Meds to Know for NCLEX

Being a good registered nurse means knowing the right medications for different ailments. Now, there are hundreds (even thousands) of illnesses and injuries. So the key drugs, their uses, side effects, and contraindications can be quite tricky to learn. And of course, this knowledge can make the difference between passing and failing the NCLEX.

As for the NCLEX, you’ll encounter questions on everything from common antihypertensives to life-saving emergency drugs. We’ll cover all key meds to know for the NCLEX-RN exam, so you can be better prepared. This is a key part of the NCLEX prep course. So let’s begin.

Types & Classes of Medication

Pharmacology is a major component of the NCLEX. So understanding the key drug classes is essential for safe, effective patient care.

Antihypertensive Medications

These drugs lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, reducing fluid volume, or slowing heart rate. Common types include ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine). These drugs are often covered in NCLEX practice questions to test your knowledge of cardiovascular care.

Antiarrhythmics Medications

Used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), these drugs stabilize electrical activity in the heart. Examples include amiodarone (ventricular arrhythmias) and digoxin (for atrial fibrillation). They help maintain a steady heartbeat and prevent complications like stroke or cardiac arrest.

Vasopressors, Inotropes, & Emergency Meds

Vasopressors (e.g., norepinephrine) constrict blood vessels to raise blood pressure in shock. Inotropes (e.g., dobutamine) strengthen heart contractions. Emergency meds like epinephrine treat anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest by rapidly increasing heart rate and blood flow.

Antianginal/Vasodilators

These drugs relieve chest pain (angina) by improving blood flow to the heart. Nitroglycerin dilates coronary arteries, while calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem) reduce heart workload. They prevent and treat angina episodes caused by reduced oxygen supply.

Antilipemics

Also called lipid-lowering drugs, they reduce cholesterol and triglycerides to prevent heart disease. Statins (e.g., atorvastatin) lower LDL (“bad” cholesterol), while fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate) target triglycerides. They help decrease plaque buildup in arteries.

Diuretics

Known as “water pills,” diuretics help the body eliminate excess fluid and sodium. Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) treat edema and heart failure, while thiazides (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) manage hypertension. They reduce swelling and lower blood pressure.

Hematopoietic Agents

These drugs stimulate blood cell production. Erythropoietin (EPO) boosts red blood cells in anemia, while filgrastim increases white blood cells post-chemotherapy. They help treat blood disorders and support recovery after treatments that suppress bone marrow.

Anticoagulants

Blood thinners like warfarin and heparin prevent dangerous clots by slowing clotting factors. DOACs (e.g., apixaban) are newer alternatives. They reduce stroke and DVT risks but require monitoring to avoid excessive bleeding.

Antiplatelets

These drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) prevent platelets from sticking together, reducing clot formation. They’re crucial for heart attack and stroke prevention, especially in patients with stents or atherosclerosis.

Thrombolytics (Clot Busters)

Used in emergencies (e.g., stroke, heart attack), drugs like alteplase dissolve life-threatening clots quickly. They restore blood flow but must be given within hours of symptom onset to minimize tissue damage.

Respiratory & Allergy Medications

Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) open airways in asthma/COPD. Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) block allergy symptoms. Corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone) reduce inflammation. They help manage breathing difficulties and allergic reactions.

Antidiabetics/Insulin

Insulin lowers blood sugar in Type 1 diabetes. Oral meds like metformin improve insulin sensitivity in Type 2. They prevent complications like nerve damage and kidney disease by maintaining glucose control.

Thyroid & Hormonal Agents

Levothyroxine replaces thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism. Antithyroid drugs (e.g., methimazole) treat hyperthyroidism. Hormonal therapies (e.g., insulin, estrogen) regulate metabolic and reproductive functions.

Corticosteroids

These anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., prednisone) treat allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. They suppress immune responses but long-term use can cause side effects like osteoporosis and high blood sugar.

Uric Acid Medications

Allopurinol lowers uric acid to prevent gout attacks. Colchicine relieves acute gout pain. They help manage chronic gout and reduce joint damage from crystal buildup.

Gastrointestinal Medications

PPIs (e.g., omeprazole) reduce stomach acid for GERD. Antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron) prevent nausea. Laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl) relieve constipation. They treat digestive disorders and improve comfort.

Antibiotics/Antimicrobials

Penicillins (e.g., amoxicillin) kill bacteria for infections like strep throat. Vancomycin treats resistant infections. Proper use prevents antibiotic resistance—finish the full course even if symptoms improve.

