Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education for Health Care Professionals

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

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Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education for Health Care Professionals episodes

February 07, 2019 Magnesium Pharmacology
On this episode, I discuss magnesium pharmacology and the clinical applications. Magnesium plays numerous important functions in the body and you may see patients take these supplements under the direction of a healthcare professional and sometimes on their own.
It is very important to remember that magnesium can cause GI upset and diarrhea. This is often overlooked in our polypharmacy patient.
Magnesium can accumulate in renal disease. This is important to remember especially in patients who have a tendency to take a lot of supplements without discussing them with a healthcare professional.
PPI’s are a notorious cause of low magnesium. Loop diuretics can increase magnesium excretion and also cause low magnesium levels.
Magnesium can bind up numerous drugs reducing concentrations and leading to treatment failure. A few examples include quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, and levothyroxine.
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

11 min
February 07, 2019 Magnesium Pharmacology
On this episode, I discuss magnesium pharmacology and the clinical applications. Magnesium plays numerous important functions in the body and you may see patients take these supplements under the direction of a healthcare professional and sometimes on their own.

It is very important to remember that magnesium can cause GI upset and diarrhea. This is often overlooked in our polypharmacy patient.

Magnesium can accumulate in renal disease. This is important to remember especially in patients who have a tendency to take a lot of supplements without discussing them with a healthcare professional.

PPI's are a notorious cause of low magnesium. Loop diuretics can increase magnesium excretion and also cause low magnesium levels.

Magnesium can bind up numerous drugs reducing concentrations and leading to treatment failure. A few examples include quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, and levothyroxine.
11 min
January 31, 2019 Trazodone Pharmacology
Trazodone pharmacology is complex. It can inhibit serotonin reuptake, block histamine receptors, and possibly have alpha-blocking activity.
Side effects of trazodone include sedation, dizziness, and dry mouth. Rarely, priapism may occur. I’ve seen this nugget come up on pharmacology exams!
While trazodone is classified as antidepressant, it is often used to help manage insomnia.
Trazodone can possibly prolong the QT interval. Risk of other medications and patient specific parameters should be considered.
Trazodone concentrations can be increased with the use of CYP3A4 inhibitors and reduced with 3A4 inducers.
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

11 min
January 31, 2019 Trazodone Pharmacology
Trazodone pharmacology is complex. It can inhibit serotonin reuptake, block histamine receptors, and possibly have alpha-blocking activity.

Side effects of trazodone include sedation, dizziness, and dry mouth. Rarely, priapism may occur. I've seen this nugget come up on pharmacology exams!

While trazodone is classified as antidepressant, it is often used to help manage insomnia.

Trazodone can possibly prolong the QT interval. Risk of other medications and patient specific parameters should be considered.

Trazodone concentrations can be increased with the use of CYP3A4 inhibitors and reduced with 3A4 inducers.
11 min
January 24, 2019 GLP-1 Agonist Pharmacology
The GLP-1’s are a relatively newer class of medications used to lower blood sugars in diabetes.
GLP-1’s work by simulating the effects of incretin hormones in the body. They can help promote fullness, lower weight, and stimulate insulin release following a meal.
GLP-1’s can cause significant GI side effects. Nausea is by far the most common adverse effect. It can even lead to diarrhea and vomiting in some cases.
There is boxed warning on the GLP-1 agonists. Be aware of patients who have had a history of thyroid cancer as this may be a contraindication.
GLP-1 agonists can help lower A1C and stimulate weight loss which is a huge benefit for most patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

12 min
January 24, 2019 GLP-1 Agonist Pharmacology
The GLP-1's are a relatively newer class of medications used to lower blood sugars in diabetes.

GLP-1's work by simulating the effects of incretin hormones in the body. They can help promote fullness, lower weight, and stimulate insulin release following a meal.

GLP-1's can cause significant GI side effects. Nausea is by far the most common adverse effect. It can even lead to diarrhea and vomiting in some cases.

There is boxed warning on the GLP-1 agonists. Be aware of patients who have had a history of thyroid cancer as this may be a contraindication.

GLP-1 agonists can help lower A1C and stimulate weight loss which is a huge benefit for most patients with Type 2 diabetes.
12 min
January 17, 2019 Iron Supplement Pharmacology
Iron supplements frequently cause GI upset. Monitor patients for nausea, vomiting, and constipation issues.
There are three main salt forms of iron. Ferrous fumurate has the most elemental iron, ferrous sulfate (2nd most), and ferrous gluconate has the least.
Iron can bind up antibiotics and reduce their effectiveness. Two classic examples include the quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics.
Anemia can be caused by numerous concerns, however, iron deficiency is a very common cause.
Ferritin is a lab that we commonly monitor in a patient who may be iron deficient. Iron deficiency can also lead to symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome.
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

14 min
January 17, 2019 Iron Supplement Pharmacology
Iron supplements frequently cause GI upset. Monitor patients for nausea, vomiting, and constipation issues.

There are three main salt forms of iron. Ferrous fumurate has the most elemental iron, ferrous sulfate (2nd most), and ferrous gluconate has the least.

Iron can bind up antibiotics and reduce their effectiveness. Two classic examples include the quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics.

Anemia can be caused by numerous concerns, however, iron deficiency is a very common cause.

Ferritin is a lab that we commonly monitor in a patient who may be iron deficient. Iron deficiency can also lead to symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome.
14 min
January 10, 2019 Loop Diuretics Pharmacology
On this episode, I cover common loop diuretics. They include furosemide, torsemide, and bumetanide.
Loop diuretics are potent agents that can help in the management of heart failure and ascites.
Loops diuretics help promote the loss of excessive fluid through the urine.
A common patient complaint from loop diuretics is that they can cause frequent urination. Because of this, we typically dose these drugs earlier in the day.
Kidney function and electrolyte monitoring is critical with the use of loop diuretics.
Enjoy the episode!
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

14 min
January 10, 2019 Loop Diuretics Pharmacology
On this episode, I cover common loop diuretics. They include furosemide, torsemide, and bumetanide.

Loop diuretics are potent agents that can help in the management of heart failure and ascites.

Loops diuretics help promote the loss of excessive fluid through the urine.

A common patient complaint from loop diuretics is that they can cause frequent urination. Because of this, we typically dose these drugs earlier in the day.

Kidney function and electrolyte monitoring is critical with the use of loop diuretics.

Enjoy the episode!
14 min