Drugs To Know Endocrine

Question 0

Pitressin

Answer 0

Vasopressin “ADH”
Classification: Pituitary agent

Action: increase the natural effects of pituitary hormones

Indication : symptom management (3 P’s) in patients with diabetes insipidus (deficiency of ADH), because vasoconstrictive properties used in cardiac arrest

Side effects: increased BP, drowsiness, HA, flushing, uterine cramping, nasal irritation and congestion

Question 1

Acathar

Answer 1

corticotropin, ACTH
Classification: Pituitary agent

Action: Increase the natural effects of pituitary hormones.

Indication: diagnosis of adrenalcortical insufficiency, tx of MS, corticotropin insufficiency due to long term use of steroids

Side effects: dizziness, convulsions, insomnia, HA, N/V, water and sodium retention, weakness, myalgia, arthralgia

Question 2

Synthroid

Answer 2

levothyroxine

Classification: Thyroid agent

Action: replacement of thyroid hormone

Indications: hypothyroidism from any cause (Myxedema)

Side effects: result of overdose= overstimulation of metabolism

Question 3

Prednisone

Answer 3

Classification: Glucocorticoids

Action: inhibition of inflammatory and immune response, promote breakdown of protein, production of glycogen

Indications: cerebral edema, management of head and spinal cord injuries, collagen diseases, dermatological diseases, autoimmune diseases, ulcerative colitis, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, palliative management of leukemias and lymphomas
*anything with “itis”

Side effects: hypertension, mood swings, hyperglycemia, ecchymosis, poor wound healing, muscle weakness

PREDNISONE IS ONLY GIVEN ORAL

Question 4

Solu-Medrol

Answer 4

methylprednisone
Classification: Glucocorticoids

Action: inhibition of inflammatory and immune response, promote breakdown of protein, production of glycogen

Indications: cerebral edema, management of head and spinal cord injuries, collagen diseases, dermatological diseases, autoimmune diseases, ulcerative colitis, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, palliative management of leukemias and lymphomas
*anything with “itis”

Side effects: hypertension, mood swings, hyperglycemia, ecchymosis, poor wound healing, muscle weakness

Solu-Medrol is given IV, IM

Question 5

Decadron

Answer 5

dexamethasone

Classification: Glucocorticoids

Action: inhibition of inflammatory and immune response, promote breakdown of protein, production of glycogen

Indications: cerebral edema, management of head and spinal cord injuries, collagen diseases, dermatological diseases, autoimmune diseases, ulcerative colitis, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, palliative management of leukemias and lymphomas
*anything with “itis”

Side effects: hypertension, mood swings, hyperglycemia, ecchymosis, poor wound healing, muscle weakness

Decadron is given IM, IV

Question 6

Florinef

Answer 6

fludrocortisone “Aldosterone”

Classification: Mineralcorticoids

Action: affects electrolyte and fluid balance by working distal renal tubules to promote sodium reabsorption= causes water and fluid retention, may promote potassium and hydrogen excretion

Indications: replacement therapy for pts with adrenal insufficiency; Addison’s disease, sometimes used to increase BP in those suffering from chronic severe postural hypotension

Side effects: sodium and fluid retention, impaired wound healing