Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education for Health Care Professionals
Real Life Pharmacology is a podcast that provides pharmacology education for health care professionals. Hosted by Eric Christianson, a clinical pharmacist and pharmacology expert, the show covers drug mechanisms, clinical applications, and practical tips for medication management. Each episode aims to enhance the knowledge of pharmacists, nurses, and other medical professionals. The podcast is produced by Meded101.com.
Episodes
Opioid Use Disorder Medications
On this podcast episode, I cover commonly used medications for opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are all potential options in OUD. I’ll discuss the pharmacology of each medication and the most common practice pearls that will show up in practice and on your board exams.
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE
Alcohol Use Disorder Medications
Naltrexone is often a first-line medication for AUD. It works as an opioid receptor antagonist, reducing the rewarding effects of alcohol and decreasing cravings. Patients frequently report that alcohol becomes less pleasurable while taking the medication. Oral naltrexone is typically dosed at 50 mg daily, while a long-acting injectable formulation is also available. Avoid use in patients taking o
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors – Test Prep and Practice Pearls
In this episode, we explore monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), one of the oldest yet most effective classes of antidepressants. We discuss how MAOIs such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, and selegiline work by increasing serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in the brain. The episode reviews their unique role in treatment-resistant and atypical depression, key adverse eff
Insomnia Medications – 6.2 Nursing Pharmacology Review Course
I cover the most important insomnia medications. We cover adverse effects, drug monitoring, and much more.
You can find the full 16+ hour nursing pharmacology review course, including PDF handouts, cheat sheets, practice questions, and on-demand videos at meded101.com!
Antidepressants: Trazodone, Nefazodone, Vilazodone, and Vortioxetine – Test Prep and Practice Pearls
In this episode, we explore four unique antidepressants that do not fit neatly into the traditional SSRI or SNRI categories: trazodone, nefazodone, vilazodone, and vortioxetine. Trazodone and nefazodone are classified as serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), working primarily through blockade of 5-HT2 receptors while also inhibiting serotonin reuptake. Trazodone’s strong anti
ICU Sedation – 6.1 Nursing Pharmacology Review Course
In this section, I educate about the most common ICU sedation medications.
You can find the full 16+ hour nursing pharmacology review course, including PDF handouts, cheat sheets, practice questions, and on-demand videos at meded101.com!
SNRIs – Test Prep and Practice Pearls
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are a class of antidepressants that increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Common agents include venlafaxine (Effexor XR), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), duloxetine (Cymbalta), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), and milnacipran (Savella). In addition to treating depression and anxiety disorders, several SNRIs have important pain indicatio
Infectious Disease Section 5.4 – HIV Medications
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, remains one of the most important infectious diseases in modern healthcare, but advances in antiretroviral therapy have transformed it from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition for many patients. In this episode, we’ll break down the major medication classes used to treat HIV, discuss how these drugs work, review key adverse effects and drug i
Mirtazapine and Bupropion – Test Prep and Practice Pearls
Mirtazapine is a unique antidepressant often chosen when depression occurs alongside insomnia or poor appetite. Its antihistamine activity makes it sedating, particularly at lower doses, and it commonly increases appetite and weight. Unlike many SSRIs, mirtazapine has a lower risk of sexual dysfunction and gastrointestinal side effects because it blocks 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors. It is frequently
Infectious Disease Section 5.3- Antifungal Agents
Fungal infections are commonly encountered across healthcare settings, ranging from oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections to serious systemic infections in critically ill patients. In this episode, we’ll review the major antifungal medications nurses should know, including azoles, echinocandins, polyenes, and topical antifungals. We’ll focus on practical nursing considerations such as monitorin
Tricyclic Antidepressants – Test Prep and Practice Pearls
Welcome to today’s episode on the tricyclic antidepressants, commonly known as TCAs — one of the foundational medication classes in psychopharmacology. Although newer antidepressants like SSRIs often dominate modern prescribing, TCAs remain highly relevant in clinical practice because of their effectiveness in treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain syndromes, migraine prevention, insomnia, a
Infectious Disease Section 5.2- Antiviral Agents
This nursing pharmacology review covers the essential antiviral medications commonly encountered in clinical practice and on nursing exams. The video explains how antiviral drugs work, what infections they treat, and the key nursing considerations for safe medication administration and monitoring. Major medications discussed may include acyclovir, valacyclovir, oseltamivir, antiretroviral therapy,
SSRIs Test Prep and Practice Pearls – Part 2
SSRI adverse effects are critical to know. In part 2 of this 2-part series on SSRIs, we cover the most important adverse effects to know, in addition to putting a nice bow on the most important clinical practice pearls on each SSRI. Enjoy the show!
