Drugs in pregnancy mnemonic

Adverse effects of lithium

The mnemonic

LMNOP

What each word stands for

  • LLithium-related leucocytosis
  • MMovement disorder (tremor)
  • NNephrogenic diabetes insipidus
  • OhypOthyroidism (the O inside the word)
  • PPregnancy risk: Ebstein anomaly

Why it matters clinically

Guides monitoring of levels, renal and thyroid function, and counselling on pregnancy.

Where it stops being reliable

Leaves out weight gain and narrow therapeutic index; toxicity is dose-related and worsened by dehydration.

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

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Drugs in pregnancy mnemonic?

LMNOP. It helps you recall: Adverse effects of lithium.

What does "L" stand for?

Lithium-related leucocytosis

What does "M" stand for?

Movement disorder (tremor)

What does "N" stand for?

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

What are all the parts of the LMNOP mnemonic?

L: Lithium-related leucocytosis; M: Movement disorder (tremor); N: Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus; O: hypOthyroidism (the O inside the word); P: Pregnancy risk: Ebstein anomaly.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Drugs in pregnancy in Pharmacology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Leaves out weight gain and narrow therapeutic index; toxicity is dose-related and worsened by dehydration.

How is this useful clinically?

Guides monitoring of levels, renal and thyroid function, and counselling on pregnancy.

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 Drugs in pregnancy.

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.