252 Pharmacology - Adrenal Drugs Flashcards
(25 cards)
Addison’s disease
A potentially life-threatening condition caused by partial or complete failure of adrenocortical function, with resulting decrease in glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and androgenic hormones; a chronic disease of hyposecretion of steroids.
Adrenal cortex
The outer portion of the adrenal gland.
Adrenal crisis
An acute, life-threatening state of profound adrenocortical insufficiency requiring immediate medical management; characterized by glucocorticoid deficiency, a drop in extracellular fluid volume, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia.
Adrenal medulla
The inner portion of the adrenal gland.
Aldosterone
A mineralocorticoid steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that regulates sodium and potassium balance.
corticosteroids
Any of the natural or synthetic adrenocortical hormones, including those produced by the cortex of the adrenal gland (adrenocorticosteroids).
Cushing’s syndrome
A metabolic disorder characterized by abnormally increased secretion of the adrenocorticosteroids.
Epinephrine
An endogenous hormone secreted into the bloodstream by the adrenal medulla; also a synthetic drug that is an adrenergic vasoconstrictor and also increases cardiac output.
Glucocorticoids
A major group of corticosteroid hormones that regulate carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism and inhibit the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (corticotropin).
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
A negative feedback system involved in regulating the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone by the hypothalamus, adrenocorticotropic hormone (corticotropin) by the pituitary gland, and corticosteroids by the adrenal glands. Suppression of the HPA may lead to Addison’s disease and possible adrenal crisis or addisonian crisis; this suppression results from chronic disease or exogenous sources, such as long-term glucocorticoid therapy.
Mineralocorticoids
A major group of corticosteroid hormones that regulate electrolyte and water balance; in humans, the primary mineralocorticoid is aldosterone.
Norepinephrine
An adrenergic hormone, also secreted by the adrenal medulla, that increases blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction but does not appreciably affect cardiac output; the immediate metabolic precursor to epinephrine.
What does the adrenal medulla secrete?
Catecholamines
- Epinephrine
- Norepinephrine
What does the adrenal cortex secrete?
Corticosteroids
- Glucocorticoids
- Mineralocorticoids (primarily aldosterone)
What does over secretion of adrenocortical hormones lead to?
Cushing’s syndrome
What does under secretion of adrenocortical hormones lead to?
Addison’s Disease
What are the adverse effects of of glucocorticoids on the CVS?
- Cardiovascular system: heart failure, cardiac edema, hypertension—all caused by electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia, hypernatremia), impaired glucose tolerance, dysrhythmias, bradycardia, pulmonary edema, syncope, vasculitis
What are the adverse effects of of glucocorticoids on the CNS?
- convulsions, headache, vertigo, mood swings, nervousness, aggressive behaviours, psychotic symptoms, neuritis, peripheral neuropathy, paresthesia, arachnoiditis, meningitis, insomnia
What are the adverse effects of of glucocorticoids on the endocrine system?
- growth suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, menstrual irregularities, carbohydrate intolerance, hyperglycemia, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis suppression, hirsutism, hypertrichosis, glycosuria
What are the adverse effects of of glucocorticoids on the GI system?
peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, ulcerative esophagitis, abdominal distension
What are the adverse effects of of glucocorticoids on the integumentary system?
- fragile skin, petechiae, ecchymosis, facial erythema, poor wound healing, urticarial, hypersensitivity reactions, acne, dry skin, skin hyperpigmentation, skin striae
What are the adverse effects of of glucocorticoids on the MSK system?
- myopathy, muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis of femoral and humeral heads, pathological fracture, malaise
What are the adverse effects of of glucocorticoids on the ocular system?
increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, cataracts
What are other non-system specific effects of glucocorticoids?
- weight gain, leukocytosis, opportunistic infections, hypokalemia alkalosis, impaired healing
