On this episode of the Top 200 drugs podcast from Real Life Pharmacology, I cover medications 131-135 which include enoxaparin, methylphenidate, rosuvastatin, denosumab, and dabigatran. Enoxaparin is an injectable anticoagulant that can cause heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Methylphenidate is a stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD. Cardiovascular adverse effects are possible. Rosuvastatin inhibits HMG-CoA Reductase which helps lower LDL in the management of hypercholesterolemia....
Dec 05, 2024•23 min
In this episode of the Top 200 Drugs Podcast, we cover medications 126-130. Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that can be used for breast cancer that expresses the HER2 protein. Atripla is an HIV medication that contains three separate medications that are beneficial in reducing viral load. Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant that may be commonly used in the management of stroke and deep vein thrombosis. Fioricet is a combination of three medications. Butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine are t...
Nov 28, 2024•24 min
On the top 200 drugs podcast, we cover 5 more medications. The medications covered on today's episode include; omalizumab, nitroglycerin, apixaban, gabapentin, and etanercept. Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody used in moderate to severe asthma. It targets IgE-mediated asthma attacks and reactions. Anaphylaxis is a significant concern with the use of this medication. Sublingual nitroglycerin is frequently used on an as needed basis for angina symptoms. I discuss major drug interactions and much...
Nov 21, 2024•18 min
In this episode of the Top 200 Drugs Podcast, I cover glyburide, citalopram, olmesratan, carvedilol, and tiotropium. Glyburide is a sulfonylurea that is well known to cause hypoglycemia and weight gain because it stimulates the pancreas to increase insulin release. Citalopram is an SSRI most well known for its potential to increase the risk for QTc prolongation. It has a notorious drug interaction with omeprazole Olmesartan is an ARB that can be used for hypertension. Hyperkalemia is an electrol...
Nov 14, 2024•20 min
Clindamycin is an antibiotic for infection. It inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 50s ribosomal subunit and is well known to contribute to C. Diff. risk. Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter medication that relieves pain and fever. It does not have much benefit in reducing inflammation, however. Ferrous sulfate is a supplement that can be useful in treating anemia. Dark stools and constipation are two common adverse effects. Eletriptan is a medication used to abort migraine heada...
Nov 07, 2024•25 min
Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate that can be used to manage hypercalcemia of malignancy and osteoporosis. Glipizide is an anti-diabetes agent that is classified as a sulfonylurea. Weight gain and hypoglycemia and two big concerns with this agent. Lactulose is classified as a laxative but is more commonly used to reduce ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy. Rabeprazole is a PPI used to reduce gastric acid secretions and improve conditions such as GERD, peptic ulcer disease, and Barrett's e...
Oct 31, 2024•20 min
On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, we cover medications 101-105 of the top 200 drugs Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that is used in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Zolpidem is a medication that is used for insomnia. It has a very similar adverse effect profile to benzodiazepines. Advair is a commonly used respiratory medication for asthma. It is a combination of a long-acting beta agonist and inhaled corticosteroid. Levofloxacin...
Oct 24, 2024•26 min
We have finally reached 100 of the top 200 drugs podcasts! On this episode, we tackle methadone. This is a complex opioid used for opioid use disorder and may also be used for pain. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that is used for hypertension. Cough and hyperkalemia are two major adverse effects to remember. Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor. In patients with poor renal function, we need to make sure to adjust the dose accordingly. Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist. This medication is prima...
Oct 17, 2024•22 min
On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, I cover 5 more medications of the top 200. Fenofibrate is a medication used primarily to reduce triglycerides. This medication differs from statins which tend to focus on LDL management. Doxazosin is an alpha-blocker. The primary indications of doxazosin are hypertension and BPH. Naproxen is an NSAID. Of all the NSAIDs, naproxen is one of the lower-risk agents with regard to cardiovascular risk. Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist an...
