Chapter 2.3 Flashcards
- List the three types of adrenal steroids produced in the human body
glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids and sex hormones
- State the general physiological effects of the glucocorticoids
The glucocorticoids (cortisol, corticosterone) are primarily involved in the control of glucose metabolism and the body’s ability to deal with stress. Glucocorticoids have other attributes, such as their ability to decrease inflammation and suppress the immune system.
Mineralocorticoids
Mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, are involved in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
- State the names of the most common glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids produced by the human body
glucocorticoids: cortisol and corticosterone
Mineralocorticoids: aldosterone
- Define the terms physiological dose and pharmacological dose as they relate to adrenal steroids.
physiological dose: The quantity administered during this hormonal replacement therapy is roughly equivalent to the normal endogenous production and is often referred to as a physiological dose
pharmacological dose
pharmacological dose: The use of adrenal steroids in higher doses can capitalize on a particular beneficial effect, such as using glucocorticoids as anti- inflammatory agents.
- Identify how dosing impacts the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
When taking anti-inflammatory drugs, you should take it until inflammation is gone. If you stop it too early, the inflammation can flare up again due to not completing the dosage. Anti-inflammatory dose is often higher than analgesic dose
- State how duration of use impacts the anti-inflammatory effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
When taking anti-inflammatory drugs, you should take it until inflammation is gone. If you stop it too early, the inflammation can flare up again due to not completing the dosage. Anti-inflammatory dose is often higher than analgesic dose
- State why glucocorticoids may cause salt and water retention in patients using them to treat inflammation and immunologically mediated diseases
These hormones affect renal function by enhancing sodium and water reabsorption and by impairing the ability of the kidneys to excrete a water load. Glucocorticoids can do what mineralocorticoids can do because they are so similar so they share some similar side effects.
- State the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids using the following terms: macrophage, leukocytes, glucocorticoid receptors, cell cytoplasm, transcription, inflammatory proteins, cytokines, anti-inflammatory proteins
Notes
- State the pharmacological classification of the following agents: dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, betamethasone.
dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, betamethasone are anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids
- List the administration routes of glucocorticoids.
oral, injection, topical, nasal and ophthalmic
- State the problem(s) with continued intra-articular injection of glucocorticoids
Detrimental effect on joint tissues because it breaks down cartilage and tendons.
- Identify the adverse effects of glucocorticoids
catabolic effect on bone, muscle, ligament, tendon and skin. Salt/water retention, GI problems and glaucoma
- Define adrenocortical suppression
that drug is going to suppress the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. It is a negative feedback loop.
