Episodes

Lotrisone is a topical cream that contains a combination of clotrimazole, an antifungal, and betamethasone dipropionate, a corticosteroid. It is used to treat fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm that also involve inflammation or itching. Clotrimazole works by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, while betamethasone reduces redness, swelling, and itching. Lotrisone should not be used on the face, groin, or underarms for extended periods due to the risk of ski...

Fluphenazine is a high-potency typical antipsychotic that primarily acts as a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist in the mesolimbic pathway, reducing positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), such as dystonia, akathisia, and parkinsonism, are common due to potent D2 blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), though rare, is a life-threatening adverse effect characterized by rigidity, hyperthermia, altered mental status, and autonomic insta...

On this podcast episode, I discuss quinapril pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, pharmacokinetics, and much more. Quinapril is a prodrug that is converted in the liver to its active metabolite, quinaprilat, which inhibits ACE, leading to decreased formation of angiotensin II and reduced aldosterone secretion. Hyperkalemia can occur with quinapril use due to decreased aldosterone, leading to potassium retention—especially in patients with renal impairment. Concomitant use of pota...

Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that selectively inhibits L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation and reduced peripheral vascular resistance. The extended-release formulation of nifedipine provides more stable plasma concentrations and is preferred for chronic management of hypertension and angina. Common adverse effects include headache, flushing, peripheral edema, and dizziness, all related to its vasodilatory action. Nifedipine und...

On this podcast episode, I discuss Clotrimazole pharmacology, adverse effects, indications, administration, and much more. Clotrimazole is an imidazole antifungal that exerts its pharmacological effect by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes. This inhibition compromises membrane integrity, leading to leakage of cellular contents and ultimately fungal cell death. Clotrimazole is primarily used topically due to poor systemic absorption when admi...

Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used primarily for the management of hypertension and diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes. It selectively inhibits the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor found in vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. This blockade results in vasodilation, reduced aldosterone secretion, decreased sodium and water retention, and ultimately lower blood pressure. Irbesartan is administered orally, with a typical starting dose of 150 mg ...

On this episode, I discuss benzonatate pharmacology, adverse reactions, and much more. Tessalon Pearls (benzonatate) are a non-narcotic antitussive commonly prescribed to relieve dry, non-productive coughs. Benzonatate acts by numbing stretch receptors in the respiratory tract, lungs, and pleura, which helps suppress the cough reflex at its source. Unlike opioid-based cough suppressants, it doesn’t work in the brain’s cough center. The usual adult dose is 100 to 200 mg taken orally three time...

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I discuss Miralax (polyethylene glycol) pharmacology, adverse effects, and much more. MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative commonly used to treat occasional constipation by retaining water in the stool to increase stool frequency and soften consistency. The standard adult dose of MiraLAX is 17 grams (approximately one heaping tablespoon) dissolved in 4 to 8 ounces of liquid once daily. Electrolyte imbalances are rare but possible with prolonged...

Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here! On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, we cover minoxidil pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more. Minoxidil is a potent arterial vasodilator used in the treatment of hypertension and androgenetic alopecia. The route of administration greatly impacts the drug’s safety pr...

Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here! Prednisone is a commonly used medication for its antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive action. On this episode I discuss prednisone pharmacology, ADRs, and much more. In the episode, I discuss how prednisone affects the HPA system in the body. Cortisol production can be greatly impacted by long term use of pre...

Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here! On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, I cover linagliptin pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more. Linagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor used to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing the levels of incretin hormones, which stimu...

Meclizine is classified as a first-generation antihistamine. I discuss meclizine pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more. Meclizine is included on the Beers list due to its highly anticholinergic activity. Anticholinergic effects include constipation, dry eyes, dry mouth, urinary retention, and confusion. Sedation is an important adverse effect of meclizine. This adverse effect can be increased when used with other sedating medications such as opioids and benzodiazepine...

In this episode, I discuss amphetamine/dextroamphetamine pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more. Stimulants like Adderall are well known to cause insomnia. This adverse effect can be affected by the timing of the dose. Lack of growth and poor appetite are two important things to monitor in pediatric patients taking Adderall. Changes in the pH of the stomach/gut can alter the absorption of Adderall. I discuss this in greater detail in this podcast episode. Cardiovascu...

Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here! Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing vasoconstriction. Combining benazepril with potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements increases the risk of hyperkalemia due to aldosterone suppression. Common side effec...

Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here! On this podcast episode, I cover loratadine pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more. Loratatdine is a second generation antihistamine. It has a lower incidence of central nervous system adverse effects compared to first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine. Loratadine dosing v...

Modafinil (Provigil) is a CNS stimulant medication. I cover modafinil pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more on this podcast episode. You should be aware that modafinil is a Schedule 4 controlled substance so it does carry a risk of dependence and addiction. Modafinil can cause CYP3A4 induction and lead to lowering the concentrations of many medications. This includes antiepileptic agents and oral contraceptives. The most common adverse effects of modafinil include ra...

This episode is sponsored by Meded101.com/store – Go check out their resources, books, and review courses! They will help you prepare to pass your pharmacology classes and board exams! Lansoprazole is a PPI that can be used for GERD, ulcers, and other GI conditions. B12 and magnesium deficiency are possible long-term mineral and vitamin effects. Augmentin is a combination medication of amoxicillin and clavulanate. It is an antibiotic for infection. Diarrhea is the most common adverse effect. ...

Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here! Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an antiplatelet medication. You need to understand the pharmacokinetics of clopidogrel and how CYP2C19 affects this medication. Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. Calcium, iron, and other metal cations can bind doxycycline and reduce the absorption of the medication. Hyzaar is a ...

Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here! On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, we will cover medications 186-190 on the Top 200 Drugs List. The medications included in the podcast episode are Sonata, Zebata, Zovirax, Coumadin, and Luvox. Sonata (ezopiclone) is a Z-drug used for insomnia. It has many similar effects to benzodiazepines...

On this Real Life Pharmacology Podcast episode, we cover medications 181-185. Proscar is the brand name for finasteride. This medication can be helpful in shrinking the size of the prostate but it does typically take a while to work (months). Sinemet is a combination of carbidopa and levodopa. Levodopa is converted in the central nervous system to dopamine to help alleviate a shortage of dopamine in the brain. Risedronate is a bisphosphonate medication that can be used in the treatment of ost...

Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that is often used in pediatrics. Hyperglycemia, insomnia, and GI upset are relatively common adverse effects. Ibuprofen is a commonly used OTC pain reliever. It is classified as an NSAID and can increase GI bleed risk and exacerbate heart failure. Aceon is the brand name for perindopril. ACE inhibitors are well known to cause drug induced cough and will cause hyperkalemia. Trazodone is classified as an antidepressant but is frequently used to treat insomnia b...

Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here! On this episode of the Top 200 drugs podcast, we are going to cover these 5 medications: Cyclosporine, insulin glargine, tadalafil, amitriptyline, and gemfibrozil. Cyclosporine is a calcineurin inhibitor that suppresses the immune system. This is useful in patients who have had an organ transplant. Insulin gla...

Today’s sponsor is Freed AI! Freed’s AI medical scribe listens, transcribes, and writes notes for you. Over 15,000 healthcare professionals use Freed and you should too! Learn more here! On this episode of the Top 200 Drugs podcast from Real Life Pharmacology, we cover Percocet, Epogen, quetiapine, glimepiride, and tirzepatide. These are drugs 166-170. Percocet is a combination analgesic. It contains acetaminophen and oxycodone. Pay attention to acetaminophen intake from all sources when patien...

On this podcast episode of the top 200 drugs, I’m covering liraglutide, folic acid, clotrimazole, empagliflozin, and semaglutide. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 agonist that can be used for weight loss as well as diabetes. The most common adverse effect of this medication is nausea. Folic acid is a commonly used supplement in pregnancy as well as in those patients taking methotrexate. Deficiency of folic acid can lead to anemia. Clotrimazole is an antifungal agent. It is mostly used for topical purpo...