Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education for Health Care Professionals

Latest Episodes
Rivastigmine Pharmacology
Rivastigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in the management of certain dementias. I discuss rivastigmine pharmacology on this episode. Weight loss is a potential adverse effect of rivastigmine. It is important to monitor weights.
Caffeine Pharmacology
Caffeine is a commonly used supplement and is found in many food and beverages. I discuss caffeine pharmacology, adverse effects, and drug interactions. Caffeine can inhibit CYP1A2 and also be affected by CYP1A2 inhibitors.
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.
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.
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 taki...
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...
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,
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 ca...
Nortriptyline Pharmacology
Nortriptyline is a TCA that can be used for depression and various pain syndromes. I discuss other less common diagnoses in this podcast episode as well. There are a lot of drug interactions with nortriptyline. It is metabolized by CYP2D6,
Hydroxychloroquine Pharmacology
Hydroxychloroquine is classified as a DMARD and when used chronically, can be helpful in managing rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus. There have been reports of QTc prolongation with hydroxychloroquine. While not incredibly common,