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Escitalopram Pharmacology

escitalopram pharmacology

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

Escitalopram is an SSRI and can be used to manage depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and other psychiatric disorders.

If you consider fluoxetine the most activation SSRI and paroxetine the most sedating, escitalopram probably falls somewhere in the middle.

Sexual dysfunction is a potential adverse effect with escitalopram. I discuss it further on this episode.

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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Ziprasidone Pharmacology

ziprasidone pharmacology

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

Ziprasidone has dopamine blocking activity and is classified as a second generation antipsychotic.

Ziprasidone tends to have lower metabolic syndrome risks compared to other antipsychotics like clozapine and olanzapine.

QTc prolongation is a significant risk with ziprasidone and be aware of drug interactions and electrolyte imbalances that may increase this risk.

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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Tiotropium Pharmacology

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On this episode, I discuss tiotropium pharmacology. In addition, I cover adverse effects, administration pearls, and drug interactions.

Tiotropium blocks acetylcholine from binding the M3 receptor in the lungs. This leads to a relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscle.

Because tiotropium has anticholinergic activity, there is a potential for anticholinergic adverse effects like constipation, urinary retention, and dry mouth.

The tiotropium Handihaler can be confusing to patients. I discuss medication misadventures in this podcast episode.

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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Palivizumab Pharmacology

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On this episode, I discuss palivizumab pharmacology and how it is used in pediatric patients.

Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody that is used to prevent RSV infections in pediatric patients.

Palivizumab is an IM injection that is dosed by weight. Learn more on this podcast episode.

RSV can be devastating in pediatric patients under the age of two. Palivizumab can be used in select populations to help prevent the infection.

Injection and skin reactions are possible with the use of palivizumab.

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

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.

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Varenicline Pharmacology

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Varenicline is a partial nicotine agonist that can be used to help patients quit smoking.

The two most common adverse effects that I have seen in clinical practice with varenicline are GI upset and insomnia/vivid dreams.

GI upset with varenicline can be reduced by giving the drug with food and a full glass of water. A dose reduction may also be considered.

Patients should identify a goal stop date for smoking cessation prior to begininng the use of varenicline.

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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Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Pharmacology

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Diphenhydramine is a first generation antihistamine that is highly anticholinergic.

When using medications like diphenhydramine, be sure to watch for side effects like dry eyes, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and CNS changes.

Sedation is a primary effect of diphenhydramine. It can be advantageous in certain situations, and detrimental in others.

Drugs like donepezil, memantine, laxatives, tamsulosin, and artificial tears can be indicators of anticholinergic side effects from 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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Fluconazole Pharmacology

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On this episode of the RLP podcast, I discuss fluconazole pharmacology.

Fluconazole prevents fungi from producing essential components for their cell membrane and thus inhibits their growth.

Drug interactions are common with fluconazole. Fluconazole inhibits CYP3A4, 2C9, and 2C19 to varying degrees.

I discuss an interaction between fluconazole and phenytoin in this podcast episode.

Hepatitis has rarely been reported with the use of azole antifungals like fluconazole.

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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Levetiracetam Pharmacology

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On this episode of the RLP podcast, I discuss levetiracetam pharmacology.

Levetiracetam is indicated for numerous types of seizures and possibly works by enhancing GABA activity.

Sedation and dizziness are two common adverse effects of levetiracetam.

On this episode, I discuss when and if we might do levetiracetam levels.

Levetiracetam tends to have much fewer drug interactions compared to older agents like phenytoin and carbamazepine.

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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Scopolamine Pharmacology

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In this episode of the RLP podcast, I discuss scopolamine pharmacology.

Scopolamine patches can be used in the management of motion sickness and surgery/anesthesia induced nausea and vomiting.

Transdermal scopolamine has a slow onset of action so we need to be deliberate about the timing of placement (usually 4-6 hours prior to anticipated time of symptoms).

Transdermal scopolamine is highly anticholinergic and can cause dry eyes, dry mouth, urinary retention, and confusion.

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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Tamsulosin Pharmacology

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On this episode of the RLP podcast, I discuss tamsulosin pharmacology.

Tamsulosin inhibits alpha receptors which helps improve urine flow in patients with BPH.

As an off-label use, you may see tamsulosin used to try to aid in the passage of renal stones.

Tamsulosin concentrations may be increased by CYP3A4 inhibitors and reduced by CYP3A4 inducers.

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!