Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education for Health Care Professionals

Latest Episodes:

Bromocriptine Pharmacology Feb 11, 2021

Show notes

On this episode, I discuss bromocriptine pharmacology. It is a dopamine agonist that can be used for hyperprolactinemia and Parkinson’s symptoms.

One of the major side effects of bromocriptine is nausea which stems from its dopamine agonist action.

Because bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist, it can counteract the action of antipsychotics.

Bromocriptine is broken down by CYP3A4, so drug interactions can be common. Erythromycin, some of the azole antifungals, verapamil, grapefruit juice, and diltiazem are all medications that can increase concentrations.

Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

Tacrolimus Pharmacology Feb 04, 2021

Show notes

On this episode, I discuss tacrolimus pharmacology. This medication is an immunosuppressant used to reduce the risk of transplant rejection.

Tacrolimus has a long list of potential adverse effects such as hyperglycemia, renal impairment, GI toxicity, and hypertriglyceridemia.

Important monitoring parameters for tacrolimus include drug levels, electrolytes, renal function, and blood sugars.

CYP3A4 interactions are critical with tacrolimus. Inhibitors can raise concentrations and inducers can lower concentrations.

Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

Ibuprofen Pharmacology Jan 28, 2021

Show notes

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, I discuss ibuprofen pharmacology.

Ibuprofen can raise the concentrations of lithium and increase the risk for toxicity.

Compared to most other NSAIDs, ibuprofen has a relatively short half-life. This explains why it needs to be dosed more frequently than other agents.

Ibuprofen can contribute to renal insufficiency, GI bleed risk, and CHF exacerbations.

I discuss important drug interactions on the podcast, be sure to check out my latest project which is a 200+ page book on managing drug interactions in primary care.

Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

Aripiprazole Pharmacology Jan 21, 2021

Show notes

Aripiprazole is metabolized by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Because of this, drug interactions can happen. I discuss specific examples in this episode.

Partial dopamine agonist activity and serotonergic activity make up a significant amount of aripiprazole’s pharmacology.

Aripiprazole is classified as an antipsychotic and can be used in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression augmentation.

Aripiprazole can cause significant akathesia. I discuss this adverse effect on this episode.

I discuss important drug interactions on the podcast, be sure to check out my latest project which is a 200+ page book on managing drug interactions in primary care.

Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

Escitalopram Pharmacology Jan 14, 2021

Show notes

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, I discuss escitalopram pharmacology.

Escitalopram is an SSRI and can be used to manage depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and other psychiatric disorders.

If you consider fluoxetine the most activation SSRI and paroxetine the most sedating, escitalopram probably falls somewhere in the middle.

Sexual dysfunction is a potential adverse effect with escitalopram. I discuss it further on this episode.

I discuss important drug interactions on the podcast, be sure to check out my latest project which is a 200+ page book on managing drug interactions in primary care.

Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

Ziprasidone Pharmacology Jan 07, 2021

Show notes

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, I cover ziprasidone pharmacology.

Ziprasidone has dopamine blocking activity and is classified as a second generation antipsychotic.

Ziprasidone tends to have lower metabolic syndrome risks compared to other antipsychotics like clozapine and olanzapine.

QTc prolongation is a significant risk with ziprasidone and be aware of drug interactions and electrolyte imbalances that may increase this risk.

I discuss important drug interactions on the podcast, be sure to check out my latest project which is a 200+ page book on managing drug interactions in primary care.

Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

Tiotropium Pharmacology Dec 31, 2020

Show notes

On this episode, I discuss tiotropium pharmacology. In addition, I cover adverse effects, administration pearls, and drug interactions.

Tiotropium blocks acetylcholine from binding the M3 receptor in the lungs. This leads to a relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscle.

Because tiotropium has anticholinergic activity, there is a potential for anticholinergic adverse effects like constipation, urinary retention, and dry mouth.

The tiotropium Handihaler can be confusing to patients. I discuss medication misadventures in this podcast episode.

I discuss important drug interactions on the podcast, be sure to check out my latest project which is a 200+ page book on managing drug interactions in primary care.

Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

Palivizumab Pharmacology Dec 24, 2020

Show notes

On this episode, I discuss palivizumab pharmacology and how it is used in pediatric patients.

Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody that is used to prevent RSV infections in pediatric patients.

Palivizumab is an IM injection that is dosed by weight. Learn more on this podcast episode.

RSV can be devastating in pediatric patients under the age of two. Palivizumab can be used in select populations to help prevent the infection.

Injection and skin reactions are possible with the use of palivizumab.

Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

I discuss important drug interactions on the podcast, be sure to check out my latest project which is a 200+ page book on managing drug interactions in primary care.

Varenicline Pharmacology Dec 17, 2020

Show notes

Varenicline is a partial nicotine agonist that can be used to help patients quit smoking.

The two most common adverse effects that I have seen in clinical practice with varenicline are GI upset and insomnia/vivid dreams.

GI upset with varenicline can be reduced by giving the drug with food and a full glass of water. A dose reduction may also be considered.

Patients should identify a goal stop date for smoking cessation prior to begininng the use of varenicline.

I discuss important drug interactions on the podcast, be sure to check out my latest project which is a 200+ page book on managing drug interactions in primary care.

Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Pharmacology Dec 10, 2020

Show notes

Diphenhydramine is a first generation antihistamine that is highly anticholinergic.

When using medications like diphenhydramine, be sure to watch for side effects like dry eyes, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and CNS changes.

Sedation is a primary effect of diphenhydramine. It can be advantageous in certain situations, and detrimental in others.

Drugs like donepezil, memantine, laxatives, tamsulosin, and artificial tears can be indicators of anticholinergic side effects from diphenhydramine.

I discuss important drug interactions on the podcast, be sure to check out my latest project which is a 200+ page book on managing drug interactions in primary care.

Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!