Endocrine Drugs Pharmacological Review

Flashcards based on pharmacology lecture notes covering diabetes treatments, thyroid therapies, growth hormones, and adrenal medications.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (Typ 1 DM)

A form of diabetes where the pancreas does not function properly, typically diagnosed in juveniles.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Typ 2 DM)

A form of diabetes characterized by insulin resistance while the pancreas still functions, typically diagnosed in adults.

Glipizide

A sulfonylurea for Type 2 DM only that stimulates beta cells to secrete insulin, taken orally 30 minutes before meals; has an increased risk of hypoglycemia with renal or hepatic impairment.

Repaglinide

A meglitinide that peaks in 1 to 2 hours, taken 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals, and should be skipped if a meal is skipped; can cause hypoglycemia.

Metformin

A biguanide that lowers glucose in 3 ways; requires monitoring for lactic acidosis, GI upset, and fatigue, and must be held 48 hours before procedures.

Pioglitazone

A Type 2 DM medication requiring daily weight monitoring due to potential fluid retention; contraindicated in heart failure.

Acarbose

A drug that decreases carbohydrate absorption, taken 3 times a day with meals at the first bite; it is hepatotoxic, requiring liver level monitoring and reporting of jaundice.

Sitagliptin

A DPP-4 inhibitor that increases insulin release and may increase digoxin levels; cannot be administered with beta blockers, salicylates, MAOIs, or SSRIs.

Empagliflozin

An oral antidiabetic medication that requires monitoring of kidney function and is contraindicated in dialysis or kidney disease.

Bromocriptine

An adjunct medication requiring monitoring for dizziness, drowsiness, hypotension, and rarely psychosis.

Insulin Mixing Technique

Administration procedure involving injecting air into both the clear and cloudy vials first, then drawing up clear insulin before cloudy insulin.

Postprandial

A term referring to the period after eating.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Treatment

A acute diabetic complication managed using IV regular insulin.

Conscious Hypoglycemia Management

Initial treatment using oral glucose (15g sugar) followed by a protein-containing snack.

Unconscious Hypoglycemia Management

Treatment using IV or IM hyperglycemics such as Glucagon; oral carbohydrates are provided once the patient is awake.

Pramlintide

An amylin mimetic that slows gastric emptying, administered SubQ before meals containing at least 30g of carbohydrates; carries a risk of hypoglycemia.

Exenatide

An incretin mimetic that slows gastric emptying; requires reporting any symptoms of pancreatitis.

Glucagon

A hyperglycemic agent administered IV, IM, or SubQ for severe hypoglycemia; oral carbohydrates should be given once the patient awakes.

Levothyroxine

A lifelong daily thyroid replacement therapy taken on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast; excessive dosing leads to symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Propylthiouracil and Methimazole

Antithyroid medications that can cause agranulocytosis (report fever/sore throat) and hepatotoxicity (monitor CBC and liver labs, report dark urine/jaundice); contraindicated in liver dysfunction and immunosuppression.

Radioactive Iodine Treatment

Therapy that decreases activity in every cell, requiring 2 to 3 months for full effect; requires lab monitoring for bone suppression and radiation sickness.

Somatropin

An IGF-1 promoter that stimulates growth, given SubQ prior to epiphyseal plate closure; can cause hyperglycemia.

Vasopressin / Desmopressin

ADH replacement medications used for Diabetes Insipidus; avoid in renal failure and monitor for water intoxication.

Adrenal Crisis

A severe medical condition triggered by the abrupt cessation of adrenal medications or corticosteroids.

Cushing's Syndrome

A hormonal condition caused by an excess of glucocorticoids.

Glucocorticoids

Medications such as Hydrocortisone, Prednisone, and Dexamethasone whose long-term use can lead to hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, and immunosuppression.

Fludrocortisone

A mineralocorticoid used to replace aldosterone; requires monitoring for fluid overload and hypokalemia.

Rapid Acting Insulin: what is another name? What is the onset?

Lispro, 15-30 minutes

Rapid acting insulin: what is the peak?

30min- 3hrs

Rapid acting insulin: What is its duration?

3-5 hours

Short acting insulin (regular): what is its onset?

30min-1hr

Regular insulin: what is its peak?

2-4hrs

Short acting insulin: What is its duration

4-12 hours

Intermediate acting (NPH)- What is its onset

1-2 hours

NPH: What is its peak?

4-12 hours

NPH: What is its duration?

14-24hrs

Long acting insulin:What’s another name? What is its onset?

Glargine, 2-4 hours

Glargine: What is its peak

minimal, no peak

Glargine: what is its duration?

up to 24hr