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!
Support The Podcast and Check Out These Amazing Resourc
Infectious Disease Section 5.1- Antibiotics
This nursing pharmacology review provides a high-yield overview of the most important antibiotic classes used in clinical practice. The video explains how common antibiotics work, what infections they treat, and the major nursing considerations associated with each class. Key topics include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, vancomycin, aminoglycosides, and s
SSRIs – Test Prep and Practice Pearls Part 1
In this episode, we break down the pharmacology of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with a focus on the high-yield clinical pearls pharmacists, medical students, and healthcare professionals need to know. We compare the major SSRIs—including fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, and fluvoxamine—based on adverse effects, drug interactions, pharmacokinetics, an
Thyroid Disorders – Section 4.5 – Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course From Meded101
This podcast episode gives nurses a practical, easy-to-apply overview of common thyroid disorders, focusing on how to recognize and manage both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in clinical practice. It reviews key differences in presentation—such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance in hypothyroidism versus weight loss, tachycardia, and heat intolerance in hyperthyroidism—while connecti
Real Life Examples: Polypharmacy and the Prescribing Cascade Part 2 of 2
Polypharmacy is one of the most common—and often overlooked—challenges in modern healthcare, especially in older adults. It’s not just about the number of medications a patient is taking, but whether each one still has a clear indication, is providing benefit, and isn’t causing harm. As medication lists grow, so does the risk of adverse effects, drug interactions, and something we see all the time
Insulin Therapy Section 4.4 – Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course
This podcast episode gives nurses a practical, bedside-focused guide to insulin therapy, helping simplify one of the most important—and often confusing—areas of diabetes management. It reviews key insulin types, including rapid-acting insulin lispro, long-acting insulin glargine, and intermediate options like NPH insulin, highlighting onset, peak, and duration differences that drive dosing decisio
Real Life Examples: Polypharmacy and the Prescribing Cascade Part 1 of 2
Polypharmacy isn’t just about medication count—it’s about cumulative risk and unintended consequences. One of the biggest drivers is the prescribing cascade, where a drug side effect is mistaken for a new condition, and another medication gets added instead of addressing the root cause.
You see this all the time in practice. A patient starts amlodipine and develops edema, then gets placed on furos
Diabetes Medications Section 4.3 – Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course
This podcast episode provides nurses with a clear, practical overview of non-insulin diabetes medications, focusing on how to safely and effectively manage patients with type 2 diabetes. It reviews key drug classes such as metformin, glipizide, empagliflozin, and semaglutide, emphasizing mechanisms of action, common side effects, and important monitoring parameters. Nurses will learn how to recogn
Heart Failure Medications – Loops, SGLT2s, and ARNI – Test Prep and Practice Pearls
If you’re managing patients with heart failure, you already know the medication landscape has evolved quickly over the past decade. From traditional volume management with furosemide to newer, guideline-driven therapies like sacubitril/valsartan and empagliflozin, staying up to date is essential—but not always easy.
In this episode, we break down three cornerstone medication classes you’ll encount
Diabetes Compelling Indications Section 4.2 – Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course
This podcast episode breaks down diabetes “compelling indications” in a way that’s highly practical for nurses managing complex patients. It explains how comorbid conditions like cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease influence medication selection beyond just lowering A1c.
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!
Medication Errors – Real Life Examples and Definitions – Part 2
In this section, I cover the most important medication errors you’ll see in practice. I got a good start in Part 1, so go back and listen to that for some great real-life information. In this section, I talk about a few types of medication errors that have led to serious complications and life-threatening situations for our patients. Wrong patient errors are one of the highest risk errors th
Addison’s and Cushing’s Disease Section 4.1 – Nursing Pharmacology Review Course
This podcast episode provides nurses with a practical, clinically focused overview of Addison’s disease and Cushing’s disease, highlighting key differences in pathophysiology, presentation, and management. Listeners will learn how adrenal insufficiency in Addison’s leads to symptoms like fatigue, hypotension, and hyperpigmentation, while excess cortisol in Cushing’s presents with weight gain, hype
Medication Errors – Real Life Examples and Definitions – Part 1
In this 2 part series, I cover important medication errors, including examples I’ve seen in real life. Some of the error types covered in section 1 include:
Prescribing errors
Omission errors
Monitoring errors
Dispensing errors
Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!
