On this podcast episode, I discuss darifenacin pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions and much more.
CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 are important enzymes in relation to darifenacin. I breakdown the importance of these enzymes and how they can impact drug therapy.
Darifenacin has anticholinergic activity but affects the central nervous system less than other agents in its class such as oxybutynin and tolterodine.
Darifenacin’s pharmacology is selective for the Muscarinic-3 (M3) receptor in bladder tissue which helps reduce the risk for CNS adverse effects.
On this podcast episode, I discuss alfuzosin pharmacology, adverse effects, drug interactions, and much more!
Alfuzosin is an alpha blocker used to help relieve the symptoms of BPH.
Low blood pressure is a possible adverse effect of alfuzosin and is more likely when combined with PDE-5 inhibitors like sildenafil.
CYP3A4 is an important enzyme in the metabolism of alfuzosin. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 can raise concentrations and increase the chance of alfuzosin toxicity.
Dutasteride (Avodart) is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. I discuss the pharmacology, adverse effects, and drug interactions on this podcast.
Dutasteride reduces the size of the prostate over time. It takes a significant amount of time to provide symptom relief (usually at least 3-6 months).
Dutasteride is broken down by CYP3A4 to a minor extent which means that strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase drug concentrations.
When using dutasteride for BPH, remember to review the medication list for drugs that can cause urinary retention such as anticholintiercs and alpha-agonists.
On this episode, I discuss tolterodine pharmacology, adverse effects, and drug interactions.
Tolterodine (Detrol) is an anticholinergic medication used to manage the symptoms of overactive bladder.
Tolterodine’s anticholinergic activity can lead to a significant number of adverse effects like dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, and urinary retention.
Elderly patients may be at greater risk for anticholinergic adverse effects from tolterodine compared to younger patients.
Tolterodine can have additive effects from other anticholinergics like diphenhydramine or TCAs which enhance its potential for side effects.
On this episode, I discuss trospium pharmacology, adverse effects, and important drug interactions you should know.
Trospium chloride (Sanctura) is a bladder antimuscarinic or anticholinergic. It blocks the action of acetylcholine in bladder smooth muscle. It is used for urinary frequency and overactive bladder. The immediate-release formulation is taken twice a day. There is an extended-release version that is more expensive.
As its classification suggests it is going to have anticholinergic effects that include dry eyes, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, GI tract slowing down, CNS sedation, and increased risk of falls. Compared to older bladder anticholinergics such as oxybutynin or tolterodine there is less CNS penetration. Hopefully, this will cause the patient to experience fewer CNS side effects. A downside to this being a newer medication is that it costs more.
Trospium is on the BEERS list. Look for medications started after the trospium that indicate anticholinergic side effects such as saliva substitutes, an increase in BPH medications, artificial tears, or constipation medications.
It should be administered on an empty stomach as food can block absorption. If the patient is currently taking it with food and seeing results there is no need to change how they are taking it.
Trospium is not metabolized by CYP enzymes minimizing drug interactions. Most interactions occur because of additive effects. Avoid using it with other medications on the BEERS list, especially other anticholinergic medications. Be cautious using other medications with sedative effects and CNS depression (benzodiazepines, sleep medications, opioids, alcohol) as they may have additive effects.
