Endocrine drugs Flashcards
What is fludrocortisone
A synthetic mineralcorticoid
Uses of fludrocortisone
1) Replace aldosterone in forms of adrenal insufficiency
2) Orthostatic intoleance and postual orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) –> 1st line to increase Na+ levels
3) Hypotension treatment (if severe)
4) Confirms Conn’s syndrome
What is Conns syndrome
An aldosterone producing adenoma
What usually secretes aldosterone
The zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex
Action of fludrocortisone
Binds to mineralcorticoid receptors and mimics the action of aldosteroine
Acts on the distal nephron, promotes Na/K exchange
Sodium retention and urinary loss of K and H+
CL- is absorbed in conjuction with Na –> water follows
Adverse effects of fludrocortisone
FEATURES OF CONNS Sodium/water retention --> nocturia Hypokalaemia Hypertension Weakness Nocturia Tetany
Warnings of fludrocortisone
Contraindicated in patients with systemic fungal infections
Steroids can cause immunosuppression
Interactions of fludrocortisone
1) Amphotericin B/K+ Depleteing diruiteics –> enhance hypokalaemia
2) oral anticoagulants –> decrease prothrombin time
3) Aspirin –> Increased ulcerogenic effect
4) Antidiabetic drugs –> diminished antidiabetic effect
5) Oestrogen –> oestrogen increases the amoutn of corticosteroid binding globulin (inactivates the drug) BUT balanced by decreased metabolism of corticosteroid hence may need a reduced drug dose.
Name a biguanide
Metformin
Metformin indications
1) Type 2 DM –> First choice to control it –> use alone or in combo with other oral hypoglycaemiacs or insulin
Action of biguanides
NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Increases the response (sensitivity) to glucose
Suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis
Also increases glucose uptae and utilization by skeletal muscle
Suppresses intestinal glucose absoprtion
Overall decreaes blood glucose
What effect do biguanides have on insulin secretion
NO EFFECT –> as it doesnt stimulate pancreas insulin secretions, it only makes cells more sensitive to insulin
Hence there is no risk of hypoglycaemic episodes
What effect do biguanides have on weight
It reduces weight gain and can induce weight loss (as it doesnt increase insulin secretion)
This prevenet the worsening of insulin resistance and the slow deteorioration of diabetes
Adverse effects of metformin
1) GI Upset - common
2) Lactic acidosis - can be fatal. Onlyl occurs if precipitated by illness that causes metformin accumulation (e.g. renal function decreased), or lactate production increased (sepsis, hypoxia, cardiac failure), or decreased lactate metabolism (liver failure)
Contraindications of metformin
1) severe renal impairment –> need to significnalty reduce
When should we acutely withhold metformin
AKI e.g. sepsis, shock, dehydration
Severe tissue hypoxia e.g. MI, cardiac/resp failure
Withhold in actue alcohol intoxictaion –> may precipiate lactic acidosis
Caution of metformin in
1) Hepatic impairment –> decreased lactate clearance
2) Chronic Alcohol overuse –> risk of hypoglycaemia
Interactions of metformin
1) IV contrast media –> increased risk of renal impairment
2) Drugs affecting renal function e.g. NSAIDs, ACEi, diuretics
3) Prednisolone, thiazide and loop diuretics –> these elevate blood glucose hence oppose the action and reduce its efficacy
HbA1c target with metformin
<58
Also test renal function before and annually
How is metformin excreted
Unchanged by the kidneys
Symtpoms of lactic acidosis
Vomiting Stomach ache/pain Muscle cramps Difficutly breathing Severe tiredness
Link between insulin and weight gain
Insulin is an anabolic hormone
This means drugs that increase insulin secretion cause WEIGHT GAIN hence worsening DM over time
Name a sulphnoylurea
Glicazide
Indications for sulphonylureas
1) Type 2 DM –> a signel agent where metformin CI or not tolerated
2) DM –> in combo with metformin or other agents if BM not adequately controlled
How should you take sulphonylureas
Orally with meals, start low dose and increase gradually
How do sulphonylureas work
Stimulate pancreatic insulin secretion
They block ATP dependent K+ channels in pancreatic B cell membranes –> this causes depolarisation and opening of voltage gated Ca2+ channels –> the rise in intracellular calcrium causes insulin secretion
Adverse effects of sulphonylureas
Weight gain –> as insulin is anabolic
GI Upset
Hypogylcaemia –> more likely with increased doses
Rare hyperesensetitivity reactions e.g.
a) Haematological abnormalities (agranulocytosis)
b) Hepatic toxicity (cholestatic jaundice)
c) Drug hypersensitivity syndrome (rash, fever, internal organ involvement)
What happens to insulin resistance in acute illness
Increased insulin resistace
Also impairs hepatic and renal function
Oral hypoglycaemic become less effective
Insulin may be needed temporarily