MEGA TRIGA

What are hormones?

Substances of intense biological activity produced by specific cells in the body and transported through circulation to target cells.

What is the primary mechanism of action for corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids penetrate cell membranes, combine with cytoplasmic receptors, migrate to the nucleus, and bind to specific genes to mediate mRNA synthesis.

What do glucocorticoids regulate?

Carbohydrate, protein, and fats metabolism.

What is the main effect of glucocorticoids on carbohydrate metabolism?

They promote glycogen deposition in the liver and gluconeogenesis, resulting in hyperglycemia.

What is the impact of glucocorticoids on protein metabolism?

They promote protein breakdown from peripheral tissues, leading to negative nitrogen balance.

What are the effects of glucocorticoids on fat metabolism?

They promote lipolysis and cause redistribution of body fat.

What is 'moon face' and what causes it?

A side effect of glucocorticoids caused by fat redistribution.

How do glucocorticoids affect calcium metabolism?

They inhibit intestinal absorption and enhance renal excretion of calcium.

What is the effect of glucocorticoids on water excretion?

They reduce the capacity to excrete water in adrenal insufficiency, leading to water intoxication.

How do glucocorticoids affect the cardiovascular system?

They restrict capillary permeability and cause cutaneous vasoconstriction.

What CNS effects can glucocorticoids have?

Mild euphoria, insomnia, hypomania, or depression.

What happens in patients with Addison’s disease?

They experience apathy, depression, and occasionally psychosis.

How do glucocorticoids affect gastric secretions?

They increase the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin, which may aggravate peptic ulcers.

What is the effect of glucocorticoids on lymphoid tissue?

They enhance destruction of lymphoid cells and increase the number of circulating RBCs, platelets, and neutrophils.

How do glucocorticoids influence inflammatory responses?

They limit the recruitment of inflammatory cells and production of pro-inflammatory mediators.

What immunological effects do glucocorticoids have?

They impair immunological competence and suppress hypersensitization and allergic responses.

What is the principal action of mineralocorticoids?

Enhancement of sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney.

What is a major adverse effect of excessive mineralocorticoid action?

Fluid retention and hypertension.

What are the different classifications of glucocorticoids based on duration?

Short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting.

Which glucocorticoid is rapidly acting but has a short duration?

Hydrocortisone (cortisol).

What is prednisolone used for?

Allergic, inflammatory, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies.

How does methylprednisolone differ from prednisolone?

Methylprednisolone is slightly more potent and selective.

What is the use of triamcinolone?

Used for a variety of conditions, available for oral, intramuscular, and topical use.

What is dexamethasone primarily used for?

Inflammatory and allergic conditions.

What is the main use of fludrocortisone?

Replacement therapy in Addison’s disease.

List some adverse drug reactions of glucocorticoids.

Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, fragile skin, infections, and growth retardation.

What are some contraindications for glucocorticoid use?

Peptic ulcer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, infections, and renal failure.

What is the role of glucocorticoids in organ transplantation?

They are used for immunosuppression to prevent graft rejection.

What is the therapeutic use of glucocorticoids in asthma?

They act as anti-inflammatory agents to manage symptoms.

How do glucocorticoids affect appetite?

They can increase appetite, contributing to weight gain.

What are ‘fish mouth’ and ‘buffalo hump’?

Conditions resulting from fat redistribution due to glucocorticoids.

What effect do glucocorticoids have on the kidneys?

They affect sodium and fluid balance, impacting blood volume.

What is the significance of the sodium retention action of mineralocorticoids?

It is essential for maintaining blood volume and pressure.

What is the relationship between glucocorticoids and insulin?

Glucocorticoids induce insulin resistance.

What is the role of glucocorticoids in treating severe allergic reactions?

They suppress inflammatory responses and immune reactions.

What potential psychiatric effect is associated with glucocorticoid use?

Psychosis or mood changes.

What metabolic disturbances can occur with glucocorticoid therapy?

Cushing's syndrome, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia.

How do glucocorticoids affect respiratory conditions?

They reduce inflammation in the airways, easing breathing.

What are the effects of glucocorticoids on the digestive system?

They can increase gastric acid secretion, leading to ulcers.

What is the recommended treatment for Addison’s disease?

Glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

What is the reason for mineralocorticoid treatment?

To restore sodium balance and blood pressure.

What is one of the main considerations when prescribing glucocorticoids?

