Rank #1: Lisinopril Pharmacology – Episode 003

In the episode, I break down the pharmacology of lisinopril (and all ACE inhibitors). I also outline common adverse effects, drug interactions and its role in managing hypertension. Hope you enjoy the show and please feel free to reach out with feedback!
All subscribers to the website/podcast will get access to a FREE Top 200 Drug Study Guide where I highlight the 3 most highly testable pearls from each medication (this is a 31 page PDF!) In addition, you’ll get a free 100 question pharmacology test. Both resources are free, simply for following the podcast! What are you waiting for? Click Here to Subscribe
Feb 25 2018
10mins
Rank #2: Beta-Blockers Pharmacology – Episode 004

Beta-blockers are commonly used in the management of hypertension as well as rate control for atrial fibrillation. On this episode, I breakdown some of the most common agent and what to look out for. Enjoy the show!
All subscribers to the website/podcast will get access to a FREE Top 200 Drug Study Guide where I highlight the 3 most highly testable pearls from each medication (this is a 31 page PDF!) In addition, you’ll get a free 100 question pharmacology test. Both resources are free, simply for following the podcast! What are you waiting for? Click Here to Subscribe
Mar 02 2018
10mins
Rank #3: Benzodiazepine Pharmacology

Benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effect of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Benzodiazepines can cause confusion, sedation, and respiratory depression.
There are many potential indications for benzodiazepines. They can be used in anxiety, status epilepticus, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal amongst other things.
There is a boxed warning for the use of opioids with benzodiazepines. The primary risk of the combination is respiratory depression.
Sep 05 2019
13mins
Rank #4: Heparin Pharmacology

Heparin is an interesting drug with a lot of unique clinical quirks. This drug ultimately inhibits the formation of fibrin. Fibrin is an essential component of a blood clot.
Because heparin has blood thinning effects, it is critical to assess a patient’s bleed risk. Look out for other agents that may increase the risk of bleeding. Examples include; NSAIDs, antiplatelet agents, and other anticoagulants.
One classic test question about heparin that often comes up is the reversal agent. Protamine can be used to help reverse the effects of heparin.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a critical adverse effect to understand. I discuss both subtypes on the podcast and let you know what to look out for.
Rarer side effects of heparin include hyperkalemia and osteoporosis (only with long term use).
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!
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Jun 06 2019
16mins
Rank #5: Fentanyl Pharmacology

On this episode, I discuss fentanyl pharmacology.
I address important considerations that you must remember with fentanyl patches.
Those considerations include how pharmacokinetics can impact our patients.
I also break down common side effects of opioids as well as potential common drug interactions.
Drug diversion and illicit use is an important consideration when using fentanyl. I also touch on this topic.
Nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals have signed up and received this FREE Top 200 Study Guide – Why haven’t you?
Dec 06 2018
12mins
Rank #6: Buspirone Pharmacology

Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication that has the potential of having some serotonin agonist activity.
Buspirone has a very high first-pass metabolism. This means that the body breaks much of the medication down prior to it getting into the systemic circulation.
Buspirone is broken down by CYP3A4, so concomitant use with inhibitors or inducers can alter its concentrations
Buspirone should not be used as needed as this medication takes a while to start to show benefit.
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!
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Sep 26 2019
12mins
Rank #7: Ondansetron Pharmacology

Ondansetron (Zofran) is a medication used for nausea and vomiting. In this episode, I lay out the pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions and more!
Ondansetron has been reported to increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. I discuss this further on the podcast.
Ondansetron can exacerbate QTc prolongation. Keep an eye out for patients who may have risk factors or be on other medications that can contribute to this. I discuss this further on this podcast.
Ondansetron is often used for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. I discuss this and other indications on the podcast.
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!
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Sep 19 2019
12mins
Rank #8: Clozapine Pharmacology

