Endocrinology Pharm Made easy ASN MDC Flashcards
Drug Name: Glipizide
Drug Class: Sulfonylureas (2nd Generation)
what is the indication and MOA?
Hypoglycemic
Indication: Used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
Mechanism of Action: Stimulates insulin release from the beta islet cells of the pancreas; requires a functioning pancreas.
Extra info: Another medication in this class is tolbutamide, which is a first-generation sulfonylurea.
Glipizide Side Effects
Common Side Effects: Mild hypoglycemia (especially in clients with liver/kidney impairment), nausea, diarrhea.
Serious Side Effects: Severe hypoglycemia (tremors, fatigue, hunger, diaphoresis).
Glipizide Interventions
Monitor for hypoglycemia symptoms (tremors, tachycardia, fatigue).
Administer carbs if conscious (e.g., 4 oz orange juice, glucose tablets).
Administer IV glucose or glucagon if unconscious; monitor blood glucose every 15-20 min.
Glipizide Administration
Administer 30 minutes before meals, normally once daily.
If dose >15 mg/day, divide into two doses.
Do not crush or chew sustained-release forms.
Contraindications and Precautions for Glipizide
Contraindications: Pregnancy, lactation, diabetic ketoacidosis.
Use with Caution: Renal or hepatic dysfunction, adrenal/pituitary insufficiency.
Glipizide Drug Interactions
Increased Hypoglycemia: Alcohol, NSAIDs, sulfonamide antibiotics, salicylates, anticoagulants, MAO inhibitors.
Counteracts Hypoglycemia: Thiazides.
Masks Hypoglycemia: Beta blockers.
Glipizide Client Instructions
Wear a medical alert bracelet.
Recognize and treat hypoglycemia with carbohydrates.
Avoid alcohol (risk of disulfiram-like reaction and increased hypoglycemia).
Report recurrent hypoglycemia to the provider.
Carry carbohydrate snacks at all times.
Drug Name: Repaglinide
Drug Class: Meglitinides (Glinides)
what is the indication and MOA?
Hypoglycemic
Indication: Used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
Mechanism of Action: Stimulates insulin release from the beta islet cells of the pancreas; requires a functioning pancreas.
Extra info: another drug is nateglinide
Repaglinide Side Effects
Common Side Effects: Mild hypoglycemia, nausea, vomiting.
More Likely in: Clients with impaired liver function due to decreased metabolism.
Repaglinide Interventions
Monitor for hypoglycemia (diaphoresis, tachycardia, fatigue).
Administer carbs if conscious (e.g., 4 oz of orange juice, glucose tablets).
Administer IV glucose or glucagon if unconscious; monitor blood glucose every 15-20 min.
Notify the provider if nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea persist.
Repaglinide Administration
Administer orally no more than 30 minutes before meals.
Usual dosing: 3 times a day, skip the dose if skipping a meal.
Maximum dose: No more than 4 doses per day.
Contraindications and Precautions for Repaglinide
Contraindications: Diabetic ketoacidosis.
Caution: Use cautiously in older adults, clients with renal/hepatic dysfunction, and systemic infections.
Repaglinide Drug Interactions
Increases Hypoglycemic Effects: Gemfibrozil, erythromycin, chloramphenicol.
Decreases Hypoglycemic Effects: Alcohol, corticosteroids, rifampin.
Other Interactions: NSAIDs, warfarin, loop diuretics, anabolic steroids.
Repaglinide Client Instructions
Wear a medical alert bracelet.
Recognize and treat hypoglycemia with carbohydrates.
Test blood glucose using a glucometer.
Avoid alcohol (increased hypoglycemia risk).
Carry carbohydrate snacks at all times.
Drug Name: Metformin
Drug Class: Biguanides (Antidiabetic)
what is the indication and MOA?
Indication: First-line treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
Mechanism of Action:
Decreases glucose absorption from intestines.
Decreases glucose synthesis in the liver.
Increases insulin sensitivity in tissues.
