Ever been on corticosteroids before? Due to the activation of the sympathetic system (“fight or flight”), your body responds with an increase in blood pressure, blood sugar, mood changes, and blood volume. With short term use, side effects are minor but can vary depending on their dose and how long they are taken.
Diuretics work to enhance sodium and water excretion through 4 main sites on the nephron.
1– Proximal convoluted tubule: Mannitol and acetazolamide (extends into the descending loop of Henle)
2– Ascending loop of Henle: loop diuretics
3– Distal convoluted tubule: thiazides
4– Collecting ducts: Potassium-sparing diuretic (e.g., spironolactone and triamterene)
Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic window (10-20 mg/L) and requires serum drug monitoring to prevent toxicities. Check out this awesome mnemonic on how to remember its side effects!
*Drum roll* Announcing the launch of Memory Pharm’s Youtube channel!
We are so excited to share the great news. For all of our visual and audio learners, these videos are aimed to help you understand medications in a fun and effective way. With tons of great illustrations and animations PLUS memorization tips, we hope these videos will help make learning medications easier and more enjoyable. It is a great tool all healthcare professionals currently in school and a nice review for practicing clinicians. If this is you, check out our channel below.
Our first two videos are on the topic of asthma, a common respiratory disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Stay tuned for more videos coming soon. Until then, happy studying!
-Memory Pharm Team