Oct 10, 2024•24 min
On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, we cover 5 more medications in the top 200. Metronidazole is an antibiotic for infection. One of the most common complaints from patients involves reporting of a metallic taste in the mouth. Levetiracetam is an anti-seizure medication. Sedation, dizziness, and other adverse effects of the central nervous system are the most common complications. Colchicine is a gout medication. The most memorable side effect associated with this medication i...
Oct 03, 2024•17 min
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 prandia...
Sep 26, 2024•23 min
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 anx...
Sep 19, 2024•20 min
This episode is sponsored by Freed – Freed is an amazing time saver for busy healthcare professionals! It listens, transcribes, and writes medical notes for you! Go check them out and support our sponsor! Robitussin (Guaifenesin) is a medication that is used as a cough suppressant. It is often combined with numerous other medications so patients need to pay attention Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety or seizures. Falls, dizziness, confusion, and sedation are common adve...
Sep 12, 2024•18 min
This episode is sponsored by Freed – Freed is an amazing time saver for busy healthcare professionals! It listens, transcribes, and writes medical notes for you! Go check them out and support our sponsor! Pantoprazole (Protonix) is a PPI that can be used for GERD and peptic ulcer disease. I differentiate why this medication is different from the commonly used omeprazole. Dicyclomine (Bentyl) is an anticholinergic medication that may be used to help reduce pain and spasms associated with irritabl...
Sep 05, 2024•21 min
This episode is sponsored by Freed - Freed is an amazing time saver for busy healthcare professionals! It listens, transcribes, and writes medical notes for you! Go check them out and support our sponsor! In this episode, we highlight some of the most important clinical pearls (and highly testable pearls) on the following medications; Suboxone, lisdexamfetamine, nortriptyline, insulin lispro, and valproic acid. Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone used for opioid use disorder....
Aug 29, 2024•21 min
This episode is sponsored by Freed - Freed is an amazing time saver for busy healthcare professionals! It listens, transcribes, and writes medical notes for you! Go check them out and support our sponsor! In this episode, we highlight some of the most important clinical pearls on the following medications; nitrofurantoin, fentanyl patches, isosorbide mononitrate, fluoxetine, and triamcinolone. Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used for UTIs. We need to be careful with this medication in patients w...
Aug 22, 2024•21 min
On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I cover medications 51-55. They are eszopiclone, celecoxib, estrogen, moxifloxacin, and donepezil. Eszopiclone is a "Z" drug used for insomnia. Its adverse effect profile is very similar to benzodiazepines. Celecoxib is a COX-2 Inhibitor used for pain and inflammation. I discuss how this medication differs from traditional NSAIDs. Estrogen therapy is used for menopausal symptoms but carries a risk of cancer and blood clots. Moxifloxacin is a...
Aug 15, 2024•17 min
On this episode, we continue with the Top 200 Drugs podcast. We cover the basics of the following drugs: tizanidine, risperidone, ramipril, pravastatin, and terazosin. Tizanidine is a skeletal muscle relaxant that has drug interactions via CYP2D6 Risperidone is a 2nd generation antipsychotic. Be on the lookout for EPS, hyperprolactinemia, sedation, and metabolic syndrome. Ramipril is an antihypertensive agent that is an ACE Inhibitor. Cough and hyperkalemia are two important adverse effects. Pra...
Aug 08, 2024•20 min
On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I continue my education on the top 200 drugs. Raloxifene, prednisone, phenytoin, fish oil, and ezetimibe are covered in this podcast episode. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that may cause hyperglycemia, insomnia, GI upset, osteoporosis, HPA suppression, and hypertension as primary adverse effects. Raloxifene is classified as a SERM and can be used for osteoporosis and breast cancer. DVT and hot flashes are significant adverse effect concerns...
Aug 01, 2024•21 min
On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I continue my coverage with the Top 200 Drugs Podcast. Here's the list of medications we will cover. Lorazepam (Ativan) is a benzodiazepine well known for its anxiolytic and anti-seizure properties. Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is a urinary analgesic that can change the color of the urine to a reddish/orange color as one of its adverse effects. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is a DMARD used in rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus. One highly testabl...