Metformin Side Effects
Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, metallic taste.
Serious Side Effect: Lactic acidosis (rare but potentially fatal).
Metformin Interventions
Monitor for lactic acidosis (weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, hyperventilation).
Stop medication immediately if lactic acidosis is suspected and assess for acidosis.
Monitor for vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies.
Monitor renal function, especially before and after procedures involving iodine contrast media.
Metformin Administration
Administer twice daily with meals (morning and evening) or once daily with extended-release form.
Swallow extended-release tablets whole—do not crush or chew.
Contraindications and Precautions for Metformin
Contraindications: Diabetic ketoacidosis, renal or hepatic insufficiency, heart failure, alcoholism, lactic acidosis.
Use with Caution: Older adults, dehydration, diarrhea, anemia, gastroparesis.
Metformin Drug Interactions
Increased Risk of Lactic Acidosis: Alcohol, cimetidine, iodine contrast media.
Increased Hypoglycemic Effects: Chromium, coenzyme Q10.
Other Interactions: Nifedipine, furosemide, ranitidine, morphine, antifungals.
Metformin Client Instructions
Take medication at the same time each day, preferably with food.
Avoid alcohol (increased risk of lactic acidosis).
Recognize signs of lactic acidosis (weakness, muscle pain, hyperventilation).
Stay hydrated and expect gastrointestinal side effects to decrease over time.
Report symptoms of vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency (fatigue, pallor).
Drug Name: Pioglitazone
Drug Class: Thiazolidinediones (Glitazones)
what is the indication and MOA?
Hypoglycemic
Indication: Treats Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with or without concurrent insulin or metformin therapy.
Mechanism of Action: Reduces insulin resistance by activating PPAR gamma receptors, enhancing the cellular response to insulin, allowing glucose to enter skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.
Pioglitazone Side Effects
Common Side Effects: Fluid retention, upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, myalgia.
Serious Side Effects: Increased risk for heart failure, liver injury, bladder cancer, increased fractures in women, elevated LDLs and triglycerides.
Pioglitazone Interventions
Monitor for fluid retention, edema, rapid weight gain, dyspnea (signs of heart failure).
Monitor liver function tests (ALT) periodically and watch for signs of hepatotoxicity.
Check serum lipid levels (HDL, LDL, triglycerides); elevated LDL increases cardiovascular risk.
Pioglitazone Administration
Administer orally once a day, with or without food.
Typical dose: 15-30 mg daily (adjust based on presence of heart disease).
Can be given with metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin.
Pioglitazone Contraindications and Precautions
Contraindications: Cardiovascular disease (heart failure, hypertension), active hepatic disease, Type 1 DM, diabetic ketoacidosis.
Use with Caution: Mild heart failure, hepatic impairment, history of bladder cancer.
Pioglitazone Drug Interactions
Increased Risk of Heart Failure/Edema: When used with insulin.
Increased Hypoglycemic Effect: Gemfibrozil (Lopid), ketoconazole, chromium, coenzyme Q10.
Reduces Effectiveness of Contraceptives: May interfere with contraceptive effectiveness.
Other Interactions: Glucosamine alters blood glucose control.
Pioglitazone Client Instructions
Report significant swelling, rapid weight gain, or shortness of breath (signs of heart failure).
Report symptoms of liver failure (jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain).
Watch for bladder cancer signs (hematuria, dysuria).
Expect periodic cholesterol testing due to changes in LDL and triglyceride levels.
Report any chest pain, discomfort, diaphoresis, or fatigue.
Drug Name: Acarbose
Drug Class: Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors
what is the indication and MOA?
Hypoglycemic
Indication: Treats Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with or without insulin, sulfonylurea, or metformin.
Mechanism of Action: Blocks alpha-glucosidase in the small intestine, slowing carbohydrate absorption, reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes.
Extra info: Another medication in this category is miglitol.
Acarbose Side Effects
Common Side Effects: Gastrointestinal issues (distention, flatus, hyperactive bowel sounds, diarrhea).
