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Pharmacology, the very word, makes many medical students nervous. It’s one of those subjects that most people find difficult to understand—and even harder to remember. But here’s a truth bomb: if you love physiology, you shouldn’t fear pharmacology. Let me explain.
Pharmacology is Just Altered Physiology
Yes, that’s right! Pharmacology is all about how drugs affect the body—and, more specifically, how they alter normal physiology. If you’ve understood how the body works, understanding how medicines change or correct these functions becomes much easier.
For example, let’s talk about hypertension (high blood pressure). If you understand the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) from physiology, you already have the base. Drugs like ARBs and ACE Inhibitors simply modify this system. That’s it!
Similarly, drugs like beta-blockers, alpha-blockers, and Atropine work on your adrenergic and cholinergic systems. So, instead of seeing pharma as a new monster to conquer, think of it as a natural extension of physiology.
Best Video Resources for Pharmacology
Many students prefer video lectures, and rightly so! They are visual, time-efficient, and help in note-making. Here are the best ones I recommend:
1. Kaplan (Dr. Lionel Raymon)
This is my go-to recommendation. Dr. Raymond’s Kaplan pharmacology videos are concise, clear, and perfectly structured for concept building. You can find these on Telegram or online platforms. These videos helped me more than any in-person class ever did.
2. Dr. Najeeb
Dr. Najeeb’s lectures are legendary, but they can be long. If you choose his videos, watch them at 1.5x or 2x speed. They’re detailed but may take more time than needed.
3. GRG App (Dr. Gobind Rai Garg)
While Dr. GRG is a brilliant teacher, his content is more PG exam-oriented. Also, with changing exam patterns (like the upcoming NEXT exam), it may or may not stay relevant. Still, his videos and app can be helpful for revision.
Top Books to Study Pharmacology
Books give structure to your preparation. Here are the top picks:
1. KDT (K.D. Tripathi)
KDT is a great book for Indian medical students. But it works best if you already have strong physiology knowledge. If you’re struggling with concepts, it may feel overwhelming.
2. GRG Review Book
This book simplifies KDT into student-friendly notes. It’s perfect for quick revisions and making your own study notes.
3. Katzung (Mini or Full)
If you’re aiming for an in-depth study, Katzung is a classic. I only used it for neuropharmacology because the full version can be bulky.
4. Shanbhag
This is a quick revision book—best used when you’re short on time. But don’t make it your main resource; it’s meant for last-minute review, not deep understanding.
MCQs & Clinical Practice Questions
Understanding theory is one thing. Practicing clinical questions is what makes it stick. Here’s what I recommend:
1. PreTest Pharmacology
PreTest is full of USMLE-style, clinically oriented MCQs. It’s perfect for building real-world application skills. Since new exams like NEXT are expected to have more clinical questions, PreTest can help you prepare smarter.
2. GRG Review MCQs
Great for practice after you finish reading. The questions are mostly based on NEET PG and INI-CET patterns.
3. KDT MCQs
Not many know this, but KDT has its own MCQ book, which is available online for free! Just search for it and save your money.
How to Study Pharmacology Effectively (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a study plan that worked for me during my second year:
Start with Videos
Begin a topic (e.g., anticancer drugs) by watching Kaplan videos. Get your concepts clear.
Read KDT
After the video, read the same topic in KDT. It will add details like drug names, side effects, etc.
Make Notes
Create your notes. Use the GRG review book to help structure your notes easily.
Practice MCQs
Once you’ve made notes, solve questions from GRG MCQs, KDT MCQs, or PreTest to test your understanding.
This method builds your concepts, creates solid notes, and gets you exam-ready with MCQs.
When You Are Short on Time
We have all been there—college life happens, and you fall behind. For topics you couldn’t cover, use Shanbhag for quick revision. But remember: Shanbhag is a supplement, not a replacement.
Final Thoughts
Pharmacology may seem tough, but with the right resources and a smart plan, it becomes a lot easier. Stick to Kaplan videos, KDT/GRG for reading, and PreTest for practice—and you are good to go.
I’ll also be releasing free pharmacology and pathology notes in the coming days. If you liked the physiology notes, I’m sure you’ll find these helpful too.
FAQs: Pharmacology for Medical Students
1. Why is pharmacology so hard to learn?
It seems hard due to memorization, but if you understand physiology well, pharmacology is just altered physiology—making it much easier.
2. What’s the best way to study pharmacology?
Start with Kaplan videos for concepts, read KDT for details, and use GRG for note-making and revision.
3. Can I skip KDT and use GRG?
Yes, if you’re short on time. But for full understanding, combine both.
4. Are Dr. Najeeb’s videos useful?
Yes, but they are long. Watch at 2x speed if you prefer detailed explanations.
5. What should I do if I have less time before exams?
Use Shanbhag for quick revision—it’s concise and exam-friendly.
6. Are clinical MCQs important?
Definitely, books like PreTest help prepare for case-based questions in exams like NEXT.