Support The Podcast and Check Out These Amazing Resources!
NAPLEX St
Respiratory Failure Section 3.3 – Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course
Respiratory failure is a serious clinical condition that nurses frequently encounter in critical care, emergency, and acute care settings. While supportive therapies such as oxygen and mechanical ventilation are often required, medications also play an important role in stabilizing patients and addressing the underlying causes. In this episode, we’ll review the general pharmacologic strategies use
Aminoglycosides Podcast – Pharmacology, Kinetics, Monitoring, and Adverse Effect
Aminoglycosides are antibiotics used to treat serious Gram-negative infections, but they also come with important safety concerns and unique pharmacokinetic properties that healthcare professionals must understand. In this episode, we’re going to break down the essential clinical pearls surrounding aminoglycosides and how pharmacists and clinicians can use them effectively while minimizing toxicit
COPD Section 3.2 – Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic respiratory condition that nurses encounter frequently in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Effective pharmacologic management plays a major role in controlling symptoms, preventing exacerbations, and improving quality of life for patients living with COPD. In this episode, we’ll review the key medication classes used to manage
Vancomycin Podcast – Pharmacology, Adverse Effects, and Monitoring
In this episode, we are going to take a closer look at Vancomycin, one of the most widely used antibiotics in the hospital setting and a medication that pharmacists frequently monitor. Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic primarily used to treat serious gram-positive infections, including those caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Its mechanism of action involves inhibi
Asthma Section 3.1 – Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course
Asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition that nurses frequently encounter in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Effective medication management is essential for controlling symptoms, preventing exacerbations, and improving long-term respiratory health. In this episode, we’ll review the major medication classes used to manage asthma and highlight key nursing considerations when caring
Antiarrhythmic Drugs Part 2
In this episode, we are going to review antiarrhythmic drugs that clinicians may encounter in practice: Digoxin, Propafenone, Dofetilide, and a few others. While these drugs are commonly used in the management of atrial fibrillation and other rhythm disturbances, they each come with important pharmacology and safety considerations that pharmacists and healthcare providers need to recognize.
Digox
Antiarrhythmic Medications Part 1 – Test Prep and Practice Pearls
Antiarrhythmic medications are some of the most complex and high-risk drugs pharmacists encounter in clinical practice. In this episode, we break down the most important concepts pharmacists need to understand about antiarrhythmics, including the major drug classes and the clinical situations where these medications are commonly used.
A major focus of the discussion is medication safety. Many anti
Antiplatelet Agents: P2Y12 Inhibitors – Test Prep and Practice Pearls
P2Y12 inhibitors are a cornerstone of antiplatelet therapy in cardiovascular disease. These agents block the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing ADP-mediated activation and reducing platelet aggregation. By inhibiting this amplification pathway, they help prevent arterial thrombosis in conditions such as acute coronary syndrome, percutaneous coronary intervention, stroke, and peripheral artery
Miscellanous Cholesterol Agents – Test Prep and Practice Pearls
In this episode, we explore several important non-statin cholesterol-lowering therapies, focusing on their mechanisms, clinical uses, and practical considerations for patient care.
