Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education for Health Care Professionals — Podcast

Gastroparesis Medications – Test Prep and Practice Pearls 23.07.2026 13mnt

Gastroparesis can be a frustrating condition for both patients and clinicians, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, early satiety, bloating, and poor glycemic control significantly affecting quality of life. Medication management often requires balancing effectiveness with safety, especially since many commonly prescribed drugs can either improve or worsen gastric emptying. In this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, we’ll review the medications used to treat gastroparesis, discuss their mechanisms of action, highlight important adverse effects, and identify medications that may contribute to or exacerbate delayed gastric emptying. Huge thank you to our sponsor – Mechanism of Action Podcast; Go check them out on all your favorite podcast platforms! Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

H2 Blockers – Test Prep and Practice Pearls 16.07.2026 13mnt

H2 blockers may not receive as much attention as proton pump inhibitors, but they continue to play an important role in managing acid-related disorders. In this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, we’ll review how H2 blockers work, compare the available agents, discuss important adverse effects, renal dose adjustments, drug interactions, and identify the patients who are most likely to benefit from these medications. Whether you’re a pharmacist, nurse, pharmacy technician, physician, or student, this episode provides practical clinical pearls you can apply immediately to patient care. In this episode, I also discuss a new podcast I discovered – go check out the Mechanism of Action Podcast! It is an entertaining and educational look at how many of the medications used today were discovered and derived.

Proton Pump Inhibitors – Test Prep And Practice Pearls 09.07.2026 18mnt

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly prescribed medications, but understanding how they work is essential for using them safely and effectively. In this episode of the Real Life Pharmacology podcast, we’ll break down the pharmacology of PPIs, including their mechanism of action, common brand and generic names, clinical uses, adverse effects, drug interactions, and important monitoring considerations. Whether you’re a pharmacist, nurse, pharmacy technician, or student, this episode will help reinforce the key concepts you need to confidently apply PPI pharmacology in clinical practice. 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 Study Materials BCPS Study Materials BCACP Study Materials BCGP Study Materials BCMTMS Study Materials Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated) Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller) Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

Opioid Use Disorder Medications 02.07.2026 17mnt

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! Support The Podcast and Check Out These Amazing Resources! NAPLEX Study Materials BCPS Study Materials BCACP Study Materials BCGP Study Materials BCMTMS Study Materials Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated) Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller) Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

Alcohol Use Disorder Medications 25.06.2026 14mnt

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 opioids and use caution in significant liver dysfunction. Acamprosate helps maintain abstinence by modulating glutamate and GABA neurotransmission. Chronic alcohol use disrupts the balance between excitatory and inhibitory pathways in the brain, and acamprosate helps restore equilibrium. It is primarily eliminated renally, making it a useful option in patients with liver disease. The most common adverse effect is diarrhea. Disulfiram works through a completely different mechanism. It inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing acetaldehyde accumulation when alcohol is consumed. This can lead to flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, and hypotension. Because of this aversive reaction, patient motivation and adherence are critical for success. 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 Study Materials BCPS Study Materials BCACP Study Materials BCGP Study Materials BCMTMS Study Materials Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated) Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller) Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors – Test Prep and Practice Pearls 18.06.2026 14mnt

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 effects, important dietary considerations involving tyramine-containing foods, and potentially serious drug interactions. We also highlight practical clinical pearls to help pharmacists and healthcare professionals safely and effectively use these powerful but often underutilized medications. 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 Study Materials BCPS Study Materials BCACP Study Materials BCGP Study Materials BCMTMS Study Materials Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated) Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller) Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

Insomnia Medications – 6.2 Nursing Pharmacology Review Course 15.06.2026 13mnt

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 11.06.2026 14mnt

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 antihistamine and alpha-1 blocking properties make it highly sedating and commonly used off-label for insomnia, whereas nefazodone causes less sedation but is rarely prescribed today because of its association with severe and potentially fatal liver toxicity. Both agents are notable for producing less sexual dysfunction than many traditional SSRIs. We also discuss two newer multimodal antidepressants: vilazodone (Viibryd) and vortioxetine (Trintellix). Vilazodone combines serotonin reuptake inhibition with partial agonism at the 5-HT1A receptor, a mechanism often compared to combining an SSRI with buspirone. Vortioxetine has an even more complex pharmacology, acting as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor while modulating multiple serotonin receptor subtypes through agonist, partial agonist, and antagonist actions. This multimodal activity may contribute to benefits in cognitive symptoms associated with major depressive disorder. Throughout the episode, we compare receptor pharmacology, clinical applications, adverse effect profiles, and the unique characteristics that distinguish these medications from more commonly prescribed antidepressants. 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 Study Materials BCPS Study Materials BCACP Study Materials BCGP Study Materials BCMTMS Study Materials Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated) Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller) Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

ICU Sedation – 6.1 Nursing Pharmacology Review Course 08.06.2026 12mnt

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 04.06.2026 15mnt

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 indications, making them especially useful in patients with neuropathy, fibromyalgia, or chronic musculoskeletal pain. Common adverse effects include nausea, sweating, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and elevated blood pressure. Clinicians should also remember the significant discontinuation risk associated with shorter half-life agents like venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine. 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 Study Materials BCPS Study Materials BCACP Study Materials BCGP Study Materials BCMTMS Study Materials Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated) Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller) Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

Infectious Disease Section 5.4 – HIV Medications 01.06.2026 18mnt

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 interactions, and highlight practical nursing considerations that impact patient safety and adherence. Whether you work in acute care, outpatient practice, long-term care, or public health, understanding HIV pharmacology is essential to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for patients living with HIV and AIDS. 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!

