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Note: 199 Pravastatin (Pravachol®) has been covered in a previous episode (105)
Today’s episode was sponsored by Lexi-Comp. To access the same great drug information that was used in today’s podcast or for a chance to win an iPod touch and free Lexi-Comp software, please visit www.lexi.com/top200.
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Episode Notes (References Below)
- Brand/Generic:
- Generic: Ranitidine (Available)
- Brand: Zantac®
- Mechanism of Action
- Histamine H2 Antagonsist (H2 Blocker)
- Inhibits gastric acid secretion by blocking H2-receptors on the gastric parietal cells
- Indication(s) read more…
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Today’s episode was sponsored by Lexi-Comp. To access the same great drug information that was used in today’s podcast or for a chance to win an iPod touch and free Lexi-Comp software, please visit www.lexi.com/top200.
And, as a special offer to all top200 listeners, use promotion code TOP200 to save 20% on your software purchase today!
198 Verapamil (Isoptin®, Verelan®)
Episode Notes (References Below)
- Brand/Generic:
- Generic: Verapamil (available)
- Brands:
- Calan®, Covera-HS®, Isoptin®, & Verelan®
- Mechanism of Action
- Non-dihydropyridine (Non-DHP) Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB)
- Inhibits calcium from entering slow channels and voltage-sensitive areas of vascular smooth muscle and myocardium during depolarization
- This causes vasodilation in these areas, increases myocardial oxygen delivery, and slows conduction of the AV node in the heart
- Non-DHP CCBs work more in the heart, as opposed to the periphery, as compared to DHP CCBs, such as amlodipine.
- Indication(s) read more…
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Today’s episode was sponsored by Lexi-Comp. To access the same great drug information that was used in today’s podcast or for a chance to win an iPod touch and free Lexi-Comp software, please visit www.lexi.com/top200.
And, as a special offer to all top200 listeners, use promotion code TOP200 to save 20% on your software purchase today!
Episode Notes (References Below)
- Brand/Generic:
- Generic: Benazepril (available)
- Brand: Lotensin®
- Mechanism of Action
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor
- Benazepril is a prodrug that is metabolized in the liver to its active form, benazeprilat
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) normally convert angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor
- ACE-Is blocks this conversion
- This reduction in angiotensin II also leads to reduced aldosterone secretion, which decreases sodium and water reabsorption
- Decreasing angiotensin II and aldosterone also decreases ventricular remodeling, myocardial fibrosis, myocyte apoptosis, cardiac hypertrophy and norepinephrine release
- The decrease in aldosterone can lead to an increase in serum potassium
- Also causes vasodilation of the renal efferent arteriole which can decrease proteinuria (especially in patients with Diabetic nephropathy) and is considered renal protective
- Indication(s) read more…
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Note: 195 Naproxen (Aleve®) has been covered in a previous episode (135)
Today’s episode was sponsored by Lexi-Comp. To access the same great drug information that was used in today’s podcast or for a chance to win an iPod touch and free Lexi-Comp software, please visit www.lexi.com/top200.
And, as a special offer to all top200 listeners, use promotion code TOP200 to save 20% on your software purchase today!
Episode Notes (References Below)
- Brand/Generic:
- Generic: Ramipril (available)
- Brand: Altace®
- Mechanism of Action
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor
- Ramipril is a prodrug that is converted to its active form, Ramiprilat, in the liver
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) normally convert angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor
- ACE-Is blocks this conversion
- This reduction in angiotensin II also leads to reduced aldosterone secretion, which decreases sodium and water reabsorption
- Decreasing angiotensin II and aldosterone also decreases ventricular remodeling, myocardial fibrosis, myocyte apoptosis, cardiac hypertrophy and norepinephrine release
- The decrease in aldosterone can lead to an increase in serum potassium
- Also causes vasodilation of the renal efferent arteriole which can decrease proteinuria (especially in patients with Diabetic nephropathy) and is considered renal protective
- Indication(s) read more…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Today’s episode was sponsored by Lexi-Comp. To access the same great drug information that was used in today’s podcast or for a chance to win an iPod touch and free Lexi-Comp software, please visit www.lexi.com/top200.
And, as a special offer to all top200 listeners, use promotion code TOP200 to save 20% on your software purchase today!
