100 NCLEX-PN Drugs You Must Know

There are thousands of medications out there in real practice. But the truth is, only about 100 of them show up again and again on the NCLEX-PN. And if you memorize them by class instead of as a giant pile of individual drugs, you can handle almost any drug question, even ones you've never seen, just from the suffix or the pattern. Here's the high-yield list.

The "suffix rule": memorize this first

This is the part I wish someone had told me sooner. Most NCLEX-PN drug questions crack wide open the second you know what class a drug belongs to, and the suffix usually tells you. So before you touch anything else, memorize these 20 suffix patterns. They unlock most of the pharmacology questions on the exam.

You can dig into each of these in our drug classifications & antidotes guide.

Cardiovascular drugs (15 drugs)

1. Lisinopril (ACE inhibitor): HTN, HF. Watch for dry cough, angioedema, hyperkalemia.
2. Losartan (ARB): for cough-intolerant patients. No cough, but same hyperkalemia/renal cautions.
3. Metoprolol (beta blocker): HTN, HF, post-MI. Hold for HR < 60 or SBP < 100.
4. Atenolol (beta blocker): once-daily option, more cardioselective.
5. Amlodipine (CCB): HTN. Watch for peripheral edema.
6. Diltiazem / Verapamil (non-DHP CCB): rate control in AFib. Avoid in HF.
7. Digoxin: HF, AFib. Hold if apical pulse < 60. Therapeutic 0.8–2.0 ng/mL (toxic > 2.0; for heart failure, ~0.5–0.9 is preferred).
8. Furosemide (Lasix, loop diuretic): HF, edema. Watch hypokalemia, ototoxicity.
9. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, thiazide): HTN. Watch hypokalemia.
10. Spironolactone (K+-sparing): HF. Watch hyperkalemia.
11. Atorvastatin (statin): cholesterol. Watch rhabdomyolysis, LFTs.
12. Nitroglycerin: angina. SL, sit/lie down. If no relief 5 min after the 1st dose, call 911 (may take up to 3 total, 5 min apart).
13. Aspirin (low-dose): antiplatelet for MI/stroke prevention.
14. Clopidogrel (Plavix): antiplatelet after stent, MI.
15. Warfarin (Coumadin): anticoagulant. INR 2–3 typical. Antidote vitamin K. Avoid binge changes in vitamin K intake.

Pulmonary / respiratory drugs (8 drugs)

16. Albuterol (SABA): rescue inhaler for asthma. Side effect: tachycardia, tremor.
17. Salmeterol (LABA): long-acting controller. Never use as monotherapy in asthma.
18. Fluticasone (inhaled corticosteroid): controller. Rinse mouth after to prevent thrush.
19. Ipratropium (anticholinergic): COPD; also nebulized in acute asthma/COPD. Dry mouth, blurred vision (keep out of eyes). The old soy/peanut caution applied only to the discontinued CFC inhaler.
20. Montelukast (Singulair, leukotriene modifier): asthma, allergic rhinitis.
21. Prednisone (oral steroid): asthma flares, autoimmune disease. Taper slowly.
22. Theophylline: narrow therapeutic range; toxicity = tachycardia, seizures.
23. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, H1 blocker): allergies. Sedating; caution in elderly.

GI drugs (8 drugs)

24. Omeprazole (PPI): GERD, PUD. Long-term: bone fractures, B12 deficiency.
25. Famotidine (H2 blocker): milder acid suppression. Caution: confusion in elderly.
26. Ondansetron (Zofran): antiemetic. QT prolongation; serotonin syndrome risk.
27. Metoclopramide (Reglan): gastroparesis. Risk of tardive dyskinesia.
28. Docusate sodium (Colace): stool softener. For opioid-induced constipation a stimulant laxative (e.g., senna) is usually needed; docusate alone may be insufficient.
29. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): stimulant laxative.
30. Loperamide (Imodium): antidiarrheal. Avoid in infectious diarrhea.
31. Calcium carbonate (Tums): antacid; binds tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones.

Endocrine / diabetes drugs (10 drugs)

32. Regular insulin (short-acting): onset 30 min, peak 2–4 hr. Only insulin given IV.
33. Insulin lispro / aspart (rapid-acting): onset 15 min, give with first bite of meal.
34. NPH insulin (intermediate): onset 1–2 hr, peak 4–12 hr. Cloudy, must mix.
35. Insulin glargine (Lantus, long-acting): 24 hr, no peak. Never mix.
36. Metformin: first-line type 2 DM. With IV contrast, hold only if eGFR is under 30, AKI, or an intra-arterial study (recheck kidney function before restarting, ~48 hr); routine holds aren't needed at eGFR 30 or above. Lactic acidosis risk.
37. Glipizide (sulfonylurea): risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain.
38. Levothyroxine (Synthroid): hypothyroidism. Take on empty stomach, AM, separate from calcium/iron.
39. Methimazole / PTU: hyperthyroidism. Watch for agranulocytosis.
40. Prednisone (chronic): adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune. Cushingoid effects with long use; never stop abruptly.
41. Hydrocortisone: adrenal insufficiency replacement.

