Pituitary, Thyroid, Adrenal

Prednisone

Classification: Glucocorticoid (Corticosteroid). Used for inflammation, autoimmune diseases, adrenal insufficiency, COPD/asthma exacerbations, and prevention of organ transplant rejection. Major teaching: take in the morning with food and never stop abruptly.

Dexamethasone

Classification: Glucocorticoid (Corticosteroid). Used for severe inflammation, cerebral edema, autoimmune disorders, allergic reactions, and adrenal insufficiency. Major teaching: taper gradually and monitor for infection.

Methylprednisolone

Classification: Glucocorticoid (Corticosteroid). Used for inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, asthma/COPD exacerbations, and transplant patients. Monitor for hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, and infection.

Fludrocortisone

Classification: Mineralocorticoid. Used for Addison disease and adrenal insufficiency to promote sodium and water retention. Monitor blood pressure, edema, sodium, and potassium levels.

Somatropin

Classification: Anterior Pituitary Hormone (Growth Hormone). Used for growth hormone deficiency, growth failure, renal-related growth delay, and HIV wasting syndrome. Monitor for hyperglycemia and the 3 P's (polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia).

Octreotide

Classification: Growth Hormone Suppressant (Somatostatin Analog). Used for acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, severe diarrhea, and VIPomas. Monitor ECG for conduction abnormalities and GI side effects.

Desmopressin (DDAVP)

Classification: Posterior Pituitary Hormone (ADH Analog). Used for diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, hemophilia A, and von Willebrand disease. Decreases urine output and increases water reabsorption.

Vasopressin

Classification: Posterior Pituitary Hormone (ADH Analog, Vasopressor). Used for shock, cardiac arrest, severe hypotension, and esophageal variceal bleeding. Causes vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure. Contraindicated in coronary artery disease.

Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

Classification: Thyroid Hormone Replacement (Synthetic T4). Used for hypothyroidism, thyroidectomy patients, and thyroid cancer treatment. Take every morning on an empty stomach with water only. Do not switch brands.

Liothyronine (Cytomel)

Classification: Thyroid Hormone Replacement (Synthetic T3). Used for hypothyroidism when rapid thyroid replacement is needed. Monitor for hyperthyroid symptoms and cardiac effects.

Liotrix

Classification: Thyroid Hormone Replacement (Combination T3/T4). Used for hypothyroidism. Provides both active thyroid hormones to increase metabolism.

Armour Thyroid

Classification: Natural Desiccated Thyroid Hormone. Used for hypothyroidism. Contains both T3 and T4 from animal thyroid sources.

Methimazole

Classification: Antithyroid Drug (Thioamide). Used for hyperthyroidism and Graves disease by blocking thyroid hormone production. Monitor for agranulocytosis, liver toxicity, fever, and sore throat.

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

Classification: Antithyroid Drug (Thioamide). Used for hyperthyroidism and thyroid storm. Blocks thyroid hormone production and T4 to T3 conversion. Monitor liver function and CBC.

Potassium Iodide

Classification: Antithyroid Agent. Used before thyroid surgery and during hyperthyroid treatment to reduce thyroid hormone release and thyroid gland vascularity.

Regular Insulin

Classification: Short-Acting Insulin. Used for diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia. Check blood glucose and potassium before administration.

Insulin Lispro

Classification: Rapid-Acting Insulin. Used for mealtime glucose control. Give with meals and monitor for hypoglycemia.

Insulin Aspart

Classification: Rapid-Acting Insulin. Used for post-meal glucose control. Monitor blood glucose closely.

NPH Insulin

Classification: Intermediate-Acting Insulin. Used for basal glucose control. Cloudy insulin that can be mixed with regular insulin.

Insulin Glargine

Classification: Long-Acting Insulin. Used for 24-hour basal glucose control. Do not mix with other insulins.

Insulin Detemir

Classification: Long-Acting Insulin. Used for basal glucose control in diabetic patients. Monitor for hypoglycemia.

Fluticasone

Classification: Inhaled Corticosteroid. Used for asthma and chronic airway inflammation. Rinse mouth after use to prevent oral thrush.

Budesonide

Classification: Inhaled Corticosteroid. Used for asthma and COPD maintenance therapy. Rinse mouth after use to prevent fungal infections.

Epinephrine

Classification: Catecholamine. Used for anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and severe allergic reactions. Increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Norepinephrine

Classification: Catecholamine Vasopressor. Used for septic shock and severe hypotension. Causes potent vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.