How to Memorize the Top 200 Drugs Fast: Proven Strategies for Pharmacy Technicians
As a pharmacy technician, memorizing the Top 200 drugs is one of the most critical skills you’ll need to master. Whether you’re studying for the PTCB exam (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) or working in a fast-paced pharmacy, knowing these medications by name, use, and classification can make your job easier and improve patient care.
But let’s face it — memorizing 200 drug names, brand names, and uses is no easy task. The good news is there are proven strategies to help you learn them faster and more effectively. In this post, we’ll break down the best methods to memorize the Top 200 drugs like a pro!
✅ 1. Break the List Into Smaller Groups
Trying to memorize 200 drugs at once is overwhelming. Instead, break the list into smaller, manageable chunks. For example:
20 drugs per week → 10 weeks to memorize all 200.
10 drugs every 3 days → 60 days to memorize all 200.
5 drugs per day → 40 days to memorize all 200.
By chunking the list, your brain has time to absorb and retain the information without overload.
✅ 2. Use Drug Classifications to Your Advantage
One of the fastest ways to memorize drugs is by grouping them by drug class. Most medications within the same class end with similar suffixes, making them easier to remember.
Here are some examples:
| Drug Class | Common Suffix | Example Drugs |
|---|---|---|
| ACE Inhibitors | -pril | Lisinopril, Enalapril |
| Beta Blockers | -olol | Metoprolol, Propranolol |
| Antibiotics | -cillin | Amoxicillin, Penicillin |
| Statins (Cholesterol) | -statin | Atorvastatin, Simvastatin |
When you identify patterns, it’s much easier to memorize drugs by class rather than as individual names.
✅ 3. Create Acronyms and Mnemonics
Acronyms and mnemonics are lifesavers when it comes to memorization. Here are some easy examples:
“-pril” for ACE Inhibitors: “April (pril) showers bring May flowers, but also lower blood pressure.”
“-olol” for Beta Blockers: “Oh LOL, my heart rate is slow.”
Statins for Cholesterol: “Stay fit with statins.”
You can create your own creative and funny mnemonics to make the drugs easier to remember.
✅ 4. Use Flashcards (Physical or Digital)
Flashcards are one of the most effective study tools for memorizing drugs. You can use:
Physical flashcards (index cards)
Digital flashcards (Anki, Quizlet, or Brainscape)
Pro Tip: Use the spaced repetition technique. This means reviewing harder-to-remember cards more often and easier cards less frequently.
You can find pre-made Top 200 Drug Flashcards on Quizlet or create your own.
✅ 5. Associate Drugs with Real-Life Scenarios
If you’ve ever worked in a pharmacy or are completing your externship, try to connect drugs to real-life patient interactions.
For example:
If a patient frequently picks up Lisinopril, remember it’s for high blood pressure.
If someone needs Atorvastatin, associate it with high cholesterol.
The more you associate drugs with real-world experiences, the easier they’ll stick in your memory.
✅ 6. Practice with Mock Exams
Testing yourself regularly is crucial. Take free practice tests online or use PTCB exam prep platforms. Constant exposure to drug names will improve your memory.
Recommended Sites for Mock Exams:
Quizlet (Top 200 Drugs)
PTCB Exam Prep Sites
YouTube Pharmacy Technician Study Channels
✅ 7. Study for Short Bursts, Not Long Sessions
Cramming for hours leads to burnout and poor retention. Instead, study in 20-30 minute bursts with 5-10 minute breaks. This is known as the Pomodoro Technique.
Example Study Plan:
Study 20 minutes → Break 5 minutes
Repeat 4 times → Take a longer 30-minute break
This method increases long-term memory retention.
✅ 8. Record Yourself Saying the Drugs
Record yourself reading the Top 200 drugs out loud, along with their class and use. Then, play it back during your commute, workout, or downtime.
Hearing the drug names over and over reinforces your memory passively.
✅ 9. Study With a Partner
If you know someone also studying for their pharmacy technician certification, study together!
Quiz each other on drug names.
Take turns explaining drug uses.
Create fun challenges like “Name 10 Drugs in 60 Seconds.”
Having a study partner keeps you motivated and accountable.
✅ 10. Don’t Forget to Review Daily
The key to memorizing all 200 drugs is consistent daily review. Even if you memorize 20 drugs, reviewing them daily will lock them into long-term memory.
Spend at least 10-15 minutes every day reviewing previously learned drugs until you can recall them effortlessly.
💊 Final Thoughts
Memorizing the Top 200 drugs may feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, it’s 100% achievable. By using mnemonics, flashcards, real-world associations, and daily review, you’ll have these medications memorized in no time.
Stay consistent, take care of yourself, and remember — mastering the Top 200 drugs is your ticket to becoming an exceptional pharmacy technician!
👉 Want a FREE Printable Top 200 Drug List? email us at support@pharmtechedu.com or visit our resources page to download a printable PDF of the Top 200 Drugs along with their brand names, classifications, and uses.