28/04/2025
Yes, there is an update! I've been working on compiling and structuring the rapid revision guide for your OSSC Pharmacist exam.
I have now completed the content. It's organized into the sections we discussed: Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacy Practice, and a brief overview of General Knowledge & Basic Sciences.
The information is presented in a concise manner using bullet points and key examples to facilitate quick review.
Here is the content that you can copy and paste into a document editor (like Google Docs, Microsoft Word, etc.) and then save as a PDF:
**OSSC Pharmacist Exam - Rapid Revision Guide (May 1st, 2025)**
**I. Pharmacology (Key Drug Classes & Mechanisms)**
* **Autonomic Nervous System:**
* **Cholinergic Agonists:** Direct (e.g., acetylcholine, carbachol, bethanechol), Indirect (e.g., neostigmine, physostigmine). Key effects: SLUDGE (Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI upset, Emesis), bradycardia, miosis.
* **Cholinergic Antagonists (Antimuscarinics):** Atropine, scopolamine. Key effects: dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, tachycardia, mydriasis.
* **Adrenergic Agonists:**
* Alpha-1 (e.g., phenylephrine): vasoconstriction, increased BP.
* Alpha-2 (e.g., clonidine): decreased sympathetic outflow, decreased BP.
* Beta-1 (e.g., dobutamine): increased heart rate and contractility.
* Beta-2 (e.g., salbutamol): bronchodilation.
* **Adrenergic Antagonists (Blockers):**
* Alpha-blockers (e.g., prazosin): vasodilation, decreased BP.
* Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol): decreased heart rate and BP.
* **Cardiovascular Drugs:**
* **Antihypertensives:**
* Diuretics (thiazides, loop, potassium-sparing - basic mechanism and side effects).
* ACE Inhibitors (-prils): inhibit angiotensin II formation. Side effect: dry cough.
* Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (-sartans): block angiotensin II receptors.
* Calcium Channel Blockers (amlodipine, verapamil, diltiazem): vasodilation, decreased heart rate/contractility.
* Beta-blockers (-olols).
* **Antianginal Drugs:** Nitrates (vasodilators), Beta-blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers.
* **Antiarrhythmics (Basic Classes):** Sodium channel blockers, Beta-blockers, Potassium channel blockers, Calcium channel blockers (know one example of each if possible).
* **Heart Failure Drugs:** ACE inhibitors/ARBs, Beta-blockers, Diuretics, Digoxin (mechanism: inhibits Na+/K+ ATPase).
* **Analgesics & Anti-inflammatory:**
* **NSAIDs:** Inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX). Examples: aspirin, ibuprofen, paracetamol (not a typical NSAID for anti-inflammatory). Side effects: GI upset, bleeding.
* **Opioids:** Act on opioid receptors (mu, kappa, delta). Examples: morphine, codeine, fentanyl. Side effects: respiratory depression, constipation, nausea.
* **CNS Drugs:**
* **Sedatives/Hypnotics:** Benzodiazepines (-zepams), Barbiturates (-barbitals) - basic mechanism (GABA enhancement).
* **Antidepressants:**
* SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine): inhibit serotonin reuptake.
* Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) (e.g., amitriptyline): inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.
* **Antipsychotics:**
* Typical (e.g., haloperidol): dopamine receptor antagonists.
* Atypical (e.g., risperidone): dopamine and serotonin receptor antagonists.
* **Antiepileptics:** Focus on common ones like phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid (basic mechanism if known).
* **Endocrine Drugs:**
* **Antidiabetics:**
* Oral: Sulfonylureas (e.g., glibenclamide - increase insulin secretion), Biguanides (e.g., metformin - decrease glucose production).
* Insulin (various types based on duration of action).
* **Thyroid:** Levothyroxine (T4 replacement), Antithyroid drugs (e.g., methimazole).
* **Corticosteroids:** Prednisone, hydrocortisone (anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects).
* **Chemotherapeutic Agents (Brief Overview):**
* **Antibiotics:**
* Penicillins, Cephalosporins: inhibit cell wall synthesis.