Serious Side Effects: Hypoglycemia (when combined with insulin/sulfonylurea), liver dysfunction, iron deficiency anemia.
Acarbose Interventions
Monitor for GI discomfort and persistent gastric distress.
Watch for hypoglycemia if combined with insulin/sulfonylureas, and treat with glucose (not carbs).
Monitor liver function tests (every 3 months for the first year).
Monitor for anemia and encourage iron-rich foods or supplements.
Acarbose Administration
Take with the first bite of food at meals (3 times daily).
Initial dosage: 25 mg, which can be increased based on postprandial levels.
Acarbose Contraindications and Precautions
Contraindications: Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, ulceration).
Use with Caution: Hepatic impairment, gastrointestinal distress.
Acarbose Drug Interactions
Increased Risk of Hypoglycemia: When combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.
Use glucose tablets (not carbohydrates) to treat hypoglycemia due to the mechanism of action.
Acarbose Client Instructions
Warn clients about the potential GI side effects (may decrease over time).
Instruct clients to carry glucose tablets at all times (especially when combined with insulin/sulfonylureas).
Report symptoms of liver dysfunction (dark urine, abdominal pain) and anemia (pallor, fatigue).
Encourage consumption of iron-rich foods due to risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Drug Name: Sitagliptin
Drug Class: DPP-4 Inhibitors (Gliptins)
what is indication and MOA?
Hypoglycemic
Indication: Treats Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with or without metformin or glitazones.
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits DPP-4 enzyme, augmenting incretin hormone, which increases insulin release and decreases glucagon release, helping to control fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels.
Extra info: DDP= Dipeptidyl Peptidase
Other examples: saxagliptin and alogliptin
Sitagliptin Side Effects
Common Side Effects: Upper respiratory infections, headaches, inflamed nasal passages.
Serious Side Effects: Pancreatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, anaphylaxis, angioedema.
Sitagliptin Interventions
Monitor for respiratory infections, fever, or persistent headaches.
Watch for GI effects (signs of pancreatitis), and check blood amylase levels if needed.
Assess for skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) and discontinue if signs of anaphylaxis or skin lesions appear.
Sitagliptin Administration
Administer orally, with or without food.
Adjust dose for clients with renal impairment or low creatinine clearance.
Also available in combination with metformin.
Sitagliptin Contraindications and Precautions
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, Type 1 DM, diabetic ketoacidosis.
Use with Caution: Renal dysfunction, pancreatitis history, clients on hemodialysis.
Sitagliptin Drug Interactions
Increased Digoxin Levels: Sitagliptin may increase digoxin levels.
Increased Risk of Hypoglycemia: When used with insulin or sulfonylureas.
Sitagliptin Client Instructions
Report persistent upper respiratory issues, fever, or unrelieved headaches.
Report signs of pancreatitis (upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting).
Review signs of hyper- and hypoglycemia, and proper blood glucose monitoring procedures.
Take medications as prescribed and report missed doses unless it’s close to the next dose.
Drug Name: Empagliflozin
Drug Class: Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2i)
what is the indication and MOA?
Hypoglycemic
Indication: Improves blood glucose control in clients with T2DM and reduces cardiovascular mortality in clients with heart failure and T2DM.
Mechanism of Action: Decreases glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, increasing urinary glucose excretion and lowering blood glucose levels. Also provides cardioprotective effects by reducing preload, afterload, and oxidative stress.
Extra info: Other medications in this category are canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and ertugliflozin.
Empagliflozin Side Effects
Common Side Effects: Genital infections (yeast, UTI), increased urination, upper respiratory infections, joint pain, nausea, constipation, elevated cholesterol and phosphate levels.
Serious Side Effects: Diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, dehydration, hypotension, bone fractures, kidney injury.
Empagliflozin Interventions
Monitor fasting blood glucose, pre-meal blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, LDL cholesterol, and kidney function.
Monitor for dehydration (low BP, low hematocrit) and electrolyte imbalances.
