Endocrine Pharmacology (diabetes, corticosteroids and HRT) 💊 Flashcards
How is insulin usually administered?
Through injection, pen or pumps with the most common site being the abdomen
What are some adverse effects of insulin injections?
Hypoglycaemia and lipidystrophy
How can people injecting themselves with insulin reduce risk of lipidystrophy?
Change the injection site
What is a contraindication for insulin treatment?
Renal impairment as this increases the risk of hypoglycaemia ADR
What drugs may mean insulin dosage may need to be higher?
Systemic steroids
What is an example of a drug which is a biguanides?
Metformin
What are some ADRs of metformin treatment?
GI upset is the main ADR but rare effect of lactic acidosis in those with lower GFR
What are some important drug-drug interactions to consider for Metformin?
Drugs that impair renal function (e.g ACEi, diuretics, NSAIDs). Also loop and thiazide like diuretics increase glucose opposing action of metformin
gliclazide is an example of which drug type?
Sulfonylureas
How do sulphonylureas work?
By stimulating pancreatic insulin secretion
How do biguanides work?
Reducing hepatic glucose output by inhibiting gluconeogenesis
How do glitazones work?
They enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose utilisation
How do gliptins work?
Prevent incretin degradation which helps promote insulin secretion and suppress glucagon release
How do gliflozins work?
Reduce glucose reabsorption by inhibiting the sodium glucose co transporter
How do incretin memetics work?
Increase glucose-dependent synthesis of insulin
