Drugs Affecting the Endocrine and Reproductive Systems

Flashcards for Drugs Affecting the Endocrine and Reproductive Systems

Pituitary Drugs

Drugs that specifically affect hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, influencing various organs throughout the body.

Cosyntropin (Cortrosyn)

Anterior pituitary drug that stimulates the release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex and has anti-inflammatory effects.

Octreotide (Sandostatin)

Anterior pituitary drug that may impair gallbladder function; use with caution in patients with renal impairment and monitor glucose levels.

Serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Will be HIGH in hypothyroidism and LOW in hyperthyroidism.

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

Treats hyperthyroidism and prevents a surge in thyroid hormones after surgical treatment or during radioactive iodine therapy; adverse effects: liver and bone marrow toxicity is the most damaging or serious. adverse effect.

Adverse effects from excessive insulin dosing

Severe hypoglycemia leading to brain damage, shock, and death.

Metformin (Glucophage)

Decreases glucose production by the liver and is indicated for hyperglycemia in type II diabetes, contraindications: renal dysfunction, renal disease, alcoholism, hepatic disease and heart failure. Never give iodine-containing contrast media with metformin

Dextrose 50%

Given in an emergency situation for hypoglycemia. Patient is unresponsive due to low blood sugar

Nursing Considerations for Corticosteroids

Drugs taken exactly as prescribed and not to be abruptly discontinued. Diabetic patients need to monitor for hyperglycemia

Estrogenic

Common component is ethinyl estradiol.

Raloxifene (Evista)

Primarily indicated for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis; contraindications: women with venous thromboembolic disorder, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), PE, and retinal vein thrombosis.

Calcitonin (Miacalcin, Fortical)

Indicated for the treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis but not for prevention; contraindications: known drug allergy or an allergy to salmon

Finasteride (Proscar)

Androgen inhibitor used to treat androgenetic alopecia (hair loss) in men and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); Dangerous for pregnant women to handle crushed finasteride

Sildenafil (Viagra)

Used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension, contraindicated for concurrent use with nitrates (nitroglycerin). Patient education: take approximately 1 hour before sexual activity and not more than once per day.

concurrent use with nitrates (nitroglycerin)

May cause serious, life-threatening hypotension

Testosterone

Naturally occurring anabolic steroid used to treat hypogonadism, oligospermia, and inoperable breast cancer; black box warning: risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.

Saw Palmetto

Used for the treatment of BPH, alopecia; not recommended for women; interacts with NSAIDs and erectile dysfunction drugs or nitrates.