Endocrine & Hormone Pharmacology

Metformin: Class & Brand

Class: Biguanide. Brand: Glucophage.

Metformin: MOA & Key Clinical Pearl

Decreases hepatic glucose production. First-line for T2D; avoid in severe renal impairment.

Glimepiride: Class & Brand

Class: Sulfonylurea. Brand: Amaryl.

Glimepiride: MOA & Side Effects

Stimulates pancreatic beta cells to release insulin. Risks: Hypoglycemia, weight gain.

Glyburide: Class & Brand

Class: Sulfonylurea. Brand: Diabeta.

Glyburide: MOA & Side Effects

Stimulates pancreatic beta cells to release insulin. Risks: Hypoglycemia, weight gain.

Glipizide: Class & Brand

Class: Sulfonylurea. Brand: Glucotrol.

Glipizide: MOA & Side Effects

Stimulates pancreatic beta cells to release insulin. Risks: Hypoglycemia, weight gain.

Pioglitazone: Class & Brand

Class: Thiazolidinedione (TZD). Brand: Actos.

Pioglitazone: MOA & High-Yield Risks

Decreases peripheral insulin resistance. Causes weight gain, edema; avoid in heart failure.

Sitagliptin: Class & Brand

Class: DPP-4 Inhibitor. Brand: Januvia.

Sitagliptin: MOA & Clinical Pearl

Inhibits DPP-4 to raise incretins. Low hypoglycemia risk alone; rare pancreatitis risk.

Insulin Glargine: Class & Brand

Class: Long-Acting Insulin. Brand: Lantus, Basaglar.

Insulin Glargine: MOA & Usage

Provides basal insulin coverage. Given once daily to target fasting blood glucose.

Insulin Aspart: Class & Brand

Class: Rapid-Acting Insulin. Brand: Novolog.

Insulin Aspart: MOA & Usage

Rapid-acting insulin analog used to control post-meal (post-prandial) blood glucose.

Levothyroxine: Class & Brand

Class: Thyroid Hormone. Brand: Synthroid.

Levothyroxine: MOA & High-Yield Pearls

Synthetic T4 monitored via TSH. Absorption decreased by calcium and iron.

Conjugated Estrogens: Class & Brand

Class: Estrogen Replacement Therapy. Brand: Premarin.

Conjugated Estrogens: High-Yield Risks

Increased risk of DVT/PE, hypertension, and breast cancer.

Ethinyl Estradiol / Drospirenone: Class & Brand

Class: Oral Contraceptive. Brand: Yaz.

Ethinyl Estradiol / Drospirenone: High-Yield Risks

Prevents ovulation. Increases risk of DVT/PE and hypertension.

Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate: Class & Brand

Class: Oral Contraceptive. Brand: Ortho Tri-Cyclen.

Ethinyl Estradiol / Norgestimate: High-Yield Risks

Prevents ovulation. Increases risk of DVT/PE and hypertension.