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Colchicine Pharmacology

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On this episode I discuss colchicine pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and pharmacokinetics.

Colchicine ultimately works by reducing the activity of neutrophils that help contribute to pain and inflammation associated with gout.

Colchicine does have some drug interactions with medications and grapefruit juice via CYP3A4.

The most common dose limiting side effect of colchicine is diarrhea.

Colchicine can be used as a potential alternative to NSAIDs or corticosteroids in the management of a gout flare.

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

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Fexofenadine Pharmacology

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Fexofenadine is a 2nd generation antihistamine that is primarily used for allergic rhinitis. I cover fexofenadine pharmacology on this podcast episode.

Fruit juices can actually impair the absorption of fexofenadine and increase the risk of treatment failure.

Fexofenadine is mildly anticholinergic but overall has low to no CNS penetration.

Because fexofenadine has low CNS penetration, the risk for sedation and dizziness is much lower than older antihistamines like 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!

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Empagliflozin Pharmacology

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On this episode I discuss empagliflozin pharmacology and how this medication lowers blood sugar.

Empagliflozin is associated with an increased risk of genitourinary tract infections.

Be aware that patients who are prone to hypotension, may have an increased risk of this issue with empagliflozin use.

Empagliflozin has cardiovascular and renal function benefits in addition to its blood sugar lowering effects.

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!

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Rifaximin Pharmacology

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On this episode, I discuss rifaximin pharmacology.

Rifaximin is most commonly used in hepatic encephalopathy and C. difficile infection.

Rifaximin systemic absorption is minimal so that is why it is primarily only used for GI conditions.

Drug interactions with rifaximin are fairly minimal compared to its cousin rifampin which has tons of drug interactions.

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!

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Naproxen Pharmacology

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

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

Compared to most other NSAIDs, naproxen tends to have a lower cardiovascular risk.

Naproxen 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!

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Cyclosporine Pharmacology

cyclosporine pharmacology

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

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

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

CYP3A4 interactions are critical with cyclosporine. 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!

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Leflunomide Pharmacology

leflunomide pharmacology

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On this episode, I discuss leflunomide pharmacology. It is classified as a DMARD and is primarily used in rheumatoid arthritis.

Leflunomide carries a boxed warning for hepatoxicity. LFTs must be monitored with its use.

Leflunomide can inhibit CYP2C8 which plays an important role in pioglitazone metabolism. Concentrations of pioglitazone can go up on account of this interaction.

TB screening should be done prior to beginning the immunosuppressant leflunomide.

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!

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Baclofen Pharmacology

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Baclofen is primarily used for its ability to help relieve muscle spasms. I discuss baclofen pharmacology on this podcast episode.

Baclofen should not be abruptly discontinued as it can cause a significant withdrawal reaction whose symptoms may include fever, spasticity, rhabdomyolysis, and death.

While baclofen generally avoids any issues with CYP enzyme interactions, it is eliminated by the kidney. Renal function changes can alter drug concentrations.

Sedation, confusion, dizziness, hypotension, and GI upset are some of the more common adverse effects of baclofen.

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

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Bromocriptine Pharmacology

bromocriptine pharmacology

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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!

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Tacrolimus Pharmacology

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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!