Assess for symptoms of ketoacidosis (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, shortness of breath).
Monitor for urinary tract infections (elevated WBC, cloudy urine, pain with urination).
Empagliflozin Administration
Administer orally once a day in the morning, with or without food.
Initial dose: 10 mg once daily, can be increased to 25 mg once daily.
Empagliflozin Contraindications and Precautions
Contraindications: Type 1 DM, severe kidney disease, kidney failure, clients on dialysis.
Use with Caution: Clients at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, hypotension, moderate kidney impairment, or on diuretics.
Empagliflozin Drug Interactions
Increased Risk of Hypoglycemia: With insulins and oral sulfonylureas.
Increased Risk of Volume Depletion and Low BP: When used with diuretics.
Other Interactions: Increased effects of loop diuretics, salicylates, and MAO inhibitors.
Empagliflozin Client Instructions
Monitor for and report symptoms of hypoglycemia and hypotension.
Maintain adequate hydration to prevent dehydration.
Report symptoms of genital yeast infections (vaginal discharge, itching) and urinary tract infections (fever, painful urination, cloudy urine).
Monitor blood pressure and blood glucose regularly.
Drug Name: Bromocriptine
Drug Class: Sympatholytic D2-Dopamine Agonist
what is indication and MOA?
Hypoglycemic
Indication: Used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), Parkinson’s disease, acromegaly, and pituitary prolactinomas. Not a first-line treatment for T2DM.
Mechanism of Action: Stimulates dopamine type 2 receptors in the hypothalamus, improving glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and reducing glucose production.
Bromocriptine Side Effects
Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hypotension, headache, fatigue.
Serious Side Effects: Psychosis, seizures, lung and heart valve fibrosis, cardiovascular events (stroke, myocardial infarction).
Bromocriptine Interventions
Monitor for hypoglycemia, drowsiness, hypotension, seizures, and stroke.
Assess cardiovascular system (heart sounds) and monitor blood pressure, especially during the initial weeks of therapy.
Monitor liver function tests at baseline and periodically for elevated liver enzymes.
Bromocriptine Administration
Administer once daily in the morning with food (within 2 hours of waking) to reduce GI effects.
Dosage may be increased until the desired blood glucose goal is reached.
Bromocriptine Contraindications and Precautions
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, Type 1 DM, uncontrolled hypertension, severe psychotic disorders, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe liver disorders, pregnancy/postpartum, lactating.
Use with Caution: History of cardiovascular disorders (stroke, myocardial infarction, hypertension, dysrhythmias).
Bromocriptine Drug Interactions
CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Ergot alkaloids, levodopa, antihypertensives, macrolide antibiotics may increase effects and risk of hypoglycemia.
CYP3A4 Inducers: Antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, dopamine antagonists (e.g., metoclopramide) may reduce effectiveness.
Dopamine Antagonists: Phenothiazines can reduce the effectiveness of bromocriptine.
Bromocriptine Client Instructions
Report dizziness, drowsiness, or syncope; use caution when driving.
Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
Monitor blood glucose and blood pressure regularly.
Avoid grapefruit juice as it can increase bromocriptine levels and effects.
Review symptoms of hyper- and hypoglycemia with the client.
Drug Name: Lispro (Rapid-Acting), Regular Insulin (Short-Acting), NPH (Intermediate-Acting), Glargine (Long-Acting)
Drug Class: Injectable Hypoglycemics
what is the indication and MOA?
Indication: Used to treat T1DM, T2DM not controlled by diet or oral hypoglycemics, and gestational diabetes.
Mechanism of Action: Promotes cellular uptake of glucose, converts glucose to glycogen, and helps store glucose in the liver and muscles. Also helps potassium uptake into cells.
Insulin Onset, Peak, and Duration
Rapid-Acting (Lispro)
Onset: 15-30 min
Peak: 30 min - 3 hr
Duration: 3-5 hr
Extra info: Other rapid-acting insulins include aspart and glulisine.