On this episode, I discuss clozapine pharmacology. This drug has multiple mechanisms of action: Dopamine blockade, anticholinergic activity, and alpha blocking activity all contribute to the complexity of this drug.
Smoking cessation can significantly increase the concentrations of clozapine. This is because smoking can induce CYP1A2. Listen to the podcast for more details on how this can impact our patients clinically.
Clozapine has 5 boxed warnings. I discuss them all in this podcast. The most well-known boxed warning is for agranulocytosis.
Because clozapine has alpha blocking activity, it can cause orthostasis. We need to monitor for this.
Clozapine can cause QTc prolongation. Keep an eye out for other medications that the patient may be taking that can also cause this. Examples include: amiodarone, ondansetron, quinolones, and macrolides
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!
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May 23 2019
14mins
Rank #9: Warfarin Pharmacology Episode 032

Warfarin is one of the most notorious medications when it comes to drug interactions. I cover the MOA, side effects, drug interactions, and pharmacology of the medication. Enjoy the episode and don’t for get to subscribe to get our free study resources!
Sep 13 2018
12mins
Rank #10: Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors Pharmacology

The Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors are a class of medication used for various mental health disorder and pain syndromes. I talk about the pharmacology of the SNRI’s and how it relates to their adverse effect profile. The pharmacology of SNRI’s also plays an important role in why they are efficacious for treatment of pain compared to the SSRI’s. In addition to the adverse effects, I will outline some common drug interactions and which medications might be affected by the SNRI’s. Enjoy the episode and I hope you pick up some clinical practice pearls with the SNRI’s! Don’t forget to take advantage of our free giveaway as well, nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals and students have already done so!
Sep 27 2018
11mins
Rank #11: Carbamazepine Pharmacology

On this episode, I discuss carbamazepine pharmacology. This drug is most commonly used for seizures, bipolar disorder, or trigeminal neuralgia.
Carbamazepine is an autoinducer and can reduce the concentrations of numerous drugs. Some examples include apixaban, warfarin, rivaroxaban, diltiazem, verapamil, and many more!
Carbamazepine has the potential to cause Steven Johnson’s Syndrome. This has a much greater chance of happening in patients with certain genetics.
Carbamazepine can contribute to SIADH and cause significant hyponatremia.
Carbamazepine has boxed warning for numerous potential events like aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, and the above-mentioned SJS.
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!
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May 16 2019
12mins
Rank #12: GLP-1 Agonist Pharmacology

The GLP-1’s are a relatively newer class of medications used to lower blood sugars in diabetes.
GLP-1’s work by simulating the effects of incretin hormones in the body. They can help promote fullness, lower weight, and stimulate insulin release following a meal.
GLP-1’s can cause significant GI side effects. Nausea is by far the most common adverse effect. It can even lead to diarrhea and vomiting in some cases.
There is boxed warning on the GLP-1 agonists. Be aware of patients who have had a history of thyroid cancer as this may be a contraindication.
GLP-1 agonists can help lower A1C and stimulate weight loss which is a huge benefit for most patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!
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Jan 24 2019
11mins
Rank #13: Azithromycin Pharmacology

On this episode, I cover azithromycin pharmacology. This drug primarily acts by inhibiting protein synthesis. It binds to the 50s ribosomal subunit.
GI adverse effects like nausea and diarrhea are going to be the most common with azithromycin.
Azithromycin has been associated with prolonging the QT interval. Drugs like amiodarone, ondansetron, citalopram, antipsychotics, and quinolone antibiotics can also prolong the QT interval.
One major advantage that azithromycin has over other antibiotics is that it has a long half life which allows for once daily dosing.
Azithromycin has numerous uses like pneumonia, MAC, alternative for ear infections in patients with a beta-lactam allergy, certain STD’s, and also is rarely used in long term COPD exacerbation prevention.
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!
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Apr 25 2019
14mins
Rank #14: Statin Pharmacology Episode 005

