In this episode of the Top 200 Drugs Podcast, I cover glyburide, citalopram, olmesratan, carvedilol, and tiotropium. Glyburide is a sulfonylurea that is well known to cause hypoglycemia and weight gain because it stimulates the pancreas to increase insulin release. Citalopram is an SSRI most well known for its potential to increase the risk for QTc prolongation. It has a notorious drug interaction with omeprazole Olmesartan is an ARB that can be used for hypertension. Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte imbalance that can be caused by its use. Carvedilol is one of the few beta-blockers with significant alpha-blocking and beta-blocking activity. I discuss what this means in this Top 200 drugs podcast. Tiotropium is an anticholinergic medication that can open the airway. It is most commonly used for COPD.

Clindamycin is an antibiotic for infection. It inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 50s ribosomal subunit and is well known to contribute to C. Diff. risk. Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter medication that relieves pain and fever. It does not have much benefit in reducing inflammation, however. Ferrous sulfate is a supplement that can be useful in treating anemia. Dark stools and constipation are two common adverse effects. Eletriptan is a medication used to abort migraine headaches. It has serotonin action. I discuss the potential for interactions with other serotonergic medications. Methocarbamol is an older skeletal muscle relaxant that makes an appearance on the Beers list as it can cause sedation, confusion, and increase the risk of falls.

Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate that can be used to manage hypercalcemia of malignancy and osteoporosis. Glipizide is an anti-diabetes agent that is classified as a sulfonylurea. Weight gain and hypoglycemia and two big concerns with this agent. Lactulose is classified as a laxative but is more commonly used to reduce ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy. Rabeprazole is a PPI used to reduce gastric acid secretions and improve conditions such as GERD, peptic ulcer disease, and Barrett's esophagus. Methotrexate is classically grouped with oncology agents but is frequently used in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, we cover medications 101-105 of the top 200 drugs Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that is used in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Zolpidem is a medication that is used for insomnia. It has a very similar adverse effect profile to benzodiazepines. Advair is a commonly used respiratory medication for asthma. It is a combination of a long-acting beta agonist and inhaled corticosteroid. Levofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic that has a boxed warning for neuropathy, tendon rupture, and CNS adverse effects. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that is highly anticholinergic. Dry eyes, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, sedation, and memory impairment are potential adverse effects.

We have finally reached 100 of the top 200 drugs podcasts! On this episode, we tackle methadone. This is a complex opioid used for opioid use disorder and may also be used for pain. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that is used for hypertension. Cough and hyperkalemia are two major adverse effects to remember. Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor. In patients with poor renal function, we need to make sure to adjust the dose accordingly. Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist. This medication is primarily used for restless leg syndrome but is also indicated for Parkinson's disease. Penicillin VK is the original penicillin antibiotic. Common indications of this medication are strep throat, skin and soft tissue infections, and syphilis.

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology Podcast, I cover 5 more medications of the top 200. Fenofibrate is a medication used primarily to reduce triglycerides. This medication differs from statins which tend to focus on LDL management. Doxazosin is an alpha-blocker. The primary indications of doxazosin are hypertension and BPH. Naproxen is an NSAID. Of all the NSAIDs, naproxen is one of the lower-risk agents with regard to cardiovascular risk. Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist and also classified as a potassium sparing diuretic. Memantine is an NMDA antagonist that is indicated for the management of Alzheimer's dementia. If you are looking for study materials and our list of popular Amazon books, check out meded101.com/store!

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, we cover 5 more medications in the top 200. Metronidazole is an antibiotic for infection. One of the most common complaints from patients involves reporting of a metallic taste in the mouth. Levetiracetam is an anti-seizure medication. Sedation, dizziness, and other adverse effects of the central nervous system are the most common complications. Colchicine is a gout medication. The most memorable side effect associated with this medication is diarrhea. Olanzapine is an antipsychotic. Olanzapine carries a higher risk for metabolic syndrome compared to other antipsychotics. Dutasteride is a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor that is indicated for the treatment of BPH. If you are looking for all of our study materials and Amazon books, check them out at Meded101.com/store!