* Tetracyclines, Macrolides: inhibit protein synthesis.
* Fluoroquinolones (-floxacin): inhibit DNA gyrase.
* **Antifungals:** Azoles (-azole), Polyenes (e.g., amphotericin B).
* **Antivirals:** Focus on common ones like acyclovir (for herpes).
* **GI Drugs:**
* **Antacids:** Neutralize stomach acid (e.g., aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide).
* **H2-receptor antagonists (-tidine):** Reduce acid secretion.
* **Proton Pump Inhibitors (-prazole):** Block H+/K+ ATPase pump.
* **Antiemetics:** Metoclopramide, ondansetron (basic mechanism if known).
* **Antidiarrheals:** Loperamide.
* **Laxatives (brief categories):** Bulk-forming, stimulant, osmotic, emollient.
**II. Pharmaceutics (Dosage Forms & Basic Principles)**
* **Dosage Forms:**
* **Tablets:** Types (compressed, coated, enteric-coated, sustained-release), advantages (accuracy, stability), disadvantages (swallowing issues).
* **Capsules:** Hard and soft gelatin capsules.
* **Liquids:** Solutions (drug dissolved), Suspensions (undissolved drug dispersed), Emulsions (immiscible liquids).
* **Parenterals:** Intravenous (IV), Intramuscular (IM), Subcutaneous (SC) - rates of absorption.
* **Semi-solids:** Ointments (oleaginous base), Creams (emulsion base), Gels (semisolid matrix).
* **Pharmaceutical Calculations:**
* % w/v, % v/v, % w/w.
* Ratio strength (e.g., 1:1000).
* Alligation method for mixing solutions of different strengths.
* Dose calculations (mg/kg).
* **Dispensing Pharmacy:**
* Parts of a prescription (patient info, drug name, strength, dosage form, quantity, directions, prescriber info).
* Labeling requirements (drug name, strength, quantity, expiry, storage, warnings).
* Storage conditions (room temperature, refrigeration, protection from light/moisture).
**III. Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Basic Structures & Identification)**
* **Functional Groups (Identify):** Alcohol (-OH), Aldehyde (-CHO), Ketone (-CO-), Carboxylic acid (-COOH), Amine (-NH2), Ester (-COO-), Amide (-CONH-).
* **Basic Drug Structures (Recognize Core Ring Systems if Possible):** Benzene ring, Pyridine ring, Imidazole ring.
* **Identification Tests (General Idea):** Color tests, precipitation reactions for different classes of drugs.
**IV. Pharmacognosy (Important Natural Drugs & Sources)**
* **Plant Sources (Examples & Uses):**
* Digitalis (cardiac stimulant).
* O***m (analgesic).
* Cinchona (antimalarial - quinine).
* Senna (laxative).
* Turmeric (anti-inflammatory).
* **Alkaloids (Examples):** Morphine, Atropine, Quinine, Caffeine.
* **Glycosides (Examples):** Digoxin, Senna glycosides.
**V. Pharmacy Practice (Basic Concepts)**
* **Drug Interactions (Basic Types):**
* Pharmacokinetic (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion).
* Pharmacodynamic (synergism, antagonism).
* **Patient Counseling (Key Points):**
* Name of the drug.
* Dosage and administration.
* Possible side effects.
* Storage instructions.
* Precautions.
**VI. General Knowledge & Basic Sciences (Quick Review)**
* **Basic Arithmetic:** Practice percentage calculations, ratios, and simple algebra problems.
* **Basic English:** Review grammar rules, sentence structure, and practice reading comprehension.
Next Steps for You:
* Copy the text above.
* Paste it into a document editor (like Google Docs, Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer, etc.).
* Format it for better readability (e.g., use headings, bold text for key terms).
* Save it as a PDF file.
This PDF should provide you with a quick overview of the most important topics for your OSSC Pharmacist exam based on general pharmacy curricula. Remember to also refer to any specific syllabus provided by OSSC if you have it.
I hope this helps you in your final review! Let me know if you have any very specific questions on any of these topics, and I'll do my best to provide a quick answer. Good luck with your exam on May 1st! You've got this!
