Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education for Health Care Professionals

Vilazodone (brand name Viibryd ) is an antidepressant with a unique pharmacologic profile compared to most other agents in the SSRI class. While not a first-line choice for every patient, understanding its mechanism, adverse effects, and interaction profile is essential for optimizing therapy and preventing downstream prescribing problems. Mechanism of Action Vilazodone is classified as a selectiv...

Solifenacin is a bladder antimuscarinic medication most commonly used for overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and urge incontinence. Like other agents in its class, understanding the pharmacology can help anticipate potential side effects, drug interactions, and downstream prescribing problems. Mechanism of Action Solifenacin selectively blocks muscarinic M3 recep...

In this episode, we break down itraconazole—a potent antifungal with a lot of baggage. If you’re a pharmacist, clinician, or student who needs to understand how this drug works and why it can be tricky to use, this episode is for you. We start with the basics. Itraconazole blocks 14α-demethylase, an enzyme fungi need to make their cell membranes. That disruption kills or slows the fungus. It works...

In this episode of our pharmacology podcast, we take a deep dive into the pharmacology of levomilnacipran (Fetzima), a unique serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Designed for pharmacy students, clinicians, and anyone interested in psychopharmacology, this episode breaks down what makes levomilnacipran different...

Asenapine is an atypical antipsychotic that acts as an antagonist at multiple receptors, including dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A, contributing to its antipsychotic and mood-stabilizing effects. Adverse effects of asenapine include somnolence, dizziness, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Because asenapine is significantly metabolized by CYP1A2, inhibitors or inducers of these enzymes can affect its p...

Loxapine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic with dopamine D2 receptor antagonism as its primary mechanism, though it also has affinity for serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, making its pharmacology somewhat atypical. Loxapine is available in multiple formulations, including oral capsules and an inhalation powder, the latter approved specifically for acute agitation in patients with schizophren...

Ketoconazole is an imidazole antifungal that works by inhibiting fungal cytochrome P450 14α-demethylase, an enzyme essential for ergosterol synthesis, which disrupts fungal cell membrane integrity. Common adverse effects of ketoconazole include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes, with hepatotoxicity being a notable concern. Ketoconazole carries a boxed warning for severe...

NSAIDs can reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, and diuretics by promoting sodium and water retention and decreasing renal blood flow. Combining NSAIDs with anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents like warfarin or aspirin significantly increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, due to additive effects on platelet inhibition and m...

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. Lotrison...

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...

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, lea...

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,...

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 fun...

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 ultimatel...

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’...

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 i...

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 hyper...

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 aff...

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...

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 ef...

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 t...

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 potassi...

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 ad...

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 anti...

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 amoxi...