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I cover medications 81 through 85 on the top 200 drug list. Famotidine is an H2 blocker. H2 blockers are less potent than PPIs but can be used to manage heartburn symptoms. Aspirin is technically an NSAID but is primarily used for cardioprophylaxis purposes. Senna is a stimulant laxative. I often see this medication used with opioids to help manage opioid-induced constipation. Novolog is a rapid acting insulin used to bring down post prandial blood sugars. I discuss sliding scale insulin and other concepts with this medication. Baclofen is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It has central nervous system depressant effects which can be especially problematic in elderly patients. Support the sponsor Meded101.com by going to meded101.com/store - Study materials, books, review courses for pharmacists, pharmacy students, pharmacy technicians, nurses, physicians, prescribers, dietitians, and all others who want to learn pharmacology!

Reglan (metoclopramide) is used for gastroparesis and inhibits gastric smooth muscle by blocking dopamine receptors. Relafen (nabumetone) is a non-selective inhibition of COX-1/COX-2 which leads to a reduction of inflammation via reduced prostaglandins. Keflex (cephalexin) is a 1st generation oral cephalosporin that covers common gram positive organisms like Staph and Strep species. Effexor (Venlafaxine) is an SNRI and inhibits both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Primary uses include anxiety and depression. Boniva (ibandronate) inhibits osteoclasts which helps treat osteoporosis. Osteoclasts break down bone to help pull calcium into the bloodstream.

This episode is sponsored by Freed – Freed is an amazing time saver for busy healthcare professionals! It listens, transcribes, and writes medical notes for you! Go check them out and support our sponsor! Robitussin (Guaifenesin) is a medication that is used as a cough suppressant. It is often combined with numerous other medications so patients need to pay attention Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety or seizures. Falls, dizziness, confusion, and sedation are common adverse effects. Viagra (sildenafil) makes the list at number 73. This medication is a PDE-5 inhibitor that can be used for erectile dysfunction. Bactroban (mupirocin) is a topical antibiotic that can be used for superficial skin infections. Januvia (Sitagliptin) is a DPP4 inhibitor used for treating hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. It doesn't reduce A1C quite as much as other diabetes medications like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists.

This episode is sponsored by Freed – Freed is an amazing time saver for busy healthcare professionals! It listens, transcribes, and writes medical notes for you! Go check them out and support our sponsor! Pantoprazole (Protonix) is a PPI that can be used for GERD and peptic ulcer disease. I differentiate why this medication is different from the commonly used omeprazole. Dicyclomine (Bentyl) is an anticholinergic medication that may be used to help reduce pain and spasms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is a selective 5HT1 receptor agonist, which potentially helps with vasoconstriction that contributes to migraine symptoms. Chlorhexidine (Peridex) is an antibiotic oral rinse that can be used for gingivitis. Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) is a beta-blocker that may be used for atrial fibrillation, angina prevention, and hypertension. It is not a first-line medication for hypertension.

This episode is sponsored by Freed - Freed is an amazing time saver for busy healthcare professionals! It listens, transcribes, and writes medical notes for you! Go check them out and support our sponsor! In this episode, we highlight some of the most important clinical pearls (and highly testable pearls) on the following medications; Suboxone, lisdexamfetamine, nortriptyline, insulin lispro, and valproic acid. Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone used for opioid use disorder. Lisdexamfetamine is a stimulant medication that can be used to manage ADHD. Common side effects include weight loss, insomnia, hypertension, and tachycardia. Nortriptyline is a TCA medication known for its ability to cause anticholinergic side effects like constipation, dry eyes, dry mouth, urinary retention, and confusion. Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin medication that is most often used to bring down post-prandial blood sugar. Valproic acid is an antiepileptic medication that can also be used for migraines.

This episode is sponsored by Freed - Freed is an amazing time saver for busy healthcare professionals! It listens, transcribes, and writes medical notes for you! Go check them out and support our sponsor! In this episode, we highlight some of the most important clinical pearls on the following medications; nitrofurantoin, fentanyl patches, isosorbide mononitrate, fluoxetine, and triamcinolone. Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used for UTIs. We need to be careful with this medication in patients with CKD. Fentanyl is an opioid. There are many clinical quirks with fentanyl patches. For a full rundown, check out this previous podcast episode. Isosorbide mononitrate is a nitrate medication so we need to be careful with the use of PDE-5 inhibitors. Fluoxetine is an SSRI. It has a longer half-life than most SSRIs. I discuss what that means in this episode. Triamcinolone (topical) is most frequently used for redness, itching, and skin irritation.