Antifungals & Antivirals

Antifungals (e.g., fluconazole) treat yeast infections. Antivirals (e.g., acyclovir) manage herpes or flu. They stop microbial growth but don’t work against bacteria—correct diagnosis is key.

Psychiatric Medications

SSRIs (e.g., sertraline) boost serotonin for depression. Antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone) manage schizophrenia. They stabilize mood and thought patterns but may take weeks to show effects.

Anticonvulsants/Antiepileptics

Drugs like phenytoin and valproate prevent seizures by calming overactive brain signals. They help control epilepsy and may also treat nerve pain or bipolar disorder.

Neurologic Medications

Dopamine agonists (e.g., levodopa) ease Parkinson’s symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil) slow Alzheimer’s progression. They support brain function but don’t cure degenerative diseases.

Osmotic Diuretics

Mannitol reduces brain swelling (cerebral edema) by drawing fluid out of tissues. Used in emergencies like head trauma or acute glaucoma, it lowers intracranial pressure quickly.

Obstetric & Women’s Health Medications

Oxytocin induces labor; magnesium sulfate prevents seizures in preeclampsia. Hormonal contraceptives regulate periods and prevent pregnancy. They support reproductive health and safe deliveries.

Pain Management & Anesthesia Medications

Opioids (e.g., morphine) relieve severe pain but risk addiction. NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) reduce inflammation. Local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine) numb areas for procedures. Balanced use minimizes side effects.

Mastering these categories will help you answer NCLEX questions accurately and confidently. But beyond these categories, you need to understand the top drugs.

Top Meds to Know for NCLEX

The NCLEX heavily tests pharmacology—while you don’t need to memorize every drug, certain medications appear repeatedly.

Lisinopril

• Class: ACE inhibitor
• Salt: Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks ACE → ↓ angiotensin II → vasodilation ↓ BP
• Uses: Hypertension (HTN), heart failure (HF), post-MI

Losartan

• Class: ARB (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker)
• Salt: Losartan potassium (Cozaar)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks AT1 receptors → vasodilation ↓ BP
• Uses: HTN, diabetic nephropathy

Metoprolol

• Class: Beta-1 selective blocker
• Salt: Metoprolol tartrate/succinate (Lopressor/Toprol XL)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks β1 receptors → ↓ HR/contractility
• Uses: HTN, angina, HF, post-MI

Amlodipine

• Class: Dihydropyridine Calcium channel blocker
• Salt: Amlodipine besylate (Norvasc)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks Ca²⁺ channels → vasodilation ↓ BP
• Uses: HTN, chronic stable angina

Diltiazem

• Class: Non-DHP Calcium channel blocker
• Salt: Diltiazem HCl (Cardizem)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks Ca²⁺ in heart/SM → ↓ HR/BP
• Uses: HTN, angina, Afib rate control

Digoxin

• Class: Cardiac glycoside
• Salt: Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Mechanism of Action: ↑ Ca²⁺ → ↑ contractility (positive inotrope)
• Uses: HF, Afib (rate control)

Nitroglycerin

• Class: Nitrate (Antianginal)
• Salt: Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
• Mechanism of Action: Releases NO → venous dilation ↓ preload
• Uses: Acute angina, hypertensive crisis

Atorvastatin

• Class: Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor)
• Salt: Atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor)
• Mechanism of Action: ↓ LDL, ↑ HDL via HMG-CoA inhibition
• Uses: Hyperlipidemia, CVD prevention

Warfarin

• Class: Vitamin K antagonist (Anticoagulant)
• Salt: Warfarin sodium (Coumadin)
• Mechanism of Action: Inhibits Vit K → ↓ clotting factors II, VII, IX, X
• Uses: Afib, DVT/PE prophylaxis

Heparin

• Class: Parenteral anticoagulant
• Salt: Heparin sodium
• Mechanism of Action: Activates antithrombin III → ↓ thrombin
• Uses: Acute DVT/PE, STEMI

Furosemide

• Class: Loop diuretic
• Salt: Furosemide (Lasix)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks Na⁺/K⁺/Cl⁻ reabsorption in Loop of Henle → diuresis
• Uses: Edema (HF, cirrhosis), HTN, hypercalcemia

Hydrochlorothiazide

• Class: Thiazide diuretic
• Salt: HCTZ (Microzide)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks Na⁺/Cl⁻ reabsorption in DCT → diuresis
• Uses: HTN, mild edema

