Pharmacology Drug Classification Chart & PDF for Nursing Students – devshopsimplenursing

Jump to Sections

    Memorizing key drug classifications in pharmacology is essential for nursing students—not just for exams, but for real-world patient care. Having a pharmacology drug classification chart as a quick reference can make memorization easier and improve understanding of how different drugs work.

    To help you master pharmacology, we’ve created a drug classification PDF that breaks down must-know medications in an easy-to-follow format. Download it below, and keep reading for a helpful drug grid pharmacology cheat sheet!

    Why Understanding Drug Classifications Matters

    Drug classifications group medications based on their effects, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic uses. Misidentifying a drug classification on an exam is one thing—but in practice, the consequences of a medication error can be life-threatening. That’s why having a nursing student pharmacology drug classification chart PDF on hand is so valuable.

    To strengthen your pharmacology knowledge, check out our quick drug chart for nursing students below.

    Pharmacology Drug Classification Chart Cheat Sheet

    Pharmacology cheat sheets help nursing students both in school and after graduation. Here’s a drug classification chart that covers common categories, their purposes, and mechanisms of action.

    Drug Classification Reason(s) Action(s)
    Ace Inhibitors Hypertension Suppressing the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and preventing the activity of ACE, which converts angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2 (vasoconstrictor). Inhibiting the conversion causes Na+ and H2O not to be retained; as a result, sodium and BP decreases.
    Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB) Hypertension Blocking the binding of angiotensin two at various sites on smooth muscle. Blocking the vasoconstriction effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, as a result, causes a decrease in blood pressure.
    Beta-Blockers Hypertension, Cardiac arrhythmia, Heart failure, Angina, Glaucoma, Prevention of Myocardial infarction (MI). Blocking beta receptors in the heart to decrease cardiac workload to decrease HR and dilate blood vessels. Providing membrane stabilizing effects.
    Calcium Channel Blockers Hypertension, Angina pectoris, Vasospastic (Prinzmetal’s) angina. Inhibiting calcium’s movement across the cell membrane of cardiac and arterial muscles – resulting in less calcium available for nerve impulse transmission and relaxing blood vessels to increase 02 supply to decrease cardiac workload.
    Cephalosporins Respiratory infections, Otitis media (ear infection), Bone/joint infections, Genitourinary tract, and other bacterial infections. With their β-lactam ring, they target the bacterial cell wall, making it defective and unstable. This action is similar to the action of penicillin. Cephalosporins are usually bactericidal.
    Thiazides (Diuretics) Hypertension, Used with antihypertensives, reducing edema, Glaucoma, seizures, and Renal disease. Inhibiting reabsorption in the ascending portion of the loop of Henle and early distal tubule. Excrete sodium, chloride, and H2O.

    Studying pharmacology for the NCLEX exam? Check out our need to know NCLEX medications & our free nursing drug cards built to help you remember key info for the exam.

    Boost Your Pharmacology Knowledge with SimpleNursing

    If you’re preparing for the NCLEX exam or struggling with pharmacology coursework, having the right study tools is key.

    With SimpleNursing’s nursing school membership, you’ll get access to:

    Unlock more pharmacology study tools today with SimpleNursing!

    ← Previous Next →

    Nursing students trust SimpleNursing

    Student profile
    I cannot express enough gratitude for Nurse Mike and this wonderful platform he has created. I had a subscription to SimpleNursing the entire 2 years of my nursing school career and…
    Read more
    Student profile
    Before starting nursing school, I was a C-average student. I didn't think I'd be competent enough and make it through my second semester. I was told about SimpleNursing and...
    Read more
    Mike Linares MSN, RN Headshot
    Written by:
    Owner & Founder
    Education: Associate Degree in Nursing, Cerritos Nursing School Master of Science in Nursing, Capella University | Specialization: Nursing Education
    Mike Linares has over a decade of experience in the medical field, beginning with four years as an ambulance worker in Orange County followed by another four years as an EMT, during which he also taught EKG for paramedics. His journey continued as he transitioned to become a registered nurse. Despite facing challenges in nursing school and initially failing out, Mike's determination led him to develop effective study techniques. He successfully petitioned to re-enter nursing school by demonstrating his commitment through the creation of a nursing boot camp. This experience inspired him to create study materials for friends, which proved highly successful. This success story culminated in the founding of SimpleNursing, a platform dedicated to providing accessible and effective study resources for nursing students.