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I cover medications 51-55. They are eszopiclone, celecoxib, estrogen, moxifloxacin, and donepezil. Eszopiclone is a "Z" drug used for insomnia. Its adverse effect profile is very similar to benzodiazepines. Celecoxib is a COX-2 Inhibitor used for pain and inflammation. I discuss how this medication differs from traditional NSAIDs. Estrogen therapy is used for menopausal symptoms but carries a risk of cancer and blood clots. Moxifloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic. Binding drug interactions, boxed warnings, and QTc prolongation are potential concerns. Donepezil is a medication used for dementia. I discuss its mechanism of action and common adverse effects.

On this episode, we continue with the Top 200 Drugs podcast. We cover the basics of the following drugs: tizanidine, risperidone, ramipril, pravastatin, and terazosin. Tizanidine is a skeletal muscle relaxant that has drug interactions via CYP2D6 Risperidone is a 2nd generation antipsychotic. Be on the lookout for EPS, hyperprolactinemia, sedation, and metabolic syndrome. Ramipril is an antihypertensive agent that is an ACE Inhibitor. Cough and hyperkalemia are two important adverse effects. Pravastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor that lowers LDL levels. It isn't as potent as other statins and I discuss this on the podcast episode. Terazosin is a non-selective alpha-blocker that may be used for BPH and hypertension.

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I continue my education on the top 200 drugs. Raloxifene, prednisone, phenytoin, fish oil, and ezetimibe are covered in this podcast episode. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that may cause hyperglycemia, insomnia, GI upset, osteoporosis, HPA suppression, and hypertension as primary adverse effects. Raloxifene is classified as a SERM and can be used for osteoporosis and breast cancer. DVT and hot flashes are significant adverse effect concerns. Fish oil (Lovaza) is used to reduce triglycerides. Elevated triglycerides can increase the risk of pancreatitis. Ezetimibe inhibits the absorption of cholesterol through the gut. It lowers LDL but not to the extent of statins. Phenytoin is a narrow therapeutic index medication (NTI) that is used as an anticonvulsant. Ataxia, confusion, GI upset, and vertical nystagmus are potential signs of toxicity.

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I continue my coverage with the Top 200 Drugs Podcast. Here's the list of medications we will cover. Lorazepam (Ativan) is a benzodiazepine well known for its anxiolytic and anti-seizure properties. Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is a urinary analgesic that can change the color of the urine to a reddish/orange color as one of its adverse effects. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is a DMARD used in rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus. One highly testable and unique nugget to remember is that it can cause retinopathy. Lidocaine patch (Lidoderm) is used topically to help with various types of pain including neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Diclofenac (Cataflam) is an NSAID used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. It can increase the risk of GI bleed, edema, renal failure, and thrombosis.

On this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, I discuss drugs 31-35 of the top 200 drugs. Ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone is a combined oral contraceptive used for birth control purposes. Hydralazine is a direct vasodilatory that can be used for hypertension and heart failure. Benztropine is an older anticholinergic medication originally indicated for Parkinson's disease but most commonly used to manage EPS symptoms from dopamine-blocking agents such as antipsychotics. Tussionex is a combination medication of chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone. It is used to help alleviate cough. Paroxetine is an SSRI used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders.

On this episode of the Top 200 Drugs pharmacology podcast, I cover fluticasone nasal spray, allopurinol, alendronate, famotidine, and cefdinir. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that can be used nasally for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor used to reduce uric acid and prevent gout flares. Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that inhibits the action of osteoclasts. This action helps treat osteoporosis. Famotidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist that helps reduce gastric acid secretion and alleviate heartburn symptoms. Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin that is often used as an alternative for those who cannot take penicillin antibiotics. There is a small risk for cross-reactivity that a clinician has to consider.

Lamotrigine is an antiseizure medication and also may be used for bipolar disorder. A rash is a major side effect to remember with this medication. Valganciclovir is an antiviral medication that can be used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) in patients with a suppressed immune system. Fluconazole is an azole antifungal that can be used to treat candidiasis, blastomycosis, and tinea infections. Drug interactions, QTc prolongation, and hepatotoxicity are potential risks. Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to treat atrial fibrillation and hypertension. It is relatively selective for beta-1 receptors meaning that it doesn't affect the lungs as much as non-selective agents. Montelukast is a medication that blocks the actions of leukotrienes. This can be beneficial for the management of allergies and asthma.