Episode Notes (References Below)
- Brand/Generic:
- Generic: Topical lidocaine
- Brand: Lidoderm®
- Many other dosage forms and brand names… some OTC, some RX
- We will focus on topical lidocaine in this episode
- Mechanism of Action
- Blocks initiation and conduction of nerve impulses by decreasing the permeability of neuronal membranes to sodium
- Indication(s) read more…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Today’s episode was sponsored by Lexi-Comp. To access the same great drug information that was used in today’s podcast or for a chance to win an iPod touch and free Lexi-Comp software, please visit www.lexi.com/top200.
And, as a special offer to all top200 listeners, use promotion code TOP200 to save 20% on your software purchase today!
Episode Notes (References Below)
- Brand/Generic:
- Generic: Raloxifene (not available)
- Brand: Evista®
- Mechanism of Action
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (aka SERM)
- Affects some, but not all, of the receptors that are acted upon by estrogen
- Actually blocks, and acts like, estrogen at these sites in order to prevent bone loss (by decreasing resorption and increasing bone mineral density) as well as potentially blocking the effect of estrogen in breast and uterine tissues (where excess estrogen can lead to cancer)
- Indication(s) read more…
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Today’s episode was sponsored by Lexi-Comp. To access the same great drug information that was used in today’s podcast or for a chance to win an iPod touch and free Lexi-Comp software, please visit www.lexi.com/top200.
And, as a special offer to all top200 listeners, use promotion code TOP200 to save 20% on your software purchase today!
189 Suboxone® (Buprenorphine & Naloxone)
Episode Notes (References Below)
- Brand/Generic:
- Generic: Buprenorphine & Naloxone (not available)
- Brand: Suboxone®
- Mechanism of Action
- Buprenorphine
- Opioid analgesic
- Binds to mu opiate receptors in the CNS
- Naloxone
- Opioid antagonist
- Competes and displaces narcotics from opioid receptor sites
- Antidote used in opioid overdose
- Buprenorphine
- Indication(s) read more…
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Today’s episode was sponsored by Lexi-Comp. To access the same great drug information that was used in today’s podcast or for a chance to win an iPod touch and free Lexi-Comp software, please visit www.lexi.com/top200.
And, as a special offer to all top200 listeners, use promotion code TOP200 to save 20% on your software purchase today!
188 Loestrin® 24 Fe (Ethinyl Estradiol & Norethindrone)
Episode Notes (References Below)
- Brand/Generic:
- Generic: Ethinyl Estradiol & Norethindrone
- Brands
- Loestrin®
- Aranella®
- Junel®
- Microgestin®
- Notrel®
- Others (not a complete list)
- Mechanism of Action
- Estrogen and Progestin combination oral contraceptive
- Most of the work is done by the progestin (norethindrone)
- Thickens cervical mucus which prevents sperm penetration
- Slows tubal motility which delays sperm transport
- Induces endometrial atrophy
- Blocks Leutinizing Hormone (LH) surge, which inhibits ovulation
- Also has antimineralocorticoid activity (which results in less water retention/weight gain than other progestins) and is antiandrogenic, making it useful in treating acne vulgaris
- Ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) mainly works to stabilize the endometrial lining and provide cycle control
- But also suppresses the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary, which may aid in blocking the LH surge and help prevent ovulation
- Indication(s) read more…
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Today’s episode was sponsored by Lexi-Comp. To access the same great drug information that was used in today’s podcast or for a chance to win an iPod touch and free Lexi-Comp software, please visit www.lexi.com/top200.
And, as a special offer to all top200 listeners, use promotion code TOP200 to save 20% on your software purchase today!
Episode Notes (References Below)
- Brand/Generic:
- Generic: Meclizine (generic is available)
- Brand: Antivert® (Rx)
- OTC Brands include: Bonine®, Dramamine® Less Drowsy Formula, Trav-L-Tabs®
- Mechanism of Action
- 1st generation antihistamine and antiemetic
- Blocks the chemoreceptor trigger zone via central anticholinergic action
- Also decreases excitability and blocks conduction in the middle ear
- Indication(s) read more…
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Episode Notes (References Below)
- Brand/Generic:
- Generic: Folic Acid
- Brand: Folacin-800 (OTC)
- Folic acid can be found in most, if not all, multivitamins (400 mcg) and prenatal vitamins (1 mg)
- Mechanism of Action
- Folic acid is utilized in the body to form many coenzymes as well as in the maintenance of erythropoiesis, and WBC and platelet production.
- Folic acid can also enhance the elimination of formic acid, which is a toxic metabolite of methanol
- Folic acid deficiency in pregnancy can lead neural tube defects of the fetus
- Because of this, it is important for any woman trying to become pregnant or of child bearing age to get adequate folic acid before becoming pregnant
- Indication(s) read more…



