Episodes

  • Loxapine Pharmacology

    Loxapine Pharmacology
    Jul 17 2025
    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 schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder. Sedation and extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including dystonia, akathisia, and parkinsonism, are common adverse effects due to its potent dopamine blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway. Orthostatic hypotension can occur with loxapine due to its alpha-1 adrenergic blockade, requiring monitoring in elderly patients or those on antihypertensives.
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    15 mins
  • Ketoconazole Pharmacology

    Ketoconazole Pharmacology
    Jul 10 2025
    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 hepatotoxicity, including cases of liver failure and death, and should not be used as a first-line treatment for fungal infections when other safer antifungals are available. Another boxed warning highlights ketoconazole’s potential to prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. Ketoconazole is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 and can cause significant drug interactions by increasing serum concentrations of medications metabolized by this pathway, including statins, certain benzodiazepines, and some antiarrhythmic.
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    14 mins
  • NSAID Drug Interactions

    NSAID Drug Interactions
    Jul 3 2025
    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 mucosal irritation. NSAIDs can elevate lithium levels and increase the risk of toxicity, as they reduce renal clearance of lithium by decreasing renal perfusion. Co-administration of NSAIDs with methotrexate can impair methotrexate elimination, leading to elevated levels and potential toxicity, especially at high methotrexate doses. When NSAIDs are used with corticosteroids, the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding is greatly amplified due to synergistic impairment of gastric mucosal protection.
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    16 mins
  • Lotrisone (Clotrimazole/Betamethasone) Pharmacology

    Lotrisone (Clotrimazole/Betamethasone) Pharmacology
    Jun 26 2025
    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 skin thinning and other steroid-related side effects.
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    14 mins
  • Fluphenazine Pharmacology

    Fluphenazine Pharmacology
    Jun 19 2025
    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 instability. CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine) can increase fluphenazine plasma concentrations, potentially raising the risk of toxicity and side effects. Concomitant use of fluphenazine with CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines) can enhance sedation and respiratory depression.
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    14 mins
  • Quinapril Pharmacology

    Quinapril Pharmacology
    Jun 12 2025
    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 potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements with quinapril increases the risk of hyperkalemia. NSAIDs may reduce the antihypertensive effect of quinapril and increase the risk of nephrotoxicity, especially in patients with preexisting renal dysfunction.
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    14 mins
  • Nifedipine Pharmacology

    Nifedipine Pharmacology
    Jun 5 2025
    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 undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver, primarily via CYP3A4 enzymes, which significantly influences its bioavailability and potential drug interactions. CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, grapefruit juice) can increase plasma levels of nifedipine, raising the risk of hypotension and adverse effects.
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    12 mins
  • Clotrimazole Pharmacology

    Clotrimazole Pharmacology
    May 29 2025
    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 administered via the skin or mucous membranes, which limits systemic side effects. When clotrimazole is used intravaginally or orally in lozenge form, localized concentrations are sufficient to treat mucocutaneous infections without significant systemic exposure. Pay attention when clotrimazole is used frequently to treat Candida infections as corticosteroids, immunosuppression, and antibiotics may increase the risk of this type of infection.
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    15 mins