Pharmacology: Endocrine and Reproductive Medications

Vocabulary based flashcards covering endocrine system drugs (thyroid, diabetes, ADH) and reproductive health medications (estrogens, androgens, PDE inhibitors).

Desmopressin (DDAVP)

An antidiuretic hormone replacement that maintains fluid homeostasis by conserving water and constricting blood vessels; used for Diabetes Insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, and to increase clotting factors; carries a BLACK BOX warning for hyponatremia due to water retention.

Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

A synthetic $T_4$ thyroid hormone used for hypothyroidism; must be taken on an empty stomach at $0060$ for optimal absorption; overmedication can result in hyperthyroid symptoms such as tachycardia and heat intolerance.

Methimazole

An anti-thyroid medication that inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones ($T_3$ and $T_4$) by blocking iodine integration; used for hyperthyroidism and Graves disease; requires monitoring for blood dyscrasia and low WBC count.

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

An anti-thyroid medication similar to Methimazole used for hyperthyroidism and Graves disease; specifically noted for risks of liver injury and blood dyscrasias.

Metformin (Biguanide)

A front-line oral medication for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus that improves insulin sensitivity and decreases glucose production by the liver; contraindicated if GFR < 45 and must be held $24-48$ hours before imaging with contrast.

Glipizide / Glimepiride (Sulfonylureas)

Oral antidiabetics that stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin; key side effects include hypoglycemia and weight gain; contraindicated in patients with sulfa allergies.

Pioglitazone (Thiazolidinedione)

A medication that improves insulin sensitivity and decreases liver glucose production; carries a BLACK BOX warning for heart failure risk and can cause fluid retention and edema.

Canagliflozin (Invokana)

An SGLT2 inhibitor that blocks glucose reabsorption in the kidney leading to glucosuria; used for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with cardio-protective benefits, but increases risks for dehydration, UTI, and genital yeast infections.

Semaglutide (Ozempic)

A GLP-1 Receptor agonist that mimics Incretin to increase glucose-dependent insulin release and slow gastric emptying; administered weekly and carries a BLACK BOX warning for thyroid and endocrine cancer.

Regular Insulin

A short-acting injectable insulin used for Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Mellitus and DKA; onset is $30-60 ext{ min}$, peak is $2-3 ext{ hr}$, and duration is $6-10 ext{ hr}$; it is the only insulin that can be given IV drip.

Lispro (Humalog)

A rapid-acting injectable insulin with an onset of $10-20 ext{ min}$, a peak of $1 ext{ hr}$, and a duration of $3-5 ext{ hr}$; must be given shortly before meals to prevent hypoglycemia.

NPH Insulin

An intermediate-acting injectable insulin that appears cloudy and must be rolled before use; onset is $1-3 ext{ hr}$, peak is $4-12 ext{ hr}$, and duration is $18-24 ext{ hr}$.

Glargine (Lantus)

A long-acting insulin providing a basal level with no peak and a duration of $24 ext{ hr}$; it must not be mixed with other insulins in the same syringe.

Conjugated Estrogens (Premarin)

Estrogen replacement therapy used for menopause symptoms and bone health; carries risks for thromboembolic events and a BLACK BOX warning for endocrine cancer in post-menopausal women and blood clots.

Combined Oral Contraceptives (COC)

A combination of estrogen and progesterone that prevents pregnancy by inhibiting FSH/LH release to block ovulation; effects are decreased by antibiotics and they carry a BLACK BOX warning for thromboembolism.

Testosterone (Androgen)

A hormone used for hypogonadism and delayed puberty that promotes male sex characteristics; highlights include potential for virilization in children/women via secondary exposure and misuse for muscle building.

Finasteride

A 5-alpha reductase inhibitor used to treat BPH by shrinking the prostate and male pattern baldness (Propecia); it takes $6 ext{ months}$ for effect and is contraindicated for handling by pregnant women.

Sildenafil (PDE inhibitor)

A medication used PRN for erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension by relaxing smooth muscle; patients must avoid nitrates to prevent serious hypotension.