We start with bile acid sequestrants, also known as resins, including cholestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam. These medications lower LDL cholesterol by binding bile acids in the gut, prompting the liver to use mor
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Hyperlipidemia – Section 2.9
Managing cholesterol is a key part of preventing cardiovascular disease, and nurses are on the front lines of patient care. In this episode, we explore the main cholesterol-lowering medications, including statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, fibrates, and more. You’ll learn how each medication works, important side effects, lab monitoring, and nursing considerations for safe administration. We’ll
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Heart Failure – Section 2.8
Heart failure management has evolved dramatically, and nurses are central to optimizing outcomes and preventing hospital readmissions. In this episode, we break down the core medication classes used in heart failure, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, diuretics, and newer agents like ARNIs and SGLT2 inhibitors. You’ll learn how these medications
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Heparin Type Medications – Section 2.7
Heparin medications are commonly used in hospitals, and nurses play a critical role in ensuring they’re given safely. In this episode, we break down unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparins in a practical, easy-to-understand way. We’ll also review dosing considerations, signs of bleeding, and the importance of recognizing heparin-induced thrombocytopenia early. Plus, we’ll cover re
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – DOACs and Warfarin – Section 2.6
Anticoagulation therapy can feel complex, but nurses play a vital role in keeping patients safe. In this episode, we break down the key differences between warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), including how they work, when they’re used, and what makes each unique. You’ll review important monitoring parameters like INR for warfarin, renal function considerations for DOACs, major drug an
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Atrial Fibrillation – Section 2.5
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias nurses encounter, and understanding its management is essential for safe patient care. In this episode, we break down what atrial fibrillation is, why it increases stroke risk, and how treatment strategies focus on rate control, rhythm control, and anticoagulation. We’ll review common medications, monitoring priorities, and key asse
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Antiplatelet Medications – Section 2.4
Antiplatelet medications play a critical role in preventing heart attacks and strokes, and nurses are often on the front lines of monitoring their safety and effectiveness. In this episode, we break down key agents like aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors such as clopidogrel, and other commonly used therapies in a clear, practical way. You’ll learn how these medications work, when they’re indicated, and the
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Hypertension Medication – Section 2.3
Hypertension medications are a cornerstone of nursing practice, and understanding how they work can dramatically improve patient safety and outcomes. In this episode, we break down the major antihypertensive drug classes, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, in a practical and easy-to-understand way. You’ll learn how each class lowers blood pressu
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Hypertension Pearls – Section 2.2
Hypertension is one of the most common conditions nurses manage, yet small details can make a big difference in patient outcomes. In this episode, we break down essential hypertension pearls every nurse should know. Whether you’re preparing for exams or caring for patients at the bedside, this episode delivers concise, high-yield strategies to help you manage hypertension with confidence and clari
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Autonomic Medications – Section 2.1
Autonomic medications are some of the most commonly used — and commonly tested — drugs in nursing practice. In this episode, we break down the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in a clear, practical way so you can connect receptors to real-world patient care. We’ll review key drug classes like beta blockers, alpha agonists, anticholinergics, and cholinergic agents, focusing on mechan
Ezetimibe and PCSK-9 Inhibitors – Cholesterol Test Prep and Practice Pearls
In this pharmacology podcast episode, we focus on two key non-statin cholesterol-lowering therapies: ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors (Click here to listen to the statin podcast episode). These agents play a role in lipid management, particularly for patients who are unable to reach LDL cholesterol goals with statins alone or who have statin intolerance.
Ezetimibe works by inhibiting the absorption
Fibrates – Test Prep and Practice Pearls
Fibrate derivatives are lipid-lowering medications that primarily target triglycerides rather than LDL cholesterol. Common agents include gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, and fenofibric acid. While their use has declined with the widespread adoption of statins, fibrates remain an important option for patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, particularly to reduce the risk of acute pancreatitis rather t
Statin Test Prep and Practice Pearls
On this podcast episode, I discuss important practice pearls and important test prep information about statins. Statins are cornerstone agents for ASCVD risk reduction, so test questions often focus on indication, intensity, and monitoring. Health care professionals should quickly identify statin intensity: high-intensity therapy (atorvastatin 40–80 mg, rosuvastatin 20–40 mg) lowers LDL by ~50% an
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Calculations – Section 1.7
Medication calculations are a foundational nursing skill—and one of the most critical for patient safety. From weight-based dosing and IV drip rates to unit conversions and dose adjustments, small calculation errors can have serious consequences. In this episode, we’ll break down medication calculations in nursing pharmacology with a clear, practical approach focused on real clinical scenarios. Wh
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Routes of Administration – Section 1.6
The route of administration can change everything about how a medication works—from how fast it takes effect to how safe and effective it is for a specific patient. For nurses, choosing and administering the correct route is a critical clinical responsibility that directly affects outcomes. In this episode, we’ll explore common routes of administration in nursing pharmacology, including oral, IV,
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Dosage Forms – Section 1.5
Dosage forms are more than just pills and injections—they directly impact how medications work, how quickly they act, and how safely they’re used. For nurses, understanding the differences between tablets, liquids, injectables, patches, and modified-release products is critical to proper administration and patient education. In this episode, we’ll explore common dosage forms in nursing pharmacolog
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Pharmacokinetics – Section 1.4
Pharmacokinetics explains what the body does to a medication—and for nurses, it’s essential to understanding how and why drugs work differently from one patient to the next. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion all influence onset, duration, and safety of therapy at the bedside. In this episode, we’ll break down pharmacokinetics with a nursing lens, tying key concepts to real-world
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Pharmacodynamics – Section 1.3
This is section 1.3 of the nearly 20-hour Nursing Pharmacology Review Course from Meded101! Enjoy!
