Tag: GI

Posted on

Dicyclomine Pharmacology

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 14:19 — 13.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic agent that is used to help manage GI pain associated with IBS.

Dicyclomine has a very short half-life which means that it can be dosed multiple times per day.

Be careful with patients who have predominant constipation with their IBS as dicyclomine can exacerbate this.

Bentyl is the brand name of dicyclomine. This drug blocks the action of acetylcholine.

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!

Posted on

Prochlorperazine Pharmacology

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:12 — 17.3MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Prochlorperazine has several potential mechanisms of action. It can block dopamine and alpha receptors as well as have anticholinergic effects.

Prochlorperazine is classified as an antipsychotic and antiemetic. It is very seldom used as an antipsychotic in clinical practice and more used for its antiemetic effects.

Because of the anticholinergic activity of prochlorperazine, there is potential for dry mouth, dry eyes, urinary retention, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects.

Prochlorperazine does have the potential to have some alpha blocking activity. Keep an eye out for hypotension in patients who may be at risk.

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

Posted on

Budesonide Pharmacology (Oral and Rectal Formulations)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 14:12 — 20.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Budesonide is a corticosteroid that can be given orally or rectally for management of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Because budesonide has a high first pass metabolism, the relative impact of systemic effects may be less than other steroids like prednisone.

Remember that CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the concentrations of budesonide. I discuss this further on the podcast.

Different dosage forms of budesonide (oral versus rectal) can be used for different reasons. The site of the inflammation in Ulcerative colitis can determine which dosage form is most appropriate.

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