Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education for Health Care Professionals

Hydroxychloroquine is classified as a DMARD and when used chronically, can be helpful in managing rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus. There have been reports of QTc prolongation with hydroxychloroquine. While not incredibly common, it is important to remember this consideration in patients at risk for QTc prolongation. Hydroxychloroquine is associated with causing retinopathy. Routine eye exams for monitoring purposes are critical. Rarely, hydroxychloroquine can be associated with blood disorders like neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. In addition, alterations in liver function have been reported. 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! amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "meded101-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "3009bff915740e2a37346e33a154c416"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07PDJSHNR,B0837ZRPKR,B08CPMCZLT,151476069X"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "meded101-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "3009bff915740e2a37346e33a154c416"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07PDJSHNR,B0837ZRPKR,B08CPMCZLT,151476069X";

Diltiazem is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that can be used in atrial fibrillation as well as hypertension. One big downside to diltiazem is that it does have a few drug interactions via CYP3A4. Aripiprazole, apixaban, and certain statins are all examples of medication that can have concentrations increased by adding diltiazem to a patient’s regimen. Diltiazem works a little differently from dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (like amlodipine) as it works on the heart AND the vessels. Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE! amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "meded101-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "3009bff915740e2a37346e33a154c416"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07PDJSHNR,B0837ZRPKR,B08CPMCZLT,151476069X"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "meded101-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "3009bff915740e2a37346e33a154c416"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07PDJSHNR,B0837ZRPKR,B08CPMCZLT,151476069X";

Zolpidem enhances the action of GABA which is an inhibitor neurotransmitter. Zolpidem metabolism can be impacted by the use of CYP3A4 inhibitors. Concentrations can rise on account of this potential interaction. It is important to remember to go slowly when tapering off zolpidem. Particularly in patients who have been on the drug for a long time or those who are on higher doses. Abnormal sleeping behaviors like sleep-walking, eating, or driving have been reported with zolpidem. Remember that CNS depressant drug interactions can happen with zolpidem. Take note of any other sedating medications prior to starting zolpidem. 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! amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "meded101-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "3009bff915740e2a37346e33a154c416"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07PDJSHNR,B0837ZRPKR,B08CPMCZLT,151476069X"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "meded101-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "3009bff915740e2a37346e33a154c416"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07PDJSHNR,B0837ZRPKR,B08CPMCZLT,151476069X";

Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that can be used in the management of ADHD. Atomoxetine is a non-controlled substance option for patients seeking this alternative to traditional stimulants. CYP2D6 is an important enzyme in the breakdown of atomoxetine. CYP2D6 inhibition or poor metabolizers via CYP2D6 can lead to higher concentrations of atomoxetine and put our patients at greater risk for adverse effects. Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE! amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "meded101-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "3009bff915740e2a37346e33a154c416"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07PDJSHNR,B0837ZRPKR,B08CPMCZLT,151476069X"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "meded101-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "My Amazon Picks"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "3009bff915740e2a37346e33a154c416"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B07PDJSHNR,B0837ZRPKR,B08CPMCZLT,151476069X";