Tag: adverse effects

Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated)

Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller)

May 22, 2025May 14, 2025

Irbesartan Pharmacology

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 13:55 — 12.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used primarily for the management of hypertension and diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes.

It selectively inhibits the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor found in vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. This blockade results in vasodilation, reduced aldosterone secretion, decreased sodium and water retention, and ultimately lower blood pressure.

Irbesartan is administered orally, with a typical starting dose of 150 mg once daily, which may be increased to 300 mg depending on the patient’s clinical response and tolerability.

Adverse effects of irbesartan are generally mild but can include hyperkalemia and dizziness. Hypotension may occur, especially in volume-depleted individuals or those on diuretics.

Routine monitoring of renal function and serum potassium is recommended, especially in patients with underlying kidney disease or those taking potassium-sparing agents or supplements.

Irbesartan is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of fetal toxicity and should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is detected.

Support The Podcast and Check Out These Amazing Resources!

Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated)

Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller)

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

May 8, 2025May 5, 2025

Polyethylene Glycol (Miralax) Pharmacology

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 14:22 — 6.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I discuss Miralax (polyethylene glycol) pharmacology, adverse effects, and much more.

MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative commonly used to treat occasional constipation by retaining water in the stool to increase stool frequency and soften consistency.

The standard adult dose of MiraLAX is 17 grams (approximately one heaping tablespoon) dissolved in 4 to 8 ounces of liquid once daily.

Electrolyte imbalances are rare but possible with prolonged or excessive use of Miralax, particularly in elderly or renal-impaired patients.

Advise patients to maintain adequate hydration while using MiraLAX to support its mechanism and reduce side effects.

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

Support The Podcast and Check Out These Amazing Resources!

Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated)

Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller)

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025

Minoxidil Pharmacology

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 11:51 — 5.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here!

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, we cover minoxidil pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more.

Minoxidil is a potent arterial vasodilator used in the treatment of hypertension and androgenetic alopecia.

The route of administration greatly impacts the drug’s safety profile. Oral minoxidil is typically reserved for refractory hypertension due to its strong systemic effects and associated risks.

Topical formulations (2% or 5%) are widely used for hair regrowth, offering local benefits with minimal systemic absorption.

Systemic minoxidil can result in fluid retention, tachycardia, and even pericardial effusion, often requiring co-administration with a diuretic and beta-blocker.

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

Support The Podcast and Check Out These Amazing Resources!

Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated)

Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller)

April 24, 2025April 23, 2025

Prednisone Pharmacology

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 17:02 — 7.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here!

Prednisone is a commonly used medication for its antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive action. On this episode I discuss prednisone pharmacology, ADRs, and much more.

In the episode, I discuss how prednisone affects the HPA system in the body. Cortisol production can be greatly impacted by long term use of prednisone.

GI adverse effects can be problematic with oral prednisone which is why we often give this medication with food or milk.

Hyperglycemia is a complication from the use of prednisone. I’ve commonly seen blood sugar spike by 50-100+ mg/dL due to this medication.

Osteoporosis is a long term risk with the use of prednisone. Prednisone can also impact the benefits of vaccination. I discuss this in greater depth in the drug interactions portion of the podcast.

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

Support The Podcast and Check Out These Amazing Resources!

Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated)

Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller)

April 10, 2025March 19, 2025

Meclizine Pharmacology Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 13:27 — 6.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Meclizine is classified as a first-generation antihistamine. I discuss meclizine pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more.

Meclizine is included on the Beers list due to its highly anticholinergic activity. Anticholinergic effects include constipation, dry eyes, dry mouth, urinary retention, and confusion.

Sedation is an important adverse effect of meclizine. This adverse effect can be increased when used with other sedating medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines.

Meclizine is primarily used for vertigo and motion sickness in clinical practice. The usual starting dose ranges between 12.5 to 25 mg.

Meclizine is partially broken down by CYP2D6 so medications like bupropion can inhibit the breakdown of meclizine and lead to higher concentrations.

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

Support The Podcast and Check Out These Amazing Resources!

Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated)

Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller)

March 27, 2025March 17, 2025

Benazepril Pharmacology Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 18:09 — 16.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here!

Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing vasoconstriction.

Combining benazepril with potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements increases the risk of hyperkalemia due to aldosterone suppression.

Common side effects of benazepril include dry cough, hyperkalemia, and hypotension due to its effect on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Benazepril can be prescribed alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents, such as diuretics or calcium channel blockers, to enhance blood pressure control.

Benazepril has a long duration of action, allowing for once-daily dosing, which improves patient adherence and convenience in hypertension management.

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

Support The Podcast and Check Out These Amazing Resources!

Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated)

Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller)

March 20, 2025March 16, 2025

Loratadine Pharmacology Podcasst

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:56 — 5.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here!

On this podcast episode, I cover loratadine pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more.

Loratatdine is a second generation antihistamine. It has a lower incidence of central nervous system adverse effects compared to first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine.

Loratadine dosing varies in pediatric patients and those with renal impairment. I get into the details on this podcast episode.

Drug interactions aren’t common with loratadine but I discuss a few that may be clinically significant.

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

Support The Podcast and Check Out These Amazing Resources!

Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated)

Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller)

March 13, 2025March 11, 2025

Modafinil Pharmacology Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:22 — 7.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Modafinil (Provigil) is a CNS stimulant medication. I cover modafinil pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more on this podcast episode.

You should be aware that modafinil is a Schedule 4 controlled substance so it does carry a risk of dependence and addiction.

Modafinil can cause CYP3A4 induction and lead to lowering the concentrations of many medications. This includes antiepileptic agents and oral contraceptives.

The most common adverse effects of modafinil include ramping up the body and causing symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia.

Cardiovascular changes are a risk with modafinil as this medication can contribute to hypertension and tachycardia.

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

Support The Podcast and Check Out These Amazing Resources!

Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated)

Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller)