Episodios

  • Irbesartan Pharmacology

    Irbesartan Pharmacology
    May 22 2025
    Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used primarily for the management of hypertension and diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes. It selectively inhibits the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor found in vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. This blockade results in vasodilation, reduced aldosterone secretion, decreased sodium and water retention, and ultimately lower blood pressure. Irbesartan is administered orally, with a typical starting dose of 150 mg once daily, which may be increased to 300 mg depending on the patient’s clinical response and tolerability. Adverse effects of irbesartan are generally mild but can include hyperkalemia and dizziness. Hypotension may occur, especially in volume-depleted individuals or those on diuretics. Routine monitoring of renal function and serum potassium is recommended, especially in patients with underlying kidney disease or those taking potassium-sparing agents or supplements. Irbesartan is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of fetal toxicity and should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is detected.
    Más Menos
    14 m
  • Benzonatate Pharmacology Podcast

    Benzonatate Pharmacology Podcast
    May 15 2025
    On this episode, I discuss benzonatate pharmacology, adverse reactions, and much more. Tessalon Pearls (benzonatate) are a non-narcotic antitussive commonly prescribed to relieve dry, non-productive coughs. Benzonatate acts by numbing stretch receptors in the respiratory tract, lungs, and pleura, which helps suppress the cough reflex at its source. Unlike opioid-based cough suppressants, it doesn’t work in the brain’s cough center. The usual adult dose is 100 to 200 mg taken orally three times a day as needed, with a maximum daily dose of 600 mg. One of the most critical points is that the capsules must be swallowed whole. Chewing, sucking, or crushing them can cause numbness in the mouth and throat, leading to a risk of choking or aspiration. There are no major drug interactions associated with benzonatate.
    Más Menos
    10 m
  • Polyethylene Glycol (Miralax) Pharmacology

    Polyethylene Glycol (Miralax) Pharmacology
    May 8 2025
    On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I discuss Miralax (polyethylene glycol) pharmacology, adverse effects, and much more. MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative commonly used to treat occasional constipation by retaining water in the stool to increase stool frequency and soften consistency. The standard adult dose of MiraLAX is 17 grams (approximately one heaping tablespoon) dissolved in 4 to 8 ounces of liquid once daily. Electrolyte imbalances are rare but possible with prolonged or excessive use of Miralax, particularly in elderly or renal-impaired patients. Advise patients to maintain adequate hydration while using MiraLAX to support its mechanism and reduce side effects.
    Más Menos
    14 m
  • Minoxidil Pharmacology

    Minoxidil Pharmacology
    May 1 2025
    Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here! On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, we cover minoxidil pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more. Minoxidil is a potent arterial vasodilator used in the treatment of hypertension and androgenetic alopecia. The route of administration greatly impacts the drug’s safety profile. Oral minoxidil is typically reserved for refractory hypertension due to its strong systemic effects and associated risks. Topical formulations (2% or 5%) are widely used for hair regrowth, offering local benefits with minimal systemic absorption. Systemic minoxidil can result in fluid retention, tachycardia, and even pericardial effusion, often requiring co-administration with a diuretic and beta-blocker.
    Más Menos
    12 m
  • Prednisone Pharmacology

    Prednisone Pharmacology
    Apr 24 2025
    Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here! Prednisone is a commonly used medication for its antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive action. On this episode I discuss prednisone pharmacology, ADRs, and much more. In the episode, I discuss how prednisone affects the HPA system in the body. Cortisol production can be greatly impacted by long term use of prednisone. GI adverse effects can be problematic with oral prednisone which is why we often give this medication with food or milk. Hyperglycemia is a complication from the use of prednisone. I've commonly seen blood sugar spike by 50-100+ mg/dL due to this medication. Osteoporosis is a long term risk with the use of prednisone. Prednisone can also impact the benefits of vaccination. I discuss this in greater depth in the drug interactions portion of the podcast.
    Más Menos
    17 m
  • Linagliptin Pharmacology

    Linagliptin Pharmacology
    Apr 17 2025
    Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here! On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, I cover linagliptin pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more. Linagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor used to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing the levels of incretin hormones, which stimulate insulin release and decrease glucagon levels in the blood. Linagliptin is usually taken once daily and can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications. Unlike some other diabetes drugs, linagliptin does not usually cause weight gain or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used alone. Linagliptin should not be used with GLP-1 agonists as it works on a similar pathway as that medication class.
    Más Menos
    11 m
  • Meclizine Pharmacology Podcast

    Meclizine Pharmacology Podcast
    Apr 11 2025
    Meclizine is classified as a first-generation antihistamine. I discuss meclizine pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more. Meclizine is included on the Beers list due to its highly anticholinergic activity. Anticholinergic effects include constipation, dry eyes, dry mouth, urinary retention, and confusion. Sedation is an important adverse effect of meclizine. This adverse effect can be increased when used with other sedating medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines. Meclizine is primarily used for vertigo and motion sickness in clinical practice. The usual starting dose ranges between 12.5 to 25 mg. Meclizine is partially broken down by CYP2D6 so medications like bupropion can inhibit the breakdown of meclizine and lead to higher concentrations.
    Más Menos
    13 m
  • Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine (Adderall) Pharmacology Podcast

    Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine (Adderall) Pharmacology Podcast
    Apr 3 2025
    In this episode, I discuss amphetamine/dextroamphetamine pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more. Stimulants like Adderall are well known to cause insomnia. This adverse effect can be affected by the timing of the dose. Lack of growth and poor appetite are two important things to monitor in pediatric patients taking Adderall. Changes in the pH of the stomach/gut can alter the absorption of Adderall. I discuss this in greater detail in this podcast episode. Cardiovascular monitoring is essential with the use of stimulants like Adderall. Pulse and heart rate are two important vital signs to assess.
    Más Menos
    18 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup