Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education for Health Care Professionals

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, I discuss escitalopram pharmacology.

Escitalopram is an SSRI and can be used to manage depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and other psychiatric disorders.

If you consider fluoxetine the most activation SSRI and paroxetine the most sedating, escitalopram probably falls somewhere in the middle.

Sexual dysfunction is a potential adverse effect with escitalopram. I discuss it further on this episode.

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!

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I discuss the ins and outs of lamotrigine pharmacology.

Lamotrigine has a very slow dose titration schedule due to the risk of drug induced rash.

Sedation, GI upset, and CNS changes are the most common adverse effects associated with lamotrigine.

Lamotrigine concentrations can be increased by valproic acid, so we tend to use lower starting doses.

Phenytoin and carbamazepine can lower concentrations of lamotrigine.

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!

In this episode of the RLP podcast, I discuss scopolamine pharmacology.

Scopolamine patches can be used in the management of motion sickness and surgery/anesthesia induced nausea and vomiting.

Transdermal scopolamine has a slow onset of action so we need to be deliberate about the timing of placement (usually 4-6 hours prior to anticipated time of symptoms).

Transdermal scopolamine is highly anticholinergic and can cause dry eyes, dry mouth, urinary retention, and confusion.

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!

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I breakdown propofol pharmacology.

Propofol is a CNS depressant that is used for general anesthesia.

I discuss propofol infusion syndrome in this episode and what to look out for clinically.

Adding a benzodiazepine or opioid to propofol may have a synergistic effect and the propofol dose may need to be reduced.

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!

On this episode, I discuss cyclosporine pharmacology. This medication is an immunosuppressant used to reduce the risk of transplant rejection.

Cyclosporine has a long list of potential adverse effects such as hyperglycemia, renal impairment, GI toxicity, and hypertriglyceridemia.

Important monitoring parameters for cyclosporine include drug levels, electrolytes, renal function, and blood sugars.

CYP3A4 interactions are critical with cyclosporine. Inhibitors can raise concentrations and inducers can lower concentrations.

Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!