Mirtazapine and Bupropion – Test Prep and Practice Pearls 28.05.2026 14mnt

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 dosed at bedtime and can be especially useful in older adults or medically ill patients who need both mood improvement and help with sleep or weight gain. Bupropion is an activating antidepressant that works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine activity rather than serotonin. It is often preferred in patients with fatigue, low motivation, hypersomnia, or concerns about sexual dysfunction and weight gain. Bupropion is also approved for smoking cessation. Common adverse effects include insomnia, anxiety, dry mouth, and headache. A major clinical pearl is its dose-related seizure risk, making it contraindicated in patients with seizure disorders or eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia. 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 Study Materials BCPS Study Materials BCACP Study Materials BCGP Study Materials BCMTMS Study Materials Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated) Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller) Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

Infectious Disease Section 5.3- Antifungal Agents 25.05.2026 17mnt

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 monitoring for adverse effects, recognizing important drug interactions, administration tips, and patient education points. By the end of the episode, listeners will have a stronger understanding of how antifungal medications work and how nurses play a key role in ensuring safe and effective treatment. 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!

Tricyclic Antidepressants – Test Prep and Practice Pearls 21.05.2026 17mnt

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, and certain anxiety disorders. In this episode, we’ll break down the pharmacology behind these medications, discuss how tertiary amines differ from secondary amines, review major adverse effects and drug interactions, and highlight the key clinical pearls that healthcare professionals and students need to know. Whether you’re a medical, pharmacy, nursing, or PA student preparing for exams, or a practicing clinician looking for a practical refresher, this episode will give you a solid framework for understanding this classic but still clinically important medication class. 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 Study Materials BCPS Study Materials BCACP Study Materials BCGP Study Materials BCMTMS Study Materials Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated) Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller) Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

Infectious Disease Section 5.2- Antiviral Agents 18.05.2026 15mnt

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, and other commonly prescribed agents. 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!

SSRIs Test Prep and Practice Pearls – Part 2 14.05.2026 14mnt

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 Resources! NAPLEX Study Materials BCPS Study Materials BCACP Study Materials BCGP Study Materials BCMTMS Study Materials Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated) Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller) Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

Infectious Disease Section 5.1- Antibiotics 11.05.2026 42mnt

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 sulfonamides. Emphasis is placed on side effects, black box warnings, allergy considerations, renal dosing, patient counseling, and critical monitoring parameters nurses should recognize in both inpatient and outpatient settings. 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!

SSRIs – Test Prep and Practice Pearls Part 1 07.05.2026 23mnt

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, and board exam relevance. Topics include serotonin syndrome, discontinuation syndrome, CYP450 interactions, QT prolongation, sexual dysfunction, weight changes, and SSRI selection in special populations such as older adults and pregnancy. Whether you are preparing for exams, clinical rotations, or looking to sharpen your psychopharmacology knowledge, this episode provides practical and memorable insights into one of the most commonly prescribed medication classes. This is Part 1 of 2. 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 Study Materials BCPS Study Materials BCACP Study Materials BCGP Study Materials BCMTMS Study Materials Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated) Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller) Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101

Thyroid Disorders – Section 4.5 – Free Nursing Pharmacology Review Course From Meded101 04.05.2026 15mnt

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 connecting these symptoms to underlying physiology. Nurses will learn important medication considerations, including proper administration of levothyroxine and monitoring for adverse effects with methimazole. The episode also highlights critical safety topics like recognizing thyroid storm, interpreting lab values (TSH, T3, T4), and providing effective patient education. With real-world clinical pearls, this episode helps nurses build confidence in managing thyroid conditions across care settings. Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!

Real Life Examples: Polypharmacy and the Prescribing Cascade Part 2 of 2 30.04.2026 14mnt

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 in practice: the prescribing cascade. A prescribing cascade happens when a medication causes a side effect that is misinterpreted as a new medical condition, leading to the addition of another drug. Over time, this can snowball into unnecessary complexity and increased risk for patients. In part 2 of this podcast, we outline 5 more examples that I’ve encountered in my geriatric pharmacist practice. 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 Study Materials BCPS Study Materials BCACP Study Materials BCGP Study Materials BCMTMS Study Materials Meded101 Guide to Nursing Pharmacology (Amazon Highly Rated) Guide to Drug Food Interactions (Amazon Best Seller) Pharmacy Technician Study Guide by Meded101