Module 17: Drugs Acting on the Endocrine System (Part I)

Cortisol

Cortisol

What is the major glucocorticoid hormone?

Increases

When levels of glucocorticoid are depressed, what happens to the capillary permeability?

True

True or False: Low levels of glucocorticoids are associated with being lethargic, depressed, and irritable.

Hypotension and hypoglycemia

What will manifest if glucocorticoids are decreased during times of stress?

Glucocorticoids

What steroid hormone influences CHO, CHON, and fat metabolism, along with maintaining the functional integrity of the vascular system, and affecting mood?

Hydrocortisone

It refers to a synthetic steroid that has an identical structure to cortisol, and is therefore considered as the prototype.

False

True or False: Hydrocortisone is classified as a glucocorticoid, therefore it does not contain mineralocorticoid action.

Increased dosage using the 3 by 3 rule

What is done when a patient taking glucocorticoids is under stress?

Mineralocorticoids

What steroid hormone influences the renal processing of sodium, potassium, and water?

Aldosterone

What is the most important mineralocorticoid hormone that has direct effects on the heart and blood vessels?

Renin-Angiotensin and Aldosterone System

What is in charge of the regulation of aldosterone secretions in the body?

Fludrocortisone

It refers to a potent mineralocorticoid that possesses significant glucocorticoid activity and is the drug of choice for chronic mineralocorticoid replacement.

Hypernatremia and hypokalemia

Watch should you watch out for when taking mineralocorticoids?

Levothyroxine Sodium (Synthroid)

It refers to a synthetic salt for T4 and is the drug of choice for thyroid replacement.

Liothyronine Sodium (Cytomel, Triostat)

It refers to synthetic salts for T3 and is associated with a greater incidence of cardiac effects.

Liotrix (Thyrolar)

It refers to a combination of T4 and T3 (ratio of 4:1) and is associated with severe cardiac and CNS effects.

4 hours

How many hours should patients separate the administration of Cimetidine from levothyroxine?

True

True or False: Food may reduce the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement drugs, therefore it is important that patients take them on an empty stomach.

No

Yes or No: A patient taking levothyroxine has an apical pulse of 120 bpm. Would you administer the medication right away?

Thioamides

These refer to antithyroid agents indicated for the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Methimazole (Tapexzome)

What is drug of choice for those who cannot tolerate Propylthiouracil?

Iodides

These antithyroid agents cause the thyroid cells to become oversaturated with iodine, therefore stopping the production of TH.

Sodium iodide

It refers to a radioactive isotope most commonly used for the diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Normal

Several days after sodium iodide administration, a patient experienced temporary swelling and tenderness of the thyroid gland. is this normal or abnormal?

Calciferol and Dihydrotachysterol

What are two examples of antihypocalcemic agents used in the management of hypocalcemia, chronic renal dialysis, and hypoparathyroidism?

Blocks bone resorption and enhances bone formation

What are the actions of calcium?

Bisphophanates

These antihypercalcemic drugs slow done normal and abnormal resorption but do not inhibit normal bone formation.

Paget’s disease and postmenopausal osteoporosis

Bisphosphanates are indicated for the treatment of what two conditions?

Calcitonin

It lowers serum calcium levels by increasing the secretion of phosphates, calcium, and sodium from the kidneys.

Gallium

It inhibits calcium resorption from bone and reduces bone turnover, producing a lowered serum calcitonin level and is used for treating cancer-related hypercalcemia.