Drugs and the endocrine system Flashcards
What is Thyroid disease?
Hypothyroidism: - CNS and CV systems depressed - metabolic rate decreases - symptoms: legarthy, hypotension, bradycardia, feel cold, anaemia, weight gain Hyperthyroidism: - CNS and CV systems activated - metabolic rate increases -symptoms: anxiety, feel warm, insomnia, hypertension, increased appetite and weight loss
What is a Goitre?
Caused by and underactive and overactive thyroid gland
Underactive:
-insufficient T3/T4 therefore not enough iodine
- disruption of negative feedback so TRH/TSH continually released
- thyroid gland increases in size
Overactive:
- activation of TSH receptors by antibodies so more T3/T4 is released
- increase in size and function of thyroid gland
-
Carbimazole
thyroid treatment
Treatment of hyperthyroidism:
- inhibits the synthesis of thyroxine
- absorbed in the gut, converted to active form in liver
- short half like
- side effects: can cross the placenta, nausea, agranulocytosis (dangerous), insomnia
Levothyroxine
thyroid treatment
Treatment of hypothyroidism:
- thyroxine substitute
- if severe, give T3 (much lower half life)
- side effects: depression
Calcium metabolism (part of thyroid disease)
Hypocalcaemia: - inadequate intake of calcium - lack of Vitamin D - renal problems - symptoms: neuromuscular problems, muscle cramps, mental deficiency, fits, cataracts Hypercalcaemia: - requires urgent attention - causes problems with kidneys = kidney failure - muscle problems = cardiac arrest
Ergocalciferol/ calcitriol
thyroid treatment
Treatment for hypocalcaemia and a Vitamin D substitute
Alendronic Acid
Treatment of hypercalcaemia and osteoporosis:
- slows rate of bone growth and turnover and prevents calcium loss for bones
- only lasts a maximum of 2 days, patient shouldn’t eat within 1/2 hour of taking (food prevents absorption)
- side effects: abdominal pain, GI disturbances, oesophageal problems
Fludrocortisone
steroid treatment
- treats adrenal insufficiency
- Increases sodium retention and potassium loss in the DCT of the kidney nephron
- mineralocorticoid
Hydrocortisone
steroid treatment
- Decreases inflammation in allergic responses
- Used in eczema and treats adrenal insufficiency in Addinsons Disease
- Glucocorticoid
Prednisolone
steroid treatment
- Given for acute asthma attacks
- More specific to children
- Glucocorticoid
Dexamethasone
steroid treatment
- Has a high anti-inflammatory action
- Treats cerebral oedema
- Glucocorticoid
Beclometasone
steroid treatment
- Used to treat asthma
- Given in the brown inhaler
- Glucocorticoid
Combined pill
contraceptive
Inhibits ovulation and is taken for 21 days and then a 7 day break
Have side effects
Mini pill
contraceptive
Progesterone only
Alters the endometrium and cervical mucus to prevent implantation
Have side effects
Medroxyprogesterone
contraceptive
Given by depot injection
Have side effects
