Endo- thyroid and pituitary drugs

Question 1

first line drug used in hyperthyroidism

Answer 1

carbimazole

Question 2

mechanism of action of carbimazole

Answer 2

inhibition of TPO therefore blocking thyroid hormone synthesis

Question 3

rare but serious side effect of carbimazole

Answer 3

agranulocytosis- presents with fever, sore throat, signs of infection

Question 4

preferred antithyroid medication in first trimester of pregnancy

Answer 4

PTU

Question 5

main indications for levothyroxine (T4)

Answer 5

hypothyroidism
hypopituitarism

Question 6

mechanism of action of levothyroxine

Answer 6

manufactured form of thyroxine

Question 7

which medications can impair absorption of levothyroxine

Answer 7

PPIs
iron tablets
calcium tablets

Question 8

dose requirement of levothyroxine may increase/decrease by 25-50% during pregnancy?

Answer 8

increase

Question 9

levothyroxine increases the risk of developing what msk disease

Answer 9

osteoporosis

Question 10

mechanism of action of PTU (propylthiouracil)

Answer 10

inhibits DIO1 which decreases conversion of T4 to T3

Question 11

which beta blocker is the drug of choice when treating thyrotoxic symptoms

Answer 11

propranolol

Question 12

medication used to treat acromegaly

Answer 12

somatostatin analogues

Question 13

adverse effects of somatostatin analogues

Answer 13

local stinging
short term- flatulence, diarrhoea, abdominal pain
long term- gallstones

Question 14

which drug is used to treat prolactinomas

Answer 14

dopamine agonists- usually cabergoline

Question 15

mechanism of action of dopamine agonists

Answer 15

acts on D2 receptors

Question 16

adverse effects of dopamine agonists

Answer 16

nausea and vomiting
low mood/severe depression
may cause fibrosis of heart valves