In this episode, I talk about the most commonly used statins. In my practice I see simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and pravastatin used most frequent.
In addition, I also discuss why statins are dosed at night, possible side effects, and important drug interactions.
Statins can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack. I mentioned cvriskcalculator.com on the podcast and wanted to give that link to you.
Hope you enjoy the episode!
All subscribers to the website/podcast will get access to a FREE Top 200 Drug Study Guide where I highlight the 3 most highly testable pearls from each medication (this is a 31 page PDF!) In addition, you’ll get a free 100 question pharmacology test. Both resources are free, simply for following the podcast! What are you waiting for? Click Here to Subscribe
Mar 08 2018
17mins
Rank #15: Aspirin Pharmacology

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, I discuss aspirin pharmacology.
The two most common adverse effects with aspirin are GI upset and increasing the risk for bleeding and bruising.
A commonly asked test question about aspirin is whether it can be used in pediatrics and what risk we encounter if we use it.
Another rare effect with aspirin is tinnitus which I discuss further on this episode.
It is critical to pay attention to other medications that can thin the blood in a patient taking aspirin. Examples include anticoagulants like warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban; antiplatelets like clopidogrel or prasugrel; or NSAIDs.
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!
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Feb 28 2019
13mins
Rank #16: Quinolone Antibiotic Pharmacology

Quinolones are a class of antibiotics that can be used for various infections. I discuss the pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions and other items on this podcast episode.
On this episode, I talk about the warnings associated with quinolones.
Quinolone use has subsided over time, not due to the fact that they are ineffective, but to rising concerns and warnings about adverse effects.
Quinolones can interact with quite a few medications. I’ve seen a case of amiodarone and levofloxacin contributing to QTc prolongation which I discuss on this episode.
It is critical to remember the binding interactions associated with quinolones as these can potentially lead to treatment failure.
Enjoy the show and be sure to snag your FREE 31 page PDF on the top 200 drugs, a gift simply for following the podcast!
Nov 29 2018
9mins
Rank #17: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors – RLP Episode 013

On this episode, I breakdown the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. They are the first line medication often used in the management of depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health disorders. I talk about drug interactions and the subtle differences between the agents. Hope you enjoy the episode!
All subscribers to the website/podcast will get access to a FREE Top 200 Drug Study Guide where I highlight the 3 most highly testable pearls from each medication (this is a 31 page PDF!) In addition, you’ll get a free 100 question pharmacology test. Both resources are free, simply for following the podcast! What are you waiting for? Click Here to Subscribe
May 03 2018
11mins
Rank #18: Bupropion Pharmacology – Real Life Pharmacology

In this episode I discuss bupropion pharmacology. I cover the mechanism of action, side effects, and some relevant drug interactions.
Important information in this episode includes:
- Possible indications for bupropion like depression and smoking cessation
- Risk of lowering seizure threshold
- Inhibition of CYP2D6
- Dosage form considerations
- Pearls for onset of bupropion’s action
Oct 11 2018
13mins
Rank #19: Lithium Pharmacology

Lithium is a drug that has a ton of clinical pearls. On this episode, I talk about the pharmacology, side effects, drug interactions, and critical practice pearls.
Kidney function is very important to monitor in our patients taking lithium. Lithium can accumulate in renal impairment.
Thyroid function can be altered by lithium. Be sure to regularly monitor TSH in a patient on chronic lithium.
Over-the-counter NSAID can interact and raise lithium levels. This is something you need to watch out for as patients can begin taking these medications on their own without supervision.
Be sure to assess lithium levels. Signs of toxicity can include GI upset, tremor, motor movement issues, sedation, and CNS changes.
Dec 20 2018
12mins
Rank #20: Atypical Antipsychotics (2nd Generation) RLP Episode 015

On this episode, I talk about the side effect profile of antipsychotics as well as how the mechanism of action plays into those adverse effects. Hope you enjoy the episode!
All subscribers to the website/podcast will get access to a FREE Top 200 Drug Study Guide where I highlight the 3 most highly testable pearls from each medication (this is a 31 page PDF!) In addition, you’ll get a free 100 question pharmacology test. Both resources are free, simply for following the podcast! What are you waiting for? Click Here to Subscribe
May 17 2018
14mins