Monitoring for potential adverse effects.

What is the therapeutic action of glucocorticoids in autoimmune diseases?

They suppress inappropriate immune responses.

What group of patients is particularly vulnerable to glucocorticoid side effects?

Diabetic patients, due to effects on blood sugar.

How prolonged use of glucocorticoids affects adrenal glands?

It can lead to adrenal suppression and insufficiency.

Why are glucocorticoids used in treating cerebral edema?

To reduce inflammation and swelling.

Describe the impact of glucocorticoids on heat regulation.

They can affect thermoregulation, potentially leading to increased body temperature.

What role do glucocorticoids play in fetal development?

They influence lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress.

What long-term effects can glucocorticoids have on bone health?

They can lead to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk.

What is the significance of the half-life of glucocorticoids?

It determines the duration of action and dosing schedule.

In which conditions are mineralocorticoids particularly effective?

Conditions related to adrenal insufficiency.

What is the immediate action of glucocorticoids during an allergy attack?

To suppress inflammation and allergic reactions.

How can glucocorticoids lead to weight gain?

By increasing appetite and inducing fat redistribution.

What laboratory tests might be affected by glucocorticoid therapy?

Blood glucose levels and white blood cell counts.

What is the relationship between glucocorticoids and the HPA axis?

Long-term use can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

What precautions should be taken when discontinuing glucocorticoids?

Gradual tapering is necessary to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

What condition is commonly treated with glucocorticoids in rheumatology?

Rheumatoid arthritis.

How do glucocorticoids alleviate pain?

By reducing inflammation and inflammatory mediators.

What is the dosing strategy for glucocorticoids in acute conditions?

Higher initial doses followed by gradual tapering.

Antihypertensive Agents

Medications used to treat high blood pressure.

Primary Hypertension

Hypertension with no specific cause, accounting for 90% of cases.

Secondary Hypertension

Hypertension with a known cause, such as a medical condition.

ACE Inhibitors

Medications that inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, preventing angiotensin II formation.

Angiotensin II

A hormone that causes vasoconstriction and increases blood pressure.

Beta1 Blockers

Adrenergic antagonists that specifically target Beta1 receptors to lower heart rate.

Vasodilators

Drugs that relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure.

Diuretics

Medications that promote urine production to decrease blood volume and blood pressure.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Drugs that prevent calcium from entering cells, causing muscle relaxation.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

Hormonal system involved in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.

Doxazosin

An Alpha1 blocker used in the treatment of hypertension.

Propranolol

A non-selective beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions.

Hypertension Stage 1

Systolic BP 140-159 mm Hg and Diastolic BP 90-99 mm Hg.

Chronic Heart Failure (CHF)

A long-term condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should.

Hydralazine

A vasodilator used to treat high blood pressure.

Losartan

An Angiotensin II receptor blocker that helps lower blood pressure.

Captopril

An ACE inhibitor with a short half-life.

Labetalol

A medication that blocks both alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.

Amlodipine

A dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used for hypertension.

Furosemide

A loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption.

Spironolactone

A potassium-sparing diuretic that prevents sodium resorption.

Fluid Retention

Accumulation of excess fluid in the body, often increased by aldosterone.

Dizziness

A common side effect of antihypertensives.

Bradycardia

Abnormally slow heart rate, which can be a side effect of some antihypertensive drugs.

Fatigue

A common side effect of ACE inhibitors.

Angina

Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

Sympathetic Activity

Nervous system response that increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Asystole

Absence of electrical and contractile activity in the heart.

Tachycardia

Abnormally rapid heart rate.

Diarrhea

A potential side effect of anti-dysrhythmic medications.

Nasal Congestion

A common side effect of Angiotensin II receptor blockers.

Systolic Pressure

The pressure in blood vessels during heartbeats.

Diastolic Pressure

The pressure in blood vessels between heartbeats.

Hypovolemia

Decreased blood volume, which can lead to hypotension.

Adenosine

An antiarrhythmic drug that slows conduction through the AV node.

Amiodarone

An antiarrhythmic medication used for difficult-to-treat dysrhythmias.

Lidocaine

An antiarrhythmic medication specifically used for ventricular dysrhythmias.

Headache

A potential side effect from many antihypertensives.

Symptoms of Hypotension

Include dizziness, fatigue, and fainting.

Water Resorption

The process by which the kidneys retain water to regulate fluid balance.