CH.498 Endocrine Pharmacology: Thyroid, Steroid, and Hormone Drugs

What is the mechanism of action of Methimazole and Propylthiouracil?

They are antithyroid drugs that inhibit the synthesis or release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).

What are the indications for Methimazole and Propylthiouracil?

Control of overactive thyroid in Graves' disease, toxic nodular goiter, or multinodular goiter; normalization of thyroid levels prior to subtotal thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine treatment.

What are common side effects of Methimazole and Propylthiouracil?

Rash, nausea, joint pain, lowered WBCs, liver injury.

How do Methimazole and Propylthiouracil affect anticoagulants?

They increase the effects of anticoagulants, increasing bleeding risks.

What is the mechanism of action of Prednisone?

It is a glucocorticoid that suppresses inflammation and the immune response while altering carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.

What are the indications for Prednisone?

Used to treat inflammation, autoimmune disorders, severe allergies, drug reactions, anaphylaxis, and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

What are common side effects of Prednisone?

Hyperglycemia, sodium/water retention, hypokalemia, abnormal fat deposits, thinning skin, muscle wasting, peptic ulcers, increased susceptibility to infection.

What is a key point regarding the discontinuation of Prednisone?

Do not stop abruptly; taper off gradually to avoid acute adrenal insufficiency.

What is the mechanism of action of Levothyroxine Sodium?

It is a thyroid hormone replacement that increases circulating levels of T4, elevating the body's metabolic rate, cellular growth, and oxygen consumption.

What are the indications for Levothyroxine Sodium?

Hypothyroidism replacement therapy for conditions such as Hashimoto thyroiditis, myxedema, and cretinism.

What are common side effects of Levothyroxine Sodium?

Hyperthyroidism-like symptoms such as nervousness, tachycardia, palpitations, tremors, hypertension, angina, insomnia, and thyroid crisis.

What is the mechanism of action of Somatropin?

It is a growth hormone replacement that stimulates growth in tissue and bone.

What are the indications for Somatropin?

Growth hormone deficiency or growth failure.

What are common side effects of Somatropin?

Joint or muscle pain, swelling/edema of hands and feet, tingling or numbness, headaches, injection site reactions, hyperglycemia.

What is a key point regarding the administration of Somatropin?

Must be administered before growth plates (epiphyses) are closed.

What is the mechanism of action of Calcitriol?

It functions as a prescription form of active Vitamin D that promotes calcium absorption.

What are the indications for Calcitriol?

Hypocalcemia resulting from hypoparathyroidism or chronic renal impairment.

What are common side effects of Calcitriol?

Weakness, headache, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, frequent urination, confusion, kidney stones, bone/muscle pain, arrhythmias.

What is a key point regarding the use of Calcitriol?

Commonly given alongside calcium supplements; regularly check serum calcium levels to prevent hypercalcemia.