by Eric Christianson | Feb 22, 2026 | Cardiovascular Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Tachycardia is a common and sometimes overlooked adverse effect in clinical practice. Whether it is due to direct sympathetic stimulation, reflex mechanisms, or reflex compensatory mechanisms, understanding the “why” behind medication-induced tachycardia can help...
by Eric Christianson | Feb 18, 2026 | Cardiovascular Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics remain foundational therapies in hypertension management. Two of the most commonly discussed agents are hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and chlorthalidone. While they are often used interchangeably in practice, important pharmacologic...
by Eric Christianson | Feb 15, 2026 | Medication Errors, Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine Case Studies
Medication errors can get ugly in a hurry. I was prompted to write this example as I came across a situation recently where an elderly patient received a schizophrenic patient’s high-dose antipsychotic. This high dose antipsychotic error resulted in an ICU stay...
by Eric Christianson | Feb 11, 2026 | Cardiovascular Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Fibrates are lipid-lowering agents that are primarily used to reduce triglycerides. They are most beneficial in patients with significantly elevated triglyceride levels, particularly those above 500 mg/dL, where the primary clinical goal is reducing the risk of...
by Eric Christianson | Feb 8, 2026 | Neurology, Pain, and Musculoskeletal Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Oral bisphosphonates (i.e., alendronate) are commonly used to treat osteoporosis, and proper administration is one of the most important concepts for the NAPLEX exam. These medications must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of...