Pharmacodynamics is the “why” behind what medications do in the body—and for nurses, understanding it is key to safe and effective patient care. From receptor binding and dose–response relationships to therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, pharmacodynamics helps explain how medications produce b
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Ethical Considerations – Section 1.2
This is section 1.2 of the Nursing Pharmacology Review Course From Meded101.
Every medication decision carries ethical weight, and nurses are often at the center of those moments. From advocating for patient autonomy and informed consent to navigating high-risk medications, resource limitations, and end-of-life care, nurses face ethical challenges in pharmacology every day. In this episode, we’ll
Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course – Nurses Role in Med Management – Section 1.1
This is section 1.1 of the Nursing Pharmacology Review Course From Meded101.
Medication management is one of the most powerful ways nurses influence patient outcomes—often in ways that go unseen. From administering medications at the bedside to identifying adverse effects, preventing errors, and advocating for safer therapy, nurses are the final safeguard in the medication-use process. In this ep
Antihypertensives Part 4 – Nitrates
Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into the world of nitrate medications—one of the cornerstone therapies in cardiovascular care. Whether you’re a pharmacist, nurse, med student, or just curious about how medications keep the heart happy, nitrates are fascinating because of their unique mechanism and versatile clinical uses.
Nitrates work by releasing nitric oxide, a powerful molecule
Alprazolam Pharmacology
Alprazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine that enhances the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor. Clinically, this results in anxiolytic, sedative, muscle-relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects.
After oral administration, alprazolam is rapidly absorbed, with onset of action typically within 30–60 minutes. It undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism primarily vi
Pimavanserin Pharmacology Podcast
Pimavanserin is an atypical antipsychotic approved for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis. Unlike traditional antipsychotics, it does not block dopamine receptors, making it a unique option for patients with Parkinson’s disease who are highly sensitive to dopamine antagonism.
Mechanism of Action
Pimavanserin works primarily as a
Antihypertensives Test Prep and Practice Pearls; Part 3 – Aldosterone Antagonists and Vasodilators
Aldosterone antagonists, such as spironolactone and eplerenone, are potassium-sparing diuretics that block aldosterone at the mineralocorticoid receptor in the distal nephron. By reducing sodium and water reabsorption while conserving potassium, they play a key role in heart failure, resistant hypertension, and primary hyperaldosteronism. Clinically, they improve mortality in heart failure with re
Antihypertensives Test Prep and Practice Pearls; Part 2 – ARBs and Thiazides
This podcast is designed to help pharmacy and nursing learners cut through the noise and focus on the high-yield concepts that matter most when it comes to angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and thiazide diuretics. These two medication classes show up constantly on exams and in clinical practice, yet small details about their mechanisms, adverse effects, and monitoring parameters are often where
Antihypertensives Test Prep and Practice Pearls; Part 1 – ACEIs and CCBs
Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into two cornerstone classes of antihypertensives: ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers. These drugs are among the most frequently prescribed agents in both primary care and specialty settings, making a solid understanding of their practical nuances essential for clinicians, pharmacists, and learners alike. In this episode, we’ll break down the most
Moxifloxacin Pharmacology
Moxifloxacin is a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone that works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV—two enzymes essential for DNA replication, repair, and transcription. By blocking both targets, it provides broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive, gram-negative, and atypical pathogens. Its enhanced gram-positive coverage, especially against Streptococcus pneumoniae, disti
Albuterol Pharmacology
On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, I cover albuterol pharmacology, adverse effects, and a rare indication for this classic respiratory medication.
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (SABA) that works by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle. This stimulation activates adenylate cyclase, increases cyclic AMP, and leads to relaxation of a
Glycopyrrolate Pharmacology
Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic medication commonly used to reduce excessive secretions, particularly in palliative care, postoperative settings, and certain neurologic conditions. It works by blocking acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, which decreases salivary and respiratory secretions. Clinically, glycopyrrolate is often used to manage terminal respiratory secretions (“death rattle”).
