On this episode, I discuss bisoprolol (Zebeta) pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and other important clinical pearls.

Bisoprolol is a beta-1 selective antagonist that can be used for atrial fibrillation, angina, and other cardiovascular indications.

It is important to remember that bisoprolol and other beta-blockers are not considered first-line agents for hypertension alone.

Beta-receptor selectivity does start to disappear with bisoprolol as you get to higher dosages. I discuss this further in the podcast.

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Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that can be commonly used for GERD, PUD, and GI prophylaxis.

Lansoprazole can inhibit CYP2C19 which can cause concentrations of drugs like escitalopram and citalopram to rise.

Hypomagnesemia, low B12, osteoporosis, and an increase in C. Diff risk are potential complications with longer-term PPI use.

PPIs like lansoprazole are best given 30-60 minutes before meals. This is something that patients often forget.

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!

Ropinirole (Requip) is a dopamine agonist that can be used in Parkinson’s disease and Restless Legs Syndrome.

Dopamine agonists like ropinirole can worsen psychiatric symptoms in some patients by causing hallucinations, and obsessive/compulsive symptoms.

Nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and fatigue are the most common adverse effects of ropinirole.

Ropinirole has drug interactions with antipsychotics and CYP1A2 inhibitors. I discuss these in greater detail in this podcast episode.

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On this episode of the podcast, I cover budesonide (Pulmicort) pharmacology. Our sponsor (Pyrls.com/rlp) for this episode is providing a FREE PDF of their inhaled corticosteroid categorizations chart (i.e. low/medium/high dose ICS) when you sign up for a free account!

The onset of action of inhaled budesonide is several hours up to a few days. Patient education is critical to ensure that patients stick with its use.

Budesonide does have a nebulized formulation that is often used in pediatrics and geriatrics.

There aren’t a ton of critical drug interactions, but you should think about medications that inhibit CYP3A4 and may have additive immunosuppressive effects.

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Epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit) is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent that can be used for various types of anemia.

ESA’s like epoetin carry a boxed warning as they increase the risk of cardiovascular events like MI, stroke, and blood clots.

Assessing iron stores is critical when epoetin is used to ensure that a non-response is not due to deficiency.

I discuss dosing adjustments of epoetin in the podcast. One must be careful about raising hemoglobin too quickly.

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

Canagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor. I discuss the pharmacology, dosing, adverse effects, and drug interactions of this medication.

Canagliflozin reduces blood sugar, by facilitating its exit through the urine. This can increase the risk of genitourinary infections.

A diuresis type effect can happen due to canagliflozin and this effect may be exacerbated by the use of thiazide and loop diuretics.

Hyperkalemia has been reported with the use of canagliflozin; the risk for this is increased with the use of medications like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and aldosterone antagonists.

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Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist. I discuss the pharmacology, adverse effects, and drug interactions in this podcast episode.

Be on the lookout for drugs that could oppose the effects of cabergoline such as antipsychotics and metoclopramide.

Cabergoline can be used for hyperprolactinemia management and may cause adverse effects like hypotension and GI upset.

Cabergoline has a very long half-life so it is most often only dosed 1-2 times per week.

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Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated)

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In this episode, I discuss venlafaxine pharmacology, adverse effect, dose conversion of IR to ER, and drug interactions.

Venlafaxine is notorious for producing withdrawal symptoms when discontinued abruptly. I discuss these in detail on the podcast.

How significant is the interaction of venlafaxine with antiplatelet agents? I discuss that in this episode.

The onset of action is a critical education point that patients must be aware of as it takes some time for venlafaxine to work.

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On this episode I discuss chlorthalidone pharmacology, adverse effects, and recent literature regarding cardiovascular disease reduction. Our friends at Pyrls.com are offering a free diagram of the nephron including the mechanism of action AND a summary of diuretic effects that I discussed on the podcast – Go sign up and get these for free and support this awesome sponsor!

Chlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic that uniquely raises blood calcium levels compared to loop diuretics which lower calcium levels.

There was a recent piece of literature (2020) comparing chlorthalidone versus hydrochlorothiazide. It found that chlorthalidone was no more effective than HCTZ.

Remember that chlorthalidone can raise uric acid and increase the risk of gout flares.

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)

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On this episode, I discuss verapamil pharmacology, adverse effects, and important drug interactions.

There are numerous drug interactions to be aware of with verapamil as it inhibits the enzyme CYP3A4.

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine) that blocks calcium channels in the heart and vessels.

In addition to hypotension and bradycardia, verapamil can cause constipation which may be more prominent in our geriatric patients.

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

NAPLEX Study Materials

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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