General pharmacology and pharmacokinetics mnemonic

Drugs that can show zero-order kinetics

The mnemonic

PAT

What each word stands for

  • PPhenytoin
  • AAspirin at high doses
  • TTheophylline

Why it matters clinically

Small dose increases can cause disproportionate rises in level and toxicity.

Where it stops being reliable

Ethanol also follows zero-order kinetics and is not in the acronym; kinetics are dose-dependent, not fixed.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the General pharmacology and pharmacokinetics mnemonic?

PAT. It helps you recall: Drugs that can show zero-order kinetics.

What does "P" stand for?

Phenytoin

What does "A" stand for?

Aspirin at high doses

What does "T" stand for?

Theophylline

What are all the parts of the PAT mnemonic?

P: Phenytoin; A: Aspirin at high doses; T: Theophylline.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to General pharmacology and pharmacokinetics in Pharmacology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Ethanol also follows zero-order kinetics and is not in the acronym; kinetics are dose-dependent, not fixed.

How is this useful clinically?

Small dose increases can cause disproportionate rises in level and toxicity.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Pharmacology question about General pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.