Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education for Health Care Professionals

By Eric Christianson, PharmD; Pharmacology Expert and Clinical PharmacistMedicine Health & Fitness Education

Favorites
383
Followers
Typical duration
14 min
per episode
If it hooks
51%
finish an episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education for Health Care Professionals episodes

May 14, 2020 Colestipol Pharmacology
Colestipol is a bile acid sequestrant that can be used in the management of hyperlipidemia.

By binding bile acid in the gut, colestipol can lower LDL that is bound to bile acid by eliminating it through the feces.

Numerous drug interactions existed as colestipol can bind many drugs. This is a downside to its use and why it isn't a preferred hyperlipidemia agent.

In patients with elevated triglycerides, colestipol should be avoided.
12 min
May 07, 2020 Metolazone Pharmacology
Metolazone (Zaroxolyn) is a thiazide-like diuretic. It promotes the loss of water and sodium through the kidney.
The most common indication I see metolazone used for is for additional fluid loss in heart failure.
Potassium must be monitored as it can cause significant hypokalemia which is exacerbated when metolazone is used in combination with loop diuretics.
Hyperuricemia is a potential adverse effect with metolazone; this is critical to monitor for in patients at risk for gout attacks.
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!

14 min
May 07, 2020 Metolazone Pharmacology
Metolazone (Zaroxolyn) is a thiazide-like diuretic. It promotes the loss of water and sodium through the kidney.

The most common indication I see metolazone used for is for additional fluid loss in heart failure.

Potassium must be monitored as it can cause significant hypokalemia which is exacerbated when metolazone is used in combination with loop diuretics.

Hyperuricemia is a potential adverse effect with metolazone; this is critical to monitor for in patients at risk for gout attacks.
14 min
April 30, 2020 Ibandronate Pharmacology
Ibandronate is a bisphosphonate that can be used in the management of osteoporosis.
Bisphosphonates like ibandronate require a full glass of water for oral administration.
Patients should remain upright for at least 30-60 minutes following taking ibandronate to help reduce the risk of esophagitis.
Osteonecrosis has rarely been associated with bisphosphonates like ibandronate – I’ve discussed a couple of risk factors that may place a patient at higher risk.
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!
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.
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.

14 min
April 30, 2020 Ibandronate Pharmacology
Ibandronate is a bisphosphonate that can be used in the management of osteoporosis.

Bisphosphonates like ibandronate require a full glass of water for oral administration.

Patients should remain upright for at least 30-60 minutes following taking ibandronate to help reduce the risk of esophagitis.

Osteonecrosis has rarely been associated with bisphosphonates like ibandronate - I've discussed a couple of risk factors that may place a patient at higher risk.
14 min
April 23, 2020 Fluticasone, Umeclidinium, and Vilanterol Pharmacology
Fluticasone, Umeclidinium, and Vilanterol is a combination medication used in the setting of COPD. I discuss the pharmacology of this agent further in this episode.
Fluticasone is the inhaled corticosteroid portion of the drug while umeclidinium is a LAMA and vilanterol is a LABA medication.
Drug interactions aren’t incredibly common or strongly clinically significant, but I discuss some of them with Trelegy Ellipta.
Having a once-daily dose can be advantageous to help improve patient adherence. Fluticasone, umeclidinium, and vilanterol comes as a once-daily combination.
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!

12 min
April 23, 2020 Fluticasone, Umeclidinium, and Vilanterol Pharmacology
Fluticasone, Umeclidinium, and Vilanterol is a combination medication used in the setting of COPD. I discuss the pharmacology of this agent further in this episode.

Fluticasone is the inhaled corticosteroid portion of the drug while umeclidinium is a LAMA and vilanterol is a LABA medication.

Drug interactions aren't incredibly common or strongly clinically significant, but I discuss some of them with Trelegy Ellipta.

Having a once-daily dose can be advantageous to help improve patient adherence. Fluticasone, umeclidinium, and vilanterol comes as a once-daily combination.
12 min
April 16, 2020 Hyoscyamine Pharmacology
Hyoscyamine is an anticholinergic medication that is primarily used for GI problems like spasms and pain associated with IBS.
Because of the highly anticholinergic nature of hyoscyamine, it can cause dry eyes, dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation.
Be aware of the risk for the prescribing cascade with hyoscyamine. Saliva substitutes for dry mouth, artificial tears for dry eyes, etc.
Sedation is a concern with hyoscyamine and this can be exacerbated by drugs like benzodiazepines, opioids, and older antihistamines.
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!

13 min
April 16, 2020 Hyoscyamine Pharmacology
Hyoscyamine is an anticholinergic medication that is primarily used for GI problems like spasms and pain associated with IBS.

Because of the highly anticholinergic nature of hyoscyamine, it can cause dry eyes, dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation.

Be aware of the risk for the prescribing cascade with hyoscyamine. Saliva substitutes for dry mouth, artificial tears for dry eyes, etc.

Sedation is a concern with hyoscyamine and this can be exacerbated by drugs like benzodiazepines, opioids, and older antihistamines.
13 min
April 09, 2020 Calcium Acetate Pharmacology
Calcium Acetate (PhosLo) is used in the management of hyperphosphatemia associated with CKD.
Important monitoring parameters for calcium acetate include phosphorus, calcium, PTH, and renal function.
There are numerous binding interactions with calcium acetate. It can reduce concentrations of some HIV drugs, antibiotics, and thyroid supplements. I discuss more examples in the podcast.
Thiazide diuretic in combination with calcium acetate may increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
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!

13 min