NSAIDs Part 3 – Test Prep and Practice Pearls; Nabumetone, Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Piroxicam, Etodolac, Indomethacin, Sulidac, and Ketorolac

In this episode of Real Life Pharmacology, we take a closer look at several NSAIDs that are commonly encountered in clinical practice: nabumetone, diclofenac, meloxicam, piroxicam, etodolac, indomethacin, sulindac, and ketorolac.

These medications may all belong to the same general class, but they have important differences in dosing, adverse effects, drug interactions, and clinical use. We’ll discuss which NSAIDs tend to be more COX-2 selective, which ones carry significant gastrointestinal or cardiovascular concerns, and why some agents are used much more cautiously than others.

We’ll also cover practical pharmacology pearls for medications such as indomethacin, which is commonly used for acute gout, ketorolac, which is generally reserved for short-term pain management, and diclofenac, which has important cardiovascular considerations.

Whether you’re studying for a pharmacology exam, working with patients, or simply want to strengthen your knowledge of NSAIDs, this episode focuses on the clinically relevant points you need to know about these eight medications.

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NSAIDs Part 2 – Test Prep and Practice Pearls for Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Celecoxib

Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib are some of the most commonly used NSAIDs, but they are not interchangeable when it comes to safety, indications, and patient-specific risks. In this episode of Real Life Pharmacology, we compare these four medications and highlight the key differences pharmacists and other healthcare professionals need to know.

We’ll review how NSAIDs work, including COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition, and discuss their effects on pain, inflammation, platelets, the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, cardiovascular system, and fluid balance. We’ll also compare the GI, cardiovascular, renal, and heart failure risks of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib.

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NSAIDs Part 1 – Test Prep and Practice Pearls

On this podcast episode, I cover the basics of NSAIDs, including how they work, what they are used for, significant drug interactions, and what adverse effects are important to monitor. I’ll educate about some of the major risks associated with NSAIDs and what I look out for as a practicing pharmacist.

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Opioids Part 3 – Test Prep and Practice Pearls – Codeine and Fentanyl

On this podcast episode, we will explore the most important practice pearls of codeine and fentanyl. Both medications are opioids, but codeine is frequently found in combination with acetaminophen. Fentanyl has numerous unique dosage forms, including the transdermal formulation which is a source of frequent test questions. I break these two medications down in this podcast episode.

Opioids Part 2 – Test Prep and Practice Pearls

In Part 2 of my series on opioids, I cover hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. Hydromorphone and oxycodone are two opioids that are used frequently in clinical practice, and I will discuss what makes them unique, in addition to numerous other practice pearls and test prep nuggets. Enjoy the podcast and be sure to share it with friends, colleagues, and students!

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Opioids Part 1 – Test Prep and Practice Pearls

On part 1 of opioids, I’ll discuss morphine, morphine equivalents, conversion, and hydrocodone. The pharmacokinetic differences will be important between opioids, as well as the dosage forms. I hope you enjoy this podcast episode and share it with your friends!

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Suzetrigine Pharmacology

Suzetrigine is a relatively newer analgesic offering a novel approach to treating acute pain without acting as an opioid. By selectively blocking the Nav1.8 sodium channel found in peripheral pain-sensing nerves, suzetrigine helps reduce pain transmission while minimizing many of the risks associated with traditional opioid therapy. In this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, we’ll review how suzetrigine works, its FDA-approved indication, common adverse effects, and where it may fit into clinical practice. Whether you’re a pharmacist, pharmacy student, nurse, or other healthcare professional, this episode will provide practical insights to help you better understand this analgesic.

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SNRIs – Test Prep and Practice Pearls

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are a class of antidepressants that increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Common agents include venlafaxine (Effexor XR), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), duloxetine (Cymbalta), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), and milnacipran (Savella). In addition to treating depression and anxiety disorders, several SNRIs have important pain indications, making them especially useful in patients with neuropathy, fibromyalgia, or chronic musculoskeletal pain. Common adverse effects include nausea, sweating, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and elevated blood pressure. Clinicians should also remember the significant discontinuation risk associated with shorter half-life agents like venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine.

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Top 200 Drugs Podcast – Medications 81-85

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I cover medications 81 through 85 on the top 200 drug list.

Famotidine is an H2 blocker. H2 blockers are less potent than PPIs but can be used to manage heartburn symptoms.

Aspirin is technically an NSAID but is primarily used for cardioprophylaxis purposes.

Senna is a stimulant laxative. I often see this medication used with opioids to help manage opioid-induced constipation.

Novolog is a rapid acting insulin used to bring down post prandial blood sugars. I discuss sliding scale insulin and other concepts with this medication.

Baclofen is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It has central nervous system depressant effects which can be especially problematic in elderly patients.

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Top 200 Drugs Podcast – Medications 76-80

Reglan (metoclopramide) is used for gastroparesis and inhibits gastric smooth muscle by blocking dopamine receptors.

Relafen (nabumetone) is a non-selective inhibition of COX-1/COX-2 which leads to a reduction of inflammation via reduced prostaglandins.

Keflex (cephalexin) is a 1st generation oral cephalosporin that covers common gram positive organisms like Staph and Strep species.

Effexor (Venlafaxine) is an SNRI and inhibits both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Primary uses include anxiety and depression.

Boniva (ibandronate) inhibits osteoclasts which helps treat osteoporosis. Osteoclasts break down bone to help pull calcium into the bloodstream.

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