endocrine drugs

Question 1

Metformin

Answer 1

• drug class:biguanides
• common indications: type 2 diabetes, PCOS
• mechanism of action: decreases gluconeogenesis & increases peripheral utilisation of glucose - only in the presence of endogenous insulin so only effective w/ residual functioning pancreatic islet cells
• common side effects: abdo pain, decreased appetite, diarrhoea
• uncommon side effects: hepatitis, lactic acidosis
• drug-drug interactions: hypoglycaemia with many drugs
• contra-indications: acute metabolic acidosis

Question 2

Sitagliptin

Answer 2

• drug class: DPP-4 inhibitors
• common indications: type 2 diabetes
• mechanism of action: inhibits DPP-4 to increase insulin secretion and lower glucagon secretion
• common side effects: headache
• uncommon side effects: constipation, dizziness, skin reactions
• drug-drug interactions: hypoglycaemia for many drugs
• contra-indications: ketoacidosis

Question 3

Gliclazide

Answer 3

• drug class: sulfonylureas
• common indications: type 2 diabetes,
• mechanism of action: block atp dependent k+channels -> depolarising membrane -> ca2+ enters -> stimulates b cell to make insulin
• common side effects: abdo pain, diarrhoea, nausea
• uncommon side effects: hepatic disorders, vomiting
• drug-drug interactions: hypoglycaemia with many drugs
• contra-indications: acute ketoacidosis, acute porphyrias