Endocrine and Reproductive Pharmacology Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering drugs for the endocrine system, diabetes management, and reproductive health based on nursing lecture notes.

Adenohypophysis

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that secretes growth hormone (GH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and gonadotropins (FSH and LH).

Neurohypophysis

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that secretes antidiuretic hormone (ADH)/vasopressin and oxytocin.

Somatropin

A growth hormone analogue that stimulates growth in essentially all tissues, especially bone; it is the drug of choice for children with growth failure due to inadequate endogenous GH secretion or dwarfism.

Pegvisomant

A growth hormone receptor antagonist that blocks GH receptor sites; indicated for excess secretion of GH, gigantism, and acromegaly.

Bromocriptine mesylate

A dopamine agonist available in oral formulation that inhibits the secretion of GH caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland.

Cosyntropin

A synthetic ACTH used for diagnostic purposes to differentiate between pituitary and adrenal causes of adrenal insufficiency.

Diabetes Insipidus

A condition caused by decreased circulating ADH leading to excessive urination, severe dehydration, low urine specific gravity, and polydipsia.

Desmopressin acetate

An antidiuretic hormone therapy drug administered via oral, intranasal, or injection routes; also given to patients with Hemophilia A or von Willebrand Disease Type 1.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)

A condition of increased circulating ADH leading to excessive water retention, hyponatremia, and concentrated urine.

Vaptans

Vasopressin receptor antagonists like conivaptan and tolvaptan that increase serum sodium and free water clearance; contraindicated in patients with hypovolemia.

Demeclocycline

A tetracycline antibiotic used to induce nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus; a common complaint is photosensitivity and potential dental discoloration.

Myxedema

Severe hypothyroidism in adults characterized by lethargy, cold intolerance, dry skin, edema of the eyelids and face, and weight gain.

Cretinism

Congenital hypothyroidism in children which causes delayed physical and mental growth.

Thyrotropin

A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) used as a diagnostic agent to differentiate between primary and secondary hypothyroidism.

Levothyroxine sodium

A thyroid drug that increases $T_4$ and is the drug of choice for replacement therapy in primary hypothyroidism; contraindicated in myocardial infarction.

Liotrix

A mixture of levothyroxine sodium and liothyronine in a $4:1$ ratio used to treat hypothyroidism.

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

A thioamide derivative used to block thyroid action; it is less potent than methimazole and can be used during pregnancy.

Calcitriol

A Vitamin D analogue that promotes calcium absorption from the GI tract and secretion of calcium from bone to the bloodstream.

Calcitonin-salmon

A drug that increases bone density to prevent fractures; contraindicated in patients with a fish allergy.

Cinacalcet

A calcimimetic that increases the sensitivity of calcium-sensing receptors on the parathyroid gland to reduce PTH levels.

Prednisone

An intermediate-acting glucocorticoid given orally to treat Addison's disease, inflammation, and autoimmune disorders.

Fludrocortisone

A mineralocorticoid that promotes the reabsorption of sodium from the renal tubules to treat corticosteroid deficiency.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

A diagnostic test measuring glucose attached to hemoglobin over a $2$ to $3$ month average; diabetic target is $<7\%$, while $6.5\%$ or higher indicates diabetes.

Insulin lispro (Humalog)

A rapid-acting clear insulin with an onset of $15-30$ minutes, a peak of $30-90$ minutes, and a duration of $3-5$ hours.

Insulin isophane (NPH)

An intermediate-acting cloudy insulin with an onset of $1-2$ hours and a peak effect between $4-12$ hours.

Insulin glargine (Lantus)

A long-acting insulin with an onset of $1-1.5$ hours, no peak, and a duration of $24$ hours.

Lipoatrophy

A tissue atrophy at the site of repeated insulin injections; avoided by using an insulin rotation program.

Somogyi Effect

A hypoglycemic effect occurring between $2:00$ am and $4:00$ am that triggers the release of hormones to increase blood glucose, often causing morning headaches.

Dawn Phenomena

Hyperglycemia on awakening; managed by increasing the bedtime dose of insulin.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A condition resulting from insulin deficiency where fat is rapidly broken down into ketones; signs include fruity breath odor and Kussmaul breathing.

Metformin

A biguanide oral antidiabetic that increases insulin binding to receptors and tissue sensitivity; it is absorbed in the small intestine and eliminated unchanged in urine.

Sitagliptin phosphate

A Gliptin (DPP-4 inhibitor) that increases incretin hormones to increase insulin secretion and decrease glucagon production.

Exenatide

An incretin mimetic administered via subcutaneous route to improve beta-cell responsiveness; it is not a substitute for insulin.

Combined Hormonal Contraceptives (CHCs)

Contraceptives containing synthetic estrogen and progestin that induce anovulatory cycles and stabilize the uterine endometrium.

Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA)

A deep IM progestin injection given every $11$ to $13$ weeks that thickens cervical mucus and causes anovulation.

Finasteride

An antiandrogen that blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone; used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).