Drugs And The Endocrine System Flashcards
Name a drug used to treat hypothyroidism
Levothyroxine
Intravenous triiodothyronine (T3) if very severe
Name a drug used to treat hyperthyroidism
Carbimazole
Give some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism
Slow speech Lethargy Hyporeflexia Hypotension Bradycardia Anaemia Weight gain Low body temperature
Give some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism
Anxiety Nervousness Insomnia Hypertension Tachycardia Palpitations Low grade fever Increased appetite Weight loss
What role does iodine play in thyroid disease?
Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism
Iodine intake must be limited in hyperthyroidism
How does Carbimazole treat hyperthyroidism?
By inhibiting the synthesis of thyroxine
Name a drug used to treat hypocalcaemia
Calcium glucoronate (if kidney function is compromised)
Ergocalciferol
Calcitriol
Name a drug used to treat hypercalcaemia
Alendronic acid
Calcitonin
How does alendronic acid treat hypercalcaemia?
By slowing the rate of bone growth and turnover, which therefore prevents calcium loss from bones
What are the categories of steroid drugs?
Endogenous hormones
Mineralocorticoids
Glucocorticoids
Name a steroid used to treat adrenal insufficiency
Hydrocortisone
Name a steroid used in acute asthma attacks
Prednisolone
Name a glucocorticoid that is used to prevent rejection in transplant patients
Methylprednisolone
Name a steroid that is used to treat central oedema
Dexamethasone
Name a steroid that is used to treat asthma
Beclametasone
Give some of the adverse effects associated with oral glucocorticoids
Excessive hair growth Stunted growth Poor wound healing Muscle wastage Osteoporosis Hypertension Moon face Thinning of the skin Increased abdominal fat Buffalo hump
Why must the withdrawal of glucocorticoids be gradual?
If withdrawal is abrupt it can disrupt the negative feedback mechanism of acetylcholine/cortisol
This sends the patient into an addisonian crisis
How does the combined pill work?
By inhibiting FSH and LH release from the anterior pituitary, which therefore inhibits ovulation
What are the adverse effects associated with the combined pill?
Hypertension
Venous thromboembolytic disease
Increased stroke and heart attack risk in smokers and women over 35
How does the mini pill work?
By altering the endometrium and the cervical mucous to prevent implantation
Which drug is used as a contraceptive injection?
Medroxyprogesterone
What is tamoxifen used for and how does it work?
Treatment of breast cancer
It is an oestrogen receptor antagonist, so reduces oestrogen levels
Which drugs are used to induce labour or to reduce post-partum haemorrhage?
Oxytocin
Prostaglandins
