Endocrine Drugs Flashcards
Why must insulin be given by subcutaneous injection?
It is inactivated by gastrointestinal enzymes
How do sulfonylureas work?
By augmenting insulin secretion. Therefore they only work when there is some residual panreatic B cell activity present (type 2 diabetes)
When are sulfonylureas used over metformin?
In patients that aren’t overweight or in whom metformin is contra-indicated
Give 2 examples of sulfonylureas
Gliclazide
Glibenclamide
When should sulfonylureas be avoided?
acute porphyria
ketoacidosis
What type of drug is metformin
Biguanide
How does metformin work?
By decreasing gluconeogenesis and increasing peripheral utilisation of glucose
What is the drug of choice for management therapy of hypothyroidism?
Levoxythroxine
What is Carbimazole used for?
It is an antithyroid drug indicated for hyperthyroidism or to prepare patients for thyroidectomy.
