Antacids – Test Prep and Practice Pearls

Heartburn is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints, and antacids remain a go-to option for fast symptom relief. In this episode, we’ll discuss how common antacids like calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, and sodium bicarbonate work to neutralize stomach acid. We’ll also review their advantages, common adverse effects, important drug interactions, and considerations for patients with kidney disease. Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking for practical clinical pearls or simply want to better understand over-the-counter heartburn medications, this episode provides a concise overview of when antacids are appropriate—and when they may not be the best choice.

Special thanks to the Mechanism of Action Podcast for sponsoring this episode – go check it out!

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

H2 Blockers – Test Prep and Practice Pearls

H2 blockers may not receive as much attention as proton pump inhibitors, but they continue to play an important role in managing acid-related disorders. In this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, we’ll review how H2 blockers work, compare the available agents, discuss important adverse effects, renal dose adjustments, drug interactions, and identify the patients who are most likely to benefit from these medications. Whether you’re a pharmacist, nurse, pharmacy technician, physician, or student, this episode provides practical clinical pearls you can apply immediately to patient care.

In this episode, I also discuss a new podcast I discovered – go check out the Mechanism of Action Podcast! It is an entertaining and educational look at how many of the medications used today were discovered and derived.

Proton Pump Inhibitors – Test Prep And Practice Pearls

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly prescribed medications, but understanding how they work is essential for using them safely and effectively. In this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, we’ll break down the pharmacology of PPIs, including their mechanism of action, common brand and generic names, clinical uses, adverse effects, drug interactions, and important monitoring considerations. Whether you’re a pharmacist, nurse, pharmacy technician, or student, this episode will help reinforce the key concepts you need to confidently apply PPI pharmacology in clinical practice.

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

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Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated)

Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller)

Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

Calcium Carbonate Pharmacology Podcast

I discuss calcium carbonate pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and more in this podcast episode.

Calcium tends to have a constipating effect and the higher the dose, the more likely patients are to experience this adverse effect.

Binding interactions are a major problem with oral calcium carbonate. I lay out numerous examples of this on the podcast.

There are a few medications that can increase calcium levels in the blood. Thiazide diuretics are a commonly used antihypertensive that may contribute to hypercalcemia.

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!

NAPLEX Study Materials

BCPS Study Materials

BCACP Study Materials

BCGP Study Materials

BCMTMS Study Materials

Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated)

Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller)

Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

Cimetidine Pharmacology

Cimetidine blocks histamine 2 receptors which can suppress acid production and reduce symptoms of heartburn.

One of the major downsides to cimetidine is that it has a ton of drug interactions. I discuss many of the common ones in this episode.

Cimetidine is one of a few drugs that has the potential to cause gynecomastia. I discuss the mechanism of this adverse effect in this episode.

Phenytoin concentrations can rise due to the use of cimetidine. I discuss this in the drug interactions section of this episode.

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