Spironolactone

• Class: Potassium-sparing diuretic
• Salt: Spironolactone (Aldactone)
• Mechanism of Action: Aldosterone antagonist → retains K⁺, excretes Na⁺/H₂O
• Uses: HF (NYHA III-IV), HTN, ascites (cirrhosis)

Albuterol

• Class: Short-acting β₂ (Beta-agonist, bronchodilator) agonist (SABA)
• Salt: Albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Ventolin)
• Mechanism of Action: Stimulates β₂ receptors → bronchodilation
• Uses: Asthma, COPD (acute bronchospasm)

Ipratropium

• Class: Anticholinergic (SAMA)
• Salt: Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks muscarinic receptors → bronchodilation
• Uses: COPD, asthma (adjunct)

Fluticasone

• Class: Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
• Salt: Fluticasone propionate (Flovent)
• Mechanism of Action: Anti-inflammatory → ↓ airway swelling
• Uses: Asthma, COPD maintenance

Montelukast

• Class: Leukotriene receptor antagonist
• Salt: Montelukast sodium (Singulair)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks leukotrienes → ↓ bronchoconstriction
• Uses: Asthma, allergic rhinitis

Diphenhydramine

• Class: 1st-gen antihistamine
• Salt: Diphenhydramine HCl (Benadryl)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks H₁ receptors → ↓ allergic response
• Uses: Allergies, insomnia, motion sickness

Insulin Glargine

• Class: Long-acting insulin
• Salt: Insulin glargine (Lantus)
• Mechanism of Action: Basal insulin (no peak, lasts ~24h)
• Uses: Type 1/2 DM (basal coverage)

Metformin

• Class: Biguanide
• Salt: Metformin HCl (Glucophage)
• Mechanism of Action: ↓ hepatic gluconeogenesis, ↑ insulin sensitivity
• Uses: Type 2 DM (first-line), PCOS

Levothyroxine

• Class: Thyroid hormone
• Salt: Levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid)
• Mechanism of Action: Replaces T4 → normalizes metabolism
• Uses: Hypothyroidism, myxedema

Prednisone

• Class: Corticosteroid
• Salt: Prednisone (Deltasone)
• Mechanism of Action: Anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive
• Uses: Asthma, RA, lupus, IBD

Omeprazole

• Class: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
• Salt: Omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks H⁺/K⁺ ATPase → ↓ gastric acid
• Uses: GERD, PUD, H. pylori (triple therapy)

Famotidine

• Class: H₂ blocker
• Salt: Famotidine (Pepcid)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks H₂ receptors → ↓ gastric acid
• Uses: GERD, PUD

Ondansetron

• Class: 5-HT3 antagonist (Antiemetic)
• Salt: Ondansetron HCl (Zofran)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks serotonin receptors in CTZ
• Uses: Chemo/NV, post-op nausea

Metoclopramide

• Class: Prokinetic/antiemetic
• Salt: Metoclopramide HCl (Reglan)
• Mechanism of Action: Dopamine antagonist → ↑ gastric emptying
• Uses: GERD, gastroparesis, chemo-induced NV

Amoxicillin

• Class: Penicillin antibiotic
• Salt: Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
• Mechanism of Action: Inhibits cell wall synthesis (bactericidal)
• Uses: Otitis media, strep throat, H. pylori

Ceftriaxone

• Class: 3rd-gen cephalosporin
• Salt: Ceftriaxone sodium (Rocephin)
• Mechanism of Action: Inhibits cell wall synthesis
• Uses: Meningitis, gonorrhea, pneumonia

Vancomycin

• Class: Glycopeptide antibiotic
• Salt: Vancomycin HCl (Vancocin)
• Mechanism of Action: Inhibits cell wall synthesis
• Uses: MRSA, C. diff (oral), endocarditis

Azithromycin

• Class: Macrolide antibiotic
• Salt: Azithromycin (Zithromax)
• Mechanism of Action: Inhibits protein synthesis (50S subunit)
• Uses: CAP, chlamydia, pertussis

Ciprofloxacin

• Class: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
• Salt: Ciprofloxacin HCl (Cipro)
• Mechanism of Action: Inhibits DNA gyrase/topoisomerase
• Uses: UTI, anthrax, traveler’s diarrhea