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) Pharmacology
Bisacodyl, commonly known by the brand name Dulcolax, is a stimulant laxative widely used for short-term relief of constipation and bowel preparation before procedures. It works by directly stimulating the enteric nerves in the colon, increasing peristalsis, and promoting bowel evacuation.
Mechanism of Action:Bisacodyl acts primarily on the large intestine. It stimulates intestinal smooth muscle a
Fludrocortisone (Florinef) Pharmacology
On this podcast episode, I cover fludrocortisone. Fludrocortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid with potent mineralocorticoid activity and minimal glucocorticoid effects. It works primarily by promoting sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the distal renal tubules, leading to increased water retention and expansion of extracellular fluid volume. This pharmacologic action helps maintain b
10 Common Examples of The Prescribing Cascade
One of the most important yet often overlooked concepts in pharmacology is the prescribing cascade. It occurs when a new medication is prescribed to treat a side effect caused by another drug, without realizing that the first medication is the root cause. This leads to a chain reaction of additional prescriptions, unnecessary complexity, and often, new adverse effects.
Prescribing cascades can sne
Airsupra (Albuterol/budesonide) Pharmacology
Airsupra is a combination inhaler that contains albuterol and budesonide, approved for as-needed use in adults with asthma. It represents the first rescue inhaler to combine a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in a single device. The albuterol component provides rapid bronchodilation by relaxing airway smooth muscle, while budesonide works to reduce airway inf
Daptomycin Pharmacology
In this episode of Real Life Pharmacology, we take a deep dive into daptomycin, a lipopeptide antibiotic primarily used for serious Gram-positive infections, including MRSA and VRE. Daptomycin works by binding to bacterial cell membranes in a calcium-dependent manner, causing rapid depolarization and cell death.
One key limitation is that daptomycin should never be used for pneumonia because pulmo
Cefepime Pharmacology
Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with broad-spectrum activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis through binding to penicillin-binding proteins, leading to cell lysis and death.
Clinically, cefepime is commonly used in hospital settings for serious infections such as
Midodrine Pharmacology Podcast
Midodrine is an oral alpha-1 agonist most commonly used for the treatment of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension. Its mechanism of action is through peripheral vasoconstriction, which helps increase blood pressure. Because of its short duration of action, it is typically dosed three times daily, with the last dose recommended in the late afternoon to reduce the risk of hypertension at night.
Clini
Piperacillin/Tazobactam Pharmacology
Zosyn (piperacillin/tazobactam) is a broad-spectrum β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination used widely in hospitals. Piperacillin covers gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria, while tazobactam helps protect against β-lactamase breakdown. It is commonly used for pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and febrile neutropenia. An important pharmacol
Senna Pharmacology
Senna is a stimulant laxative. Its pharmacological activity comes from natural compounds called sennosides. Metabolites act locally in the colon to stimulate peristalsis, thereby accelerating bowel movements. While osmotic laxatives are generally considered first-line laxative agents, this makes senna a useful alternative for the short-term treatment of constipation.
The pharmacokinetics of senna
Revefenacin Pharmacology Podcast
Revefenacin (brand name Yupelri) is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) used for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by blocking muscarinic receptors, particularly the M3 subtype, in airway smooth muscle. This antagonism reduces cholinergic bronchoconstriction and leads to sustained bronchodilation. Unlike short-acting anticholinergics such as
Desmopressin Pharmacology Podcast
Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). It works by mimicking the action of natural ADH on the kidneys, primarily increasing water reabsorption in the collecting ducts. This effect reduces urine production and helps concentrate the urine. Because of this mechanism, desmopressin is commonly used in conditions like diabetes insipidus, nocturnal en
Ciprofloxacin Pharmacology Podcast
On this podcast, I cover ciprofloxacin pharmacology. Ciprofloxacin is one of the most widely recognized fluoroquinolone antibiotics and has been on the market for decades. Because of its broad utility, it often comes up in practice, but it also carries significant adverse effect concerns and boxed warnings that pharmacists and prescribers need to keep in mind.
From a pharmacology standpoint, cipro
Vilazodone Pharmacology
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 ActionVilazodone is classified as a selective
Solifenacin Pharmacology
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
Itraconazole Pharmacology
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
Levomilnacipran Pharmacology
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 Pharmacology
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 Pharmacology
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
