Drugs - Endocrine Flashcards
In an unconscious patient with suspected severe hypoglycaemia, what is the 1st line pharmacological management?
IV glucose (e.g. 150-160 ml of 10% glucose)
If IV access is not able to be established rapidly in an unconscious patient with suspected hypoglycaemia, what can be administered instead?
administer glucagon 1mg via IM or SC route
In a conscious patient with suspected hypoglycaemia, what is the 1st line pharmacological management?
Administer glucose gel by mouth (e.g. GlucoGel)
How does glucagon treat hypoglycaemia?
This is a natural hormone that stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.
What are the 4 main indications for inuslin?
- Insulin replacement in type 1 diabetes
- Control of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes
- Treatment of diabetic emergencies (e.g. DKA) → given IV
- Alongside glucose to treat hyperkalaemia while are other measures (e.g. treatment of underlying cause) are initiated
In what conditions would insulin be prescribed in type 2 diabetes?
where oral hypoglycaemic treatment is inadequate or poorly tolerated
What should insulin be administered alongside in the treatment of hyperkalaemia?
Glucose (to prevent hypoglycaemia)
Mechanism of insulin in hyperkalaemia?
- Insulin drives K+ into cells reducing serum K+ concentrations
- This a short-term solution – when insulin is stopped, K+ leaks back out of the cells into the circulation
Mechanism of insulin in T1DM?
Mimics endogenous insulin produced by beta cells of the pancreas (T1D involves autoimmune destruction of beta cells of pancreas) by binding to insulin receptor:
- Stimulates glucose uptake from circulation into tissues, including skeletal muscle and fat
- Increases use of glucose as an energy source
- Stimulates glycogen, lipid and protein synthesis and inhibits gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis
Why is insulin considered a high risk drug?
- Risk of hypoglycaemia (overdose) → Can cause life threatening seizures and coma
- Risk of hyperglycaemia (due to under-dose) → Can lead to life threatening DKA
Is blood glucose too high or low in DKA?
High
Give some symptoms of hypoglycaemia
- Sweating, dizziness, shakiness, hunger, tachycardia, tingling in hands/feet/lips or tongue
- Blurred vision, trouble concentration, confusion
Can insulin be taken in renal impairment?
Insulin is renally excreted - insulin clearance is reduced so increased risk of hypoglycaemia.
Indication for metformin?
Type 2 diabetes
What is the 1st choice medication for control of blood glucose in T2DM when lifestyle changes alone have not helped?
Metformin
What class of drug is metformin?
Biguanide
What is the main mechanism by which metformin reduces blood glucose?
By reducing hepatic glucose output
How does metformin reduce hepatic glucose output?
Inhibits glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen into glucose) and gluconeogenesis (production of glucose).
What is the minor mechanism by which metformin reduces blood glucose?
Increases glucose uptake and utilisation by skeletal muscle
Does metformin cause hypoglycaemia? Why?
No - Does NOT stimulate insulin secretion
Most common side effects of metformin?
- GI upset – N&V, diarrhoea
- Taste disturbance
- Can sometimes lead to weight loss
- Lactic acidosis
Contraindications of metformin?
- Renal impairment – dosage reduction required if eGFR <45
- AKI
- Severe tissue hypoxia e.g. cardiac failure, sepsis
- Acute alcohol intoxication
- Chronic alcohol abuse risk of hypoglycaemia
How is metformin eliminated?
Excreted unchanged in the urine (kidney function required)
What complication of metformin is more likely if metformin is taken in the context of renal impairment?
Lactic acidosis
Which diabetic drug should be stopped prior to imaging with contrast (e.g. CT scans, coronary angiography). Why?
Metformin → increased risk of renal impairment (contrast is nephrotoxic), metformin accumulation and lactic acidosis
Explanation of mechanism of metformin to patient:
- Reduces amount of sugar produced by cells in the liver
- Increases sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin – enabling cells to remove sugar from blood more effectively
What is initial treatment for T2DM?
A healthy diet with increased physical activity, promoting weight loss if applicable, and this should be tried for at least 3 months before commencing drug therapy
What is the HbA1c threshold for pharmacological therapy?
48 mmol/mol
Does metformin cause weight gain? Why?
No - has no effect on insulin
Why does insulin and drugs which cause insulin secretion (e.g. sulphonylureas) cause weight gain?
Insulin is an anabolic hormone
What class of drug is gliclazide?
Sulphonylurea
Indication for gliclazide?
T2DM:
- In combination with metformin (and/or other hypoglycaemic agents) where blood glucose is not adequately controlled
- As a single agent to control blood glucose and reduce complications where metformin is contraindicated
Mechanism of sulphonylureas?
Sulphonylureas lower blood glucose by stimulating pancreatic insulin secretion (through the beta cell sulphonylurea receptor):
- They block ATP-dependent K+ channels in pancreatic B cell membranes, causing depolarisation of the cell membrane and opening of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels
- This increases intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, stimulating insulin secretion
Does gliclazide cause weight gain? Why can this negatively affect diabetes?
Yes - insulin is an anabolic hormone so stimulation of insulin secretion by sulphonylureas is associated with weight gain
Weight gain can increase insulin resistance and worsen DM long-term.
Can gliclazide cause hypoglycaemia?
Yes
Metformin vs gliclazide in risk of developing CVS disease?
Metformin - no increased risk
Gliclazide - increased risk of CVS disease and MI when used as monotherapy (i.e. on its own (hence why not given 1st line)
Side effects of gliclazide?
- Weight gain
- GI upset – N&V, diarrhoea, constipation
- Hypoglycaemia (Risk increased if drug metabolism is reduced (hepatic impairment) or other hypoglycaemics are prescribed)
-
Hypersensitivity reactions:
- Hepatic toxicity – cholestatic jaundice
- Drug hypersensitivity syndrome – rash, fever, internal organ involvement
- Increased risk of CVS disease and MI when used as monotherapy (i.e. on its own)
Contraindications for gliclazide?
- Hepatic impairment – gliclazide is metabolised in the liver
- Renal impairment – gliclazide is excreted in the urine
What class of drug is pioglitazone?
Thiazolidinediones (Glitazones)
Indication of pioglitazone?
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (alone or in combination with metformin or a sulfonylurea)
Mechanism of pioglitazone?
- Reduces insulin resistance and improves insulin sensitivity, allowing the insulin that the body produces to work more effectively
- Helps protect cells in the pancreas, allowing them to produce insulin for longer
Main 2 indications of levothyroxine?
- 1ary Hypothyroidism
- Hypothyroidism 2ary to hypopituitarism
Is levothyroxine synthetic T4 or T3?
T4
Is T3 or T4 active?
Thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4) which is converted to the more active triiodothyronine (T3) in target tissues