let’s apply that to your review.
Top NCLEX Drug Classes to Know in 2025
1. ACE Inhibitors
Examples: Lisinopril, Enalapril, Ramipril
Uses: Hypertension, heart failure
Key Side Effects: Dry cough, hyperkalemia, angioedema
Nursing Tip: Monitor potassium and BP, avoid in pregnancy
💡 Mnemonic: "A.C.E = Angioedema, Cough, Electrolytes"
2. Beta Blockers
Examples: Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol
Uses: Hypertension, angina, arrhythmias
Key Side Effects: Bradycardia, fatigue, hypotension
Nursing Tip: Hold if HR < 60, caution in asthma patients
💡 Mnemonic: "Beta Blockers = B for Bradycardia, B for Breathing problems"
3. Diuretics
Examples: Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Spironolactone
Uses: Edema, heart failure, hypertension
Key Side Effects: Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance (K+, Na+)
Nursing Tip: Monitor I&O, watch for hypokalemia (except with spironolactone)
💡 Mnemonic: "Loop = Lose everything (K, Na, Water)"
4. Insulins
Types: Rapid (Lispro), Short (Regular), Intermediate (NPH), Long (Glargine)
Uses: Diabetes mellitus
Key Side Effects: Hypoglycemia
Nursing Tip: Know onset, peak, duration. Rotate injection sites.
💡 Mnemonic: "15-30 (Lispro) shoots, 2-4 (Regular) scores, 4-12 (NPH) steals, 24h (Glargine) guards"
5. Anticoagulants
Examples: Warfarin, Heparin, Enoxaparin
Uses: DVT, PE, AFib
Key Side Effects: Bleeding, bruising
Nursing Tip: Monitor INR (Warfarin), aPTT (Heparin), bleeding signs
💡 Mnemonic: “Heparin = PTT, Warfarin = INR, Bleeding = Watch everything”
6. Opioids
Examples: Morphine, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone
Uses: Moderate to severe pain
Key Side Effects: Respiratory depression, constipation, sedation
Nursing Tip: Monitor RR, use naloxone (Narcan) for overdose
💡 Mnemonic: "MORPHINE = Monitor for Opioid-Related Problems: Hypoventilation, Itching, Nausea, Euphoria"
7. Antipsychotics
Examples: Haloperidol, Risperidone, Clozapine
Uses: Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder
Key Side Effects: EPS, sedation, agranulocytosis (Clozapine)
Nursing Tip: Monitor WBCs, assess mental status regularly
8. SSRIs
Examples: Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Citalopram
Uses: Depression, anxiety
Key Side Effects: Sexual dysfunction, weight changes, insomnia
Nursing Tip: Monitor for suicidal thoughts, avoid abrupt withdrawal
9. Antibiotics
Examples: Vancomycin, Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin
Uses: Infections
Key Side Effects: Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity (vanco/genta), tendon rupture (cipro)
Nursing Tip: Monitor peaks/troughs, renal labs, hydration
💡 Mnemonic: “VANCO = Very Awesome but Needs Careful Observation”
10. Antiseizure Meds
Examples: Phenytoin, Valproic acid, Levetiracetam
Uses: Seizures, epilepsy
Key Side Effects: Gum overgrowth (Phenytoin), hepatotoxicity
Nursing Tip: Monitor liver enzymes, teach oral hygiene
NCLEX-Style Pharmacology Practice Questions
Question 1
A patient on furosemide reports muscle cramps and weakness. What is the priority action?
- A) Encourage ambulation
- B) Recheck blood pressure
- ✅ C) Notify provider and check potassium
- D) Administer another diuretic
💡 Rationale: Furosemide can cause hypokalemia → cramps, weakness.
Question 2
Which insulin peaks in 2–4 hours?
- A) Glargine
- ✅ B) Regular insulin
- C) NPH
- D) Lispro
💡 Rationale: Regular insulin has a peak of 2–4 hours.
Question 3
A patient on warfarin has an INR of 4.2. What’s the best response?
- A) Continue normal dose
- B) Increase dose
- ✅ C) Hold dose, notify provider
- D) Add aspirin
Question 4
Which side effect is most concerning in a patient taking clozapine?
- A) Weight gain
- B) Drowsiness
- ✅ C) Sore throat and fever
- D) Dry mouth
💡 Rationale: Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis → infection risk.
Question 5
What lab should be monitored for a patient on gentamicin?
- A) INR
- B) Blood glucose
- ✅ C) BUN and creatinine
- D) Sodium
Question 6
Which symptom signals a serious adverse reaction to haloperidol?
- A) Restlessness
- B) Insomnia
- ✅ C) Muscle rigidity and high fever
- D) Drowsiness
💡 Rationale: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is life-threatening.
Question 7
A patient on lisinopril develops swelling of the lips. What do you do?
- ✅ A) Stop medication and call provider
- B) Give diphenhydramine
- C) Encourage fluids
- D) Elevate HOB
💡 Rationale: Angioedema is a life-threatening reaction.
Question 8
What’s the antidote for opioid overdose?
- A) Flumazenil
- ✅ B) Naloxone
- C) Atropine
- D) Protamine sulfate
How to Study Pharmacology with AI Tools
Using GoodNurse can supercharge your pharmacology prep:
- Upload your notes and generate custom flashcards on drug classes
- Ask the AI to quiz you on adverse effects or drug interactions
- Review rationales in simplified format—perfect for fast study
- Practice adaptive questions every day to simulate the NCLEX
Want to try a structured approach? Use our AI NCLEX study plan to schedule a pharmacology week with flashcards, case studies, and mnemonics.
Final Thoughts: Conquer NCLEX Pharmacology with Confidence
Pharmacology doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right mnemonics, focused study, and AI-powered tools like GoodNurse, you can retain more, practice smarter, and master the most tested drugs on the NCLEX.
Want to test yourself? Browse our free NCLEX question bank or upload your own drug list and let GoodNurse turn it into an adaptive quiz!