Metronidazole

• Class: Nitroimidazole antibiotic
• Salt: Metronidazole (Flagyl)
• Mechanism of Action: Disrupts DNA → bactericidal
• Uses: C. diff, trichomoniasis, intra-abdominal infections

Fluconazole

• Class: Triazole antifungal
• Salt: Fluconazole (Diflucan)
• Mechanism of Action: Inhibits ergosterol synthesis
• Uses: Candida, cryptococcal meningitis

Acyclovir

• Class: Antiviral (nucleoside analog)
• Salt: Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Mechanism of Action: Inhibits viral DNA polymerase
• Uses: HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus), VZV (Varicella Zoster Virus)

Fluoxetine

• Class: SSRI
• Salt: Fluoxetine HCl (Prozac)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks SERT → ↑ serotonin
• Uses: MDD, OCD, bulimia

Bupropion

• Class: Atypical antidepressant
• Salt: Bupropion HCl (Wellbutrin)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks NET/DAT → ↑ NE/DA
• Uses: MDD, smoking cessation

Lorazepam

• Class: Benzodiazepine
• Salt: Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Mechanism of Action: Enhances GABA-A → sedation
• Uses: Anxiety, alcohol withdrawal

Haloperidol

• Class: 1st-gen antipsychotic
• Salt: Haloperidol (Haldol)
• Mechanism of Action: Dopamine D2 antagonist
• Uses: Schizophrenia, delirium

Phenytoin

• Class: Antiepileptic
• Salt: Phenytoin sodium (Dilantin)
• Mechanism of Action: Blocks Na⁺ channels → stabilizes neurons
• Uses: Seizures, status epilepticus

Carbidopa-Levodopa

• Class: Dopamine precursor
• Salt: Carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet)
• Mechanism of Action: ↑ CNS dopamine levels
• Uses: Parkinson’s disease

Morphine

• Class: Opioid agonist
• Salt: Morphine sulfate
• Mechanism of Action: Binds mu-opioid receptors → analgesia
• Uses: Severe pain, dyspnea (palliative)

Oxycodone

• Class: Opioid agonist
• Salt: Oxycodone HCl (OxyContin)
• Mechanism of Action: Mu-opioid agonist
• Uses: Moderate-severe pain

Fentanyl

• Class: Synthetic opioid
• Salt: Fentanyl citrate (Duragesic)
• Mechanism of Action: Mu-opioid agonist (100x morphine)
• Uses: Chronic pain, anesthesia

Naloxone

• Class: Opioid antagonist
• Salt: Naloxone HCl (Narcan)
• Mechanism of Action: Competes at mu receptors
• Uses: Opioid overdose

Epinephrine

• Class: Adrenergic agonist
• Salt: Epinephrine (Adrenalin)
• Mechanism of Action: Stimulates α/β receptors
• Uses: Anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest

Dopamine

• Class: Vasopressor
• Salt: Dopamine HCl
• Mechanism of Action: Dose-dependent: renal (1–3 mcg/kg/min), cardiac (5–10 mcg/kg/min), vasopressor (>10 mcg/kg/min)
• Uses: Shock, HF

Clopidogrel

• Class: Antiplatelet
• Salt: Clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix)
• Mechanism of Action: Irreversibly inhibits P2Y12 → ↓ platelet aggregation
• Uses: Post-MI, stroke prevention

Rivaroxaban

• Class: DOAC
• Salt: Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
• Mechanism of Action: Direct Xa inhibitor
• Uses: Afib, DVT/PE

Magnesium Sulfate

• Class: Electrolyte
• Salt: Magnesium sulfate
• Mechanism of Action: ↓ NMDA receptors (CNS), smooth muscle relaxant
• Uses: Eclampsia, arrhythmias

Docusate

• Class: Stool softener
• Salt: Docusate sodium (Colace)
• Mechanism of Action: ↑ water/fat penetration into stool
• Uses: Constipation

There are hundreds of more medications, learning about which comes under the responsibilities of a registered nurse. So it’s important to enroll in our NCLEX preparation course.

FAQs on Meds for NCLEX

Let’s Summarize

Mastering these essential medications for the NCLEX isn’t just about memorization. It’s about understanding how they work, when they’re used, and what to watch for in patient care. You need to focus on high-yield drugs, their mechanisms, use cases, and salts.

Keep this guide handy as a quick reference during your study sessions. And remember—it’s not just for the exam but also for real-world practice.Want more help with the medication prep and more? Then enroll with us today!