Author: Eric Christianson

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Magnesium Pharmacology

Magnesium Pharmacology

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On this episode, I discuss magnesium pharmacology and the clinical applications. Magnesium plays numerous important functions in the body and you may see patients take these supplements under the direction of a healthcare professional and sometimes on their own.

It is very important to remember that magnesium can cause GI upset and diarrhea. This is often overlooked in our polypharmacy patient.

Magnesium can accumulate in renal disease. This is important to remember especially in patients who have a tendency to take a lot of supplements without discussing them with a healthcare professional.

PPI’s are a notorious cause of low magnesium. Loop diuretics can increase magnesium excretion and also cause low magnesium levels.

Magnesium can bind up numerous drugs reducing concentrations and leading to treatment failure. A few examples include quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, and levothyroxine.

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Trazodone Pharmacology

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Trazodone pharmacology is complex. It can inhibit serotonin reuptake, block histamine receptors, and possibly have alpha-blocking activity.

Side effects of trazodone include sedation, dizziness, and dry mouth. Rarely, priapism may occur. I’ve seen this nugget come up on pharmacology exams!

While trazodone is classified as antidepressant, it is often used to help manage insomnia.

Trazodone can possibly prolong the QT interval. Risk of other medications and patient specific parameters should be considered.

Trazodone concentrations can be increased with the use of CYP3A4 inhibitors and reduced with 3A4 inducers.

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GLP-1 Agonist Pharmacology

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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.

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Iron Supplement Pharmacology

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Iron supplements frequently cause GI upset. Monitor patients for nausea, vomiting, and constipation issues.

There are three main salt forms of iron. Ferrous fumurate has the most elemental iron, ferrous sulfate (2nd most), and ferrous gluconate has the least.

Iron can bind up antibiotics and reduce their effectiveness. Two classic examples include the quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics.

Anemia can be caused by numerous concerns, however, iron deficiency is a very common cause.

Ferritin is a lab that we commonly monitor in a patient who may be iron deficient. Iron deficiency can also lead to symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome.

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

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Loop Diuretics Pharmacology

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On this episode, I cover common loop diuretics. They include furosemide, torsemide, and bumetanide.

Loop diuretics are potent agents that can help in the management of heart failure and ascites.

Loops diuretics help promote the loss of excessive fluid through the urine.

A common patient complaint from loop diuretics is that they can cause frequent urination. Because of this, we typically dose these drugs earlier in the day.

Kidney function and electrolyte monitoring is critical with the use of loop diuretics.

Enjoy the episode!

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

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Methotrexate Pharmacology

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

Methotrexate has a few different indications. It can be used for treatment of cancer. These doses are typically going to be much higher than standard low doses for other conditions.

Lower dose methotrexate is often used for autoimmune type conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Folic acid should be supplemented with use of methotrexate to help reduce the risk of adverse effects.

Liver toxicity and immune system suppression are two important factors to monitor in a patient taking chronic methotrexate.

I also talk about important cumulative drug interactions with methotrexate such as immunosuppressives and other agents that may impact liver function.

Be sure to listen to the end as I talk about the potential impact of methotrexate on some vaccines!

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

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Cyclobenzaprine Pharmacology

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On this episode, I discuss cyclobenzaprine pharmacology. Cyclobenzaprine is an older skeletal muscle relaxant.

Cyclobenzaprine can have a significant number of anticholinergic side effects.

The anticholinergic side effects of cyclobenzaprine can include sedation, dry eyes, dry mouth, urinary retention, and confusion.

Cyclobenzaprine is not well tolerated in the elderly and cause more problems in that patient population.

Cyclobenzaprine has a similar structure to the Tricyclic antidepressants.

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Lithium Pharmacology

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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.

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Pseudoephedrine Pharmacology

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Pseudoephedrine is commonly used to help relieve nasal congestion.

There are some adverse effects you need to be aware of with pseudoephedrine. Insomnia, increase in blood pressure, and urinary retention are all possible.

When I assess a patient using pseudoephedrine, I like to investigate blood pressure, history of urinary problems and insomnia history.

Pseudoephedrine can cause the prescribing cascade.  I lay out examples in the podcast.

Pseudoephedrine should not be utilized with MAOI’s if possible – I discuss the reason for this in the podcast.

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Fentanyl Pharmacology

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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.

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