Pharmacology revision with active recall
Pharmacology is a memory subject with a logic underneath: mechanisms, receptors and why a drug causes the effects it does. Active recall works best when questions test that logic, not just drug names. Here is what that looks like.
Example: from a lecture excerpt to questions
Adrenaline is added to local anaesthetics such as lidocaine. Its alpha-1 mediated vasoconstriction slows absorption from the injection site, which prolongs the block and reduces systemic toxicity. In patients taking a non-selective beta-blocker, adrenaline's beta-2 vasodilation is blocked, leaving unopposed alpha-1 vasoconstriction.
Why does adding adrenaline to lidocaine prolong the anaesthetic block?
- A. It increases sodium channel binding of lidocaine
- B. It causes local vasoconstriction, slowing absorption from the site ✓
- C. It inhibits hepatic metabolism of lidocaine
- D. It increases the lipid solubility of lidocaine
Why: Alpha-1 vasoconstriction keeps lidocaine at the site for longer. It does not change how the drug binds sodium channels, and liver metabolism is not affected locally.
A 58-year-old man taking propranolol for hypertension receives a local anaesthetic containing adrenaline. Which response is most likely?
- A. Hypotension with reflex tachycardia
- B. No change in blood pressure
- C. A marked rise in blood pressure with reflex bradycardia ✓
- D. Bronchodilation with a fall in blood pressure
Why: Propranolol blocks beta-2 vasodilation, so adrenaline's alpha-1 effect is unopposed: blood pressure rises and the baroreceptor reflex slows the heart.
You ask Cue: Why is it riskier to give adrenaline to someone on propranolol?
Propranolol is non-selective, so it blocks the beta-2 receptors that normally cause some vasodilation. Adrenaline's alpha-1 vasoconstriction is then unopposed, so blood pressure can rise sharply, with a reflex drop in heart rate. p.4
Example generated from a short sample excerpt. In recalled.fyi, every question and answer comes from the material you upload.
What to turn into questions
- Mechanism of action and the receptor involved
- Why each adverse effect happens (it usually follows from the mechanism)
- Interactions and contraindications, especially "unopposed" effects
- Drug of choice versus alternatives, and how to tell similar drugs apart
How recalled.fyi helps
- Upload lecture slides or a pharmacology PDF; long PDFs are split into study sets automatically
- Exam-style questions with explanations of why tempting options are wrong
- Weak-area quizzes when a class of drugs keeps tripping you up
- Ask Cue about doses or mechanisms and jump to the page in your notes
Try it on your own lecture. Upload a PDF or slides and get a summary, a quiz and Cue in minutes. Free plan, no card needed.
Start freeQuestions
Can it handle long pharmacology PDFs?
Yes. Large PDFs are split into parts, each with its own summary and quiz, so a whole course fits.
Will it use US or UK drug names?
Questions follow the names used in your material, so if your lectures say adrenaline, so will your quiz.