Jul 25, 2024•18 min
On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I discuss drugs 31-35 of the top 200 drugs. Ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone is a combined oral contraceptive used for birth control purposes. Hydralazine is a direct vasodilatory that can be used for hypertension and heart failure. Benztropine is an older anticholinergic medication originally indicated for Parkinson's disease but most commonly used to manage EPS symptoms from dopamine-blocking agents such as antipsychotics. Tussionex is a com...
Jul 18, 2024•17 min
On this episode of the Top 200 Drugs pharmacology podcast, I cover fluticasone nasal spray, allopurinol, alendronate, famotidine, and cefdinir. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that can be used nasally for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor used to reduce uric acid and prevent gout flares. Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that inhibits the action of osteoclasts. This action helps treat osteoporosis. Famotidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist that h...
Jul 11, 2024•20 min
Lamotrigine is an antiseizure medication and also may be used for bipolar disorder. A rash is a major side effect to remember with this medication. Valganciclovir is an antiviral medication that can be used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) in patients with a suppressed immune system. Fluconazole is an azole antifungal that can be used to treat candidiasis, blastomycosis, and tinea infections. Drug interactions, QTc prolongation, and hepatotoxicity are potential risks. Atenolol is a beta-blocker ...
Jul 04, 2024•14 min
In this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I cover drugs 16-20 of the top 200 drugs. This podcast includes information about clozapine, furosemide, heparin, tetracycline, and vardenafil. Clozapine has five boxed warnings and these are all items that you may see on your pharmacology and board exams! I've also blogged about these in the past at meded101. Furosemide is a loop diuretic and a common indicator of the prescribing cascade. I discuss this in this podcast episode. Heparin can ...
Jun 27, 2024•17 min
Metformin is a medication used in the management of diabetes. It can cause significant diarrhea, B12 deficiency, and in rare cases, lactic acidosis. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a statin medication used for cholesterol management. It lowers LDL and is associated with myopathy. Omeprazole is a PPI used for GERD and has drug interactions with citalopram and clopidogrel. Ciprofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat gram-negative infections and UTIs. It carries numerous risks such as tendon ru...
Jun 20, 2024•13 min
On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I discuss drugs 6-10 of the top 200 drugs. Included in this podcast episode are two antibiotics that are frequently used in pediatrics. Those two antibiotics are azithromycin and amoxicillin. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine. It is a controlled substance that is used for the acute relief of anxiety. It is not well tolerated in the elderly. Hydrochlorothiaizde is a thiazide diuretic used primarily for hypertension. It can exacerbate gout and ca...
Jun 13, 2024•12 min
On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, I start my journey on summarizing the most highly testable pearls with the top 200 medications. I'm going through the top 200 medications, 5 drugs at a time, and sharing my experience and clinically relevant information about these medications. Escitalopram is an SSRI that can cause serotonin syndrome, sexual dysfunction, and SIADH. Simvastatin is a cholesterol medication that can cause myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Levothyroxine is a thyroid...
Jun 06, 2024•16 min
On this episode, I discuss timolol pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more. Timolol is a non-selective beta-blocker so it blocks both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. Since timolol blocks beta-2 receptors, it can blunt the effect of respiratory medications that have beta-agonist action. Beta-blockers are notorious for causing bradycardia and pulse is an important monitoring parameter for timolol.
May 30, 2024•14 min
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are becoming an important tool in the management of diabetes. I break down some of the most common clinical practice pearls you should know.
May 23, 2024•17 min
On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, I cover some of the most common food and supplement drug interactions. The 3 G's can potentially increase the risk of bleeding in patients on anticoagulants and antiplatelets. I discuss what supplements these are. There are some vitamins that can cause drug interactions. Vitamin C is a supplement that can alter the absorption of some medications. Metal cations like iron can bind certain medications and reduce absorption. I discuss which medi...
May 16, 2024•16 min