Antibiotics & antimicrobials (12 drugs)

42. Amoxicillin: penicillin family. First-line ear, sinus, dental.
43. Ampicillin-sulbactam (Unasyn): broader penicillin.
44. Cefazolin (Ancef, cephalosporin): surgical prophylaxis.
45. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin): broad-spectrum cephalosporin.
46. Vancomycin: MRSA. Risk of red-man syndrome (infuse slowly), nephrotoxicity. Trough 15–20.
47. Gentamicin (aminoglycoside): gram-negative. Nephro- and ototoxicity. Peak/trough levels.
48. Ciprofloxacin (fluoroquinolone): UTIs, etc. Tendon rupture; avoid in children.
49. Azithromycin (Z-pak, macrolide): atypical pneumonia.
50. Doxycycline (tetracycline): Lyme, acne. Photosensitivity; not for kids < 8 or pregnancy.
51. Metronidazole (Flagyl): anaerobes, C. diff. Disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol.
52. Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim): UTI, PCP prophylaxis. Sulfa allergy, hyperkalemia.
53. Acyclovir: antiviral for HSV, varicella. Encourage fluids (renal).

Pain medications & opioids (10 drugs)

54. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): fever, mild pain. Max 4 g/day adults. Hepatotoxicity. Antidote: acetylcysteine.
55. Ibuprofen (NSAID): pain, fever. GI bleeding, renal effects. Avoid in third trimester.
56. Ketorolac (Toradol): IV NSAID. Max 5 days due to GI/renal toxicity.
57. Morphine: gold-standard opioid. Watch respirations (< 12 hold). Antidote: naloxone.
58. Hydromorphone (Dilaudid): 5–7× more potent than morphine.
59. Fentanyl: ~100× more potent than morphine. Transdermal patches are for opioid-tolerant chronic pain only, never for acute pain or opioid-naive patients.
60. Hydrocodone / Oxycodone: oral opioids, often combined with acetaminophen.
61. Codeine: Avoid in children < 12 (FDA black-box; respiratory depression risk).
62. Tramadol: Schedule IV. Lowers seizure threshold; serotonin syndrome risk.
63. Lidocaine: local anesthetic; IV antiarrhythmic for ventricular dysrhythmias.

Psychiatric drugs (12 drugs)

64. Sertraline (Zoloft, SSRI): depression, anxiety, PTSD. 2–6 weeks to full effect.
65. Fluoxetine (Prozac, SSRI): long half-life, less discontinuation syndrome.
66. Escitalopram (Lexapro, SSRI): well-tolerated.
67. Venlafaxine (Effexor, SNRI): depression, anxiety, neuropathic pain.
68. Amitriptyline (TCA): depression, neuropathy. Anticholinergic; cardiotoxic in overdose.
69. Bupropion (Wellbutrin): depression, smoking cessation. Lowers seizure threshold.
70. Lithium (mood stabilizer): bipolar. Narrow range 0.6–1.2 mEq/L. Toxicity = tremor, GI, ataxia.
71. Valproic acid: bipolar, seizures. Hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, teratogenic.
72. Haloperidol (Haldol, typical antipsychotic): psychosis. EPS, NMS risk.
73. Risperidone (atypical antipsychotic): schizophrenia, bipolar. Weight gain, metabolic.
74. Olanzapine (Zyprexa): significant weight gain.
75. Clozapine: treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Requires regular ANC/WBC monitoring for severe neutropenia/agranulocytosis; report fever, sore throat, or infection.

Neurological drugs (8 drugs)

76. Phenytoin (Dilantin): seizures. Therapeutic 10–20 mcg/mL. Gingival hyperplasia. IV: do NOT mix with dextrose; flush with saline.
77. Carbamazepine (Tegretol): seizures, trigeminal neuralgia. SJS risk; hyponatremia.
78. Levetiracetam (Keppra): seizures. Behavioral changes.
79. Gabapentin (Neurontin): neuropathic pain, seizures.
80. Levodopa-carbidopa (Sinemet): Parkinson's. Wearing-off and on-off phenomena. Avoid high-protein meals at dosing.
81. Donepezil (Aricept): Alzheimer's. Cholinergic GI side effects.
82. Memantine (Namenda): moderate-severe Alzheimer's.
83. Sumatriptan (Imitrex): migraine. Coronary vasospasm; avoid in CAD.

