In the PTC mnemonic for drug-induced Pseudotumor Cerebri, what does the letter P represent?

• A. Pimples (Accutane)
• B. Tetracyclines
• C. Contraceptives
• D. Progestins

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is remembering which drug category the letter P stands for in the PTC mnemonic for drug-induced pseudotumor cerebri. The P represents Pimples, specifically isotretinoin (Accutane), a retinoid used to treat severe acne. Isotretinoin has been associated with increased intracranial pressure, leading to pseudotumor cerebri, which is why this medication is linked to the P in the mnemonic. The other parts of the mnemonic cover different drug classes—tetracyclines and contraceptives—so they belong to the other letters, not the P. So identifying Pimples (Accutane) as the P is the best answer because it directly maps to the mnemonic’s first component.