by Eric Christianson | Jan 14, 2024 | Cardiovascular Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Fenofibrate is a lipid-lowering medication indicated as monotherapy to treat primary hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. While this medication has been around for many years, its formulation has continued to evolve. The different fenofibrate...
by Eric Christianson | Nov 29, 2023 | Cardiovascular Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
In a discussion of statins and myalgia, it is always important to start with definitions. Muscle-related conditions associated with statins: Myalgia: Muscle pain. Defined as muscle symptoms without significant elevation of creatinine kinase (CK). Myopathy: Disease of...
by Eric Christianson | Nov 1, 2023 | Cardiovascular Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are split into two categories, dihydropyridines (DHP), such as amlodipine and nicardipine, and non-dihydropyridines (non-DHP), such as verapamil and diltiazem. While these two drug classes are both CCBs, there are some key similarities...
by Eric Christianson | Oct 15, 2023 | Cardiovascular Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
At face value, metoprolol tartrate (brand name Lopressor) and metoprolol succinate (brand name Toprolol XL) may seem similar. They are both selective beta-1 adrenoceptor blockers, with tartrate being dosed twice daily and succinate being dosed once daily. However,...
by Eric Christianson | Oct 1, 2023 | Cardiovascular Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Let’s tackle a question I recently received. What’s the difference between Cardizem CD Versus LA? We will look closely at these two Cardizem formulations, as it seems many of us have questioned their clinical differences. Both Cardizem CD and Cardizem LA...
by Eric Christianson | Sep 27, 2023 | Cardiovascular Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers are one of the most commonly used drug classes to manage hypertension. Many clinicians prefer using these medications even over ACE inhibitors to reduce the risk of running into the ACE inhibitor-related cough. This is the primary...