OB / women's health (8 drugs)

84. Oxytocin (Pitocin): labor induction, postpartum hemorrhage. Monitor FHR and contraction pattern.
85. Magnesium sulfate (IV): seizure prevention in preeclampsia; preterm labor tocolytic. Therapeutic 4–7 mEq/L. Toxicity: loss of deep tendon reflexes (early sign), respiratory depression, low urine output, decreased LOC. Antidote: calcium gluconate.
86. Terbutaline (beta-2 agonist): preterm labor tocolytic. Maternal tachycardia, pulmonary edema risk. FDA warning against use > 48–72 hr.
87. Methylergonovine (Methergine): postpartum hemorrhage. Contraindicated in HTN.
88. RhoGAM (Rh immunoglobulin): Rh-negative mothers; given at 28 wk and within 72 hr of delivery if baby is Rh+.
89. Betamethasone: antenatal steroid for fetal lung maturity (24–34 wk preterm labor).
90. Folic acid: 400–800 mcg/day before conception + first trimester. Prevents neural tube defects.
91. Iron supplements: prenatal anemia prevention. Stools turn black; take with vitamin C, separate from antacids.

Pediatric drugs & safety (4 drugs)

92. Acetaminophen (pediatric dosing): 10–15 mg/kg/dose q4–6h. Max 5 doses/24 hr or 75 mg/kg/day.
93. Ibuprofen (pediatric): > 6 months only. 10 mg/kg/dose q6–8h.
94. Albuterol (pediatric): use spacer with MDI for kids. Watch for tachycardia.
95. Palivizumab (Synagis): monthly IM injection for RSV prevention in high-risk infants — no longer available after December 31, 2025; prevention has shifted to nirsevimab (Beyfortus) and the maternal RSV vaccine.

Antidotes & reversal agents (6 drugs)

96. Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst): acetaminophen overdose. Smelly!
97. Naloxone (Narcan): opioid overdose. Short half-life, so repeat doses may be needed.
98. Flumazenil (Romazicon): benzodiazepine overdose. Caution with seizure risk.
99. Protamine sulfate: heparin reversal.
100. Vitamin K (phytonadione): warfarin reversal.
101. Calcium gluconate: magnesium toxicity, severe hyperkalemia.

How drug questions appear on the NCLEX-PN

Once you've seen enough of these, you start to notice the test only really asks drug questions a handful of ways. Most of them are one of these five:

1. "The nurse should hold this medication if...": Know the parameters. Digoxin < 60 bpm. Beta blockers < 60 or SBP < 100. Opioids RR < 12. Anticoagulants if active bleeding.
2. "Which finding indicates an adverse effect of...": Match the drug class to its hallmark adverse effect.
3. "The patient should be taught to...": Common teaching: take on empty stomach, take with food, avoid grapefruit juice, separate from other meds.
4. "Which lab value indicates a therapeutic level of...": Know therapeutic ranges: digoxin 0.8–2.0, lithium 0.6–1.2, phenytoin 10–20, vancomycin trough 15–20, INR 2–3.
5. "What is the antidote for...": The list above covers the major ones.

If your program gives an ATI or HESI exit exam before the NCLEX, that test is built to predict how you'll do on the NCLEX-PN, and it shows you and your school which content areas are weak. Here's how the LPN/LVN exit exam works, what the scores mean, and what happens if you miss.

The "drug-disease interaction" cheat list

• NSAIDs + heart failure = avoid (fluid retention).
• Beta blockers + asthma = avoid non-selective (propranolol); cardioselective (metoprolol) usually OK.
• ACE inhibitors + pregnancy = teratogenic. Avoid.
• Metformin + IV contrast = hold ~48 hr only if eGFR is under 30, AKI, or an intra-arterial study (not routinely); lactic acidosis risk.
• MAOIs + tyramine = hypertensive crisis.
• SSRIs + tramadol = serotonin syndrome.
• Warfarin + leafy greens = doesn't have to be avoided, but keep intake consistent.
• Tetracyclines + dairy/antacids = decreased absorption. Separate by 2 hours.
• Statins + grapefruit juice = increased drug levels. Avoid grapefruit.

FAQ

Is it better to memorize generic or brand names for the NCLEX?

Learn the generic names first. That's what the NCLEX-PN uses. Brand names show up sometimes in parentheses or in older question banks, so once you have the generic down, add the brand if it's a famous one (Tylenol = acetaminophen, Lasix = furosemide, Coumadin = warfarin).

How do I memorize so many drugs without burning out?

Memorize by class, not one drug at a time. Once you know that all -olol drugs are beta blockers that cause bradycardia, you don't have to learn metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol, and carvedilol as four separate cards. The reality is, class-level knowledge handles about 80% of the drug questions you'll see.

Are there drugs not on this list that I might still see on the NCLEX?

Yes, there will be a few. But if you know the 100 above plus the suffix patterns, you can usually figure out an unfamiliar drug straight from its name. And honestly, the NCLEX-PN tends to repeat the same high-yield drugs, so you've already met most of them.

What's the single highest-yield drug fact for the NCLEX-PN?

It's hard to pick just one, but if you forced me: hold digoxin if the apical pulse is less than 60 in adults. That's the classic test question. The runner-up is knowing that magnesium toxicity (loss of patellar reflex, respiratory depression) is treated with calcium gluconate.