May 22, 2024
With the NEET PG exam scheduled for August 11th, 2024, approaching, we are regularly receiving queries from students about what to study and what not to study in various subjects covered under the syllabus.
Pharmacology is a crucial subject in the NEET-PG exam, not only because of its weightage but also due to its application in various clinical scenarios.
A strong foundation in Pharmacology can significantly boost your overall score and improve your understanding of other related subjects.
To simplify your preparation, we have curated a list of important topics in Pharmacology, categorising them into "Must-Know" and "Desirable to Know" sections. This list will help you prioritise your studies, ensuring that you cover all essential areas thoroughly while also allowing time for topics that are beneficial but not critical.
Our goal is to make your preparation as efficient and effective as possible. By focusing on these key topics, you can streamline your study process, reduce unnecessary stress, and enhance your chances of success in the NEET-PG exam.
IMPORTANT TOPICS IN PHARMACOLOGY | |||
TOPIC | MUST KNOW |
DESIRABLE TO KNOW | |
GENERAL | pH, pKa, ionization
Bioavailability First pass metabolism Vd PPB Prodrugs CYP substrates, inducers, inhibitors Metabolic reactions Formulas | First and zero order kinetics
TDM Receptors types and examples DRC Pharmacogenetics Orphan drugs Essential drugs | Enzyme inhibition (competitive, non-competitive and uncompetitive)
Types of antagonists Pharmacovigilance Evidence based medicine |
ANS | AChE inhibitors OP Poisoning Sympathetic receptors location | Catecholamines table Anticholinergics | Alpha blockers
Rabbit practicals |
AUTACOIDS | Antihistaminics PCM and aspirin poisoning | DMARDs | PG actions
Other NSAIDs |
CVS | Digoxin New drugs for CHF Drugs decreasing mortality in CHF | JNC 8 guidelines for hypertension New antianginal drugs Statins | Pulmonary hypertension Antiarrhythmics New hypolipidemic drugs |
KIDNEY | K sparing diuretics | - | Free water clearance
Vasopressin antagonists |
ENDOCRINE | Oral hypoglycemic agents Somatostatin GnRH agonist and antagonist New antidiabetic drugs | Osteoporosis SERM OCPs Mifepristone | Antithyroid drugs Adverse effect of steroids SPRM Anti-androgens |
CNS | Short acting BZD Parkinsonism Antiepileptic drugs | Antipsychotic names and adverse effects SSRI and SNRI TCA poisoning Lithium and mania | Newer hypnotic drugs MAO inhibitors Opioids Multiple sclerosis |
ANAESTHESIA | Local anaesthetics mechanism and special points SCh and NDMRs MAC and Bld gas partition coefficient | Colour coding of cylinders Pin index system Xenon Halothane Ketamine | Spinal anaesthesia Neurolept analgesia |
HEMATOLOGY | Anticoagulants specially new | Antiplatelets Fibrinolytics | Iron deficiency anemia Growth factors |
RESPIRATORY | Bronchodilators | DOC for different asthma types | Theophylline |
GIT | Peptic ulcer | Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis | Metaclopramide, domperidone IBS |
ANTIMICROBIALS | Important points (Review of Pharmacology 12th edition) Tuberculosis with RNTCP Antifungal | Mechanism of drug resistance Beta lactams Aminoglycosides Fluoroquinolones HIV Hepatitis C | Tetracyclines Macrolides Cotrimoxazole |
ANTICANCER | CCS and Non-specific drugs General and specific adverse effects of anticancer drugs (Specially chemo-man cartoon) | Monoclonal antibodies Tyrosine kinase inhibitors Newer anticancer drugs | - |
IMMUNOLOGY | Cyclosporine Tacrolimus | Monoclonal antibodies Thalidomide | - |
SPECIAL TOPICS | New drugs approved in last 12 months (uses only) Anti-obesity drugs | Erectile dysfunction Anti-smoking drugs Treatment of HIT Treatment of hyperkalemia | - |
We would advise you to focus on the “Must-Know” topics first as they form the foundation of your Pharmacology knowledge and are frequently tested. Once you are well-versed with the must-know topics, you must move on to the “Desirable to know” topics for a more thorough understanding.
We think around 15-20% of your total study time would be more than sufficient for Pharmacology. And this must include time for revision and practice questions.
There is no denying the fact that when it comes to acing NEET PG, clinical applications and case studies are crucial. They help you understand the practical applications of drugs and their impact on patients. Moreover, the NEET PG exam often includes numerous clinical scenario-based questions.
If you are only memorising without trying to understand, you are most likely to forget your study material. And, if you are not staying updated with the latest updates on new drugs and guidelines, you’ll be missing out on a lot. Not practising enough MCQs can get you a lot behind than you can imagine.
There are around 20 questions of Pharmacology in NEET PG.
The two main areas of pharmacology are pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Pharmacodynamics studies the effects of a drug on biological systems, and pharmacokinetics studies the effects of biological systems on a drug.
You can also from here.
Also read-
NEET PG Previous Year Question Papers of Last 6 Years
How to prepare for NEET PG in 6 months
Besides we have also prepared a list of high-yield topics for other high weightage subjects that will supercharge your exam preparation. You can find the same in the table below:
Give Your Best. Good Luck!!!
More Updates Will Follow. Stay tuned to PrepLadder.
Access all the necessary resources you need to succeed in your competitive exam preparation. Stay informed with the latest news and updates on the upcoming exam, enhance your exam preparation, and transform your dreams into a reality!
Avail 24-Hr Free Trial