Exam 3: L24-25 ACTH And Adrenal Steroids Flashcards
Hydrocortisone
Preferred replacement therapy for Adrenocortical
Insufficiency
Equal mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid
Cortisone
Inactive and must convert to hydrocortisone in the liver
80% potency of hydrocortisone d/t metabolic loss
What is Fludrocortisone?
An oral synthetic adrenocortical steroid with mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid activity
Fludrocortisone has high glucocorticoid effects but more significant mineralocorticoid properties.
What are the pharmacologic actions of Fludrocortisone similar to?
Aldosterone
Fludrocortisone mimics the actions of aldosterone in the body.
When is Fludrocortisone used in combination with glucocorticoids?
For replacement therapy in primary adrenocortical insufficiency
This is especially important in conditions where both cortisol and aldosterone are absent.
What is the most severe form of 21-hydroxylase deficiency that Fludrocortisone is indicated for?
Salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome
In this condition, both cortisol and aldosterone are virtually absent.
In what situation is Fludrocortisone given independently of glucocorticoids?
When only aldosterone replacement is necessary
This includes conditions like corticosterone methyloxidase deficiency (18-hydroxylase deficiency).
Fill in the blank: Fludrocortisone has high _______ effects but much more significant _______ properties.
glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid
This highlights the dual activity of Fludrocortisone.
What type of effects do Prednisone and Prednisolone have?
More glucocorticoid effects than mineralocorticoid
What must happen for Prednisone to be active?
It must be converted to prednisolone in the liver
What is the most commonly prescribed oral glucocorticoid?
Prednisone
For what purposes is Prednisone typically used?
Anti-inflammatory purposes
How should Prednisone be administered for it to be effective?
Orally, not topically or injected locally
What are the anti-inflammatory effects of Triamcinolone, Methylprednisolone, and Betamethasone?
Highest anti-inflammatory effects with no salt-retaining effects
What type of activity do Triamcinolone, Methylprednisolone, and Betamethasone have?
Virtually no mineralocorticoid activity
What is the primary use of Triamcinolone, Methylprednisolone, and Betamethasone?
Typically only used for anti-inflammatory purposes
What is a key difference among newer glucocorticoid drugs compared to older ones?
Differences exist in duration of action and potency
Fill in the blank: Prednisone is similar to _______ and hydrocortisone.
cortisone
Does Dexamethasone have mineralocorticoid activity?
No
What type of activity does Dexamethasone have?
Very high glucocorticoid activity
For what purpose is Dexamethasone typically used?
Anti-inflammatory purposes
Why is Dexamethasone the preferred glucocorticoid for cerebral edema?
Because of its ability to enter the CNS
When is Dexamethasone used in relation to endogenous cortisol levels?
When endogenous cortisol levels have to be measured
What is a specific test that uses Dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone suppression tests
Fill in the blank: Dexamethasone is preferred for cerebral edema due to its ability to enter the _______.
CNS
What is Fluticasone commonly prescribed for?
Asthma: Inhaled and intranasal
Rhinitis: intranasal
May use oral if inhaled not working
Fluticasone is marketed under the brand names Flovent® and Flonase®.
Fluticasone is categorized as what type of medication?
Glucocorticoid
What is Ketoconazole (Nizoral®)?
Orally active antifungal agent that also inhibits steroidogenesis at higher doses
Ketoconazole is primarily known for its antifungal properties but has significant effects on hormone synthesis.
What is the mechanism of action of Ketoconazole?
Inhibits 17a-hydroxylase → decreased androgens first then cortisol
At even higher doses, it also inhibits the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone, thereby inhibiting all steroid synthesis.
What are the primary therapeutic effects of Ketoconazole?
Typically first line inhibitor of steroid biosynthesis used in patients with Cushing’s
It is used off label for other conditions not approved by the FDA.
What is a significant pharmacokinetic property of Ketoconazole?
Metabolized by and is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4
This can lead to interactions with other medications that are metabolized by the same enzyme.
What are some common adverse effects of Ketoconazole?
Reversible hepatotoxicity, gynecomastia, libido decrease, and impotence
These side effects are important to consider when prescribing the drug.
What are the contraindications/precautions associated with Ketoconazole?
Potentially teratogenic, not first line drug in pregnancy
It is crucial to avoid its use in pregnant women due to potential risks to the fetus.
What is the mechanism of action of Metyrapone?
Relatively selective inhibitor of 11ß1-hydroxylase, the terminal enzyme in cortisol synthesis
It also reduces deoxycorticosterone levels, and thus aldosterone.
What cortisol precursor is increased by Metyrapone?
11-deoxycortisol
What are the therapeutic indications for Metyrapone?
- Tests of adrenal function
- Short-term management of symptoms while cause of Cushing’s is being determined
- Long-term treatment of Cushing’s disease (off-label)
Which patient group can Metyrapone be given to that other drugs in its class cannot?
Pregnant women
What are some adverse effects of Metyrapone?
- GI disturbances
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Hirsutism (androgen shunt)
True or False: Metyrapone is considered a first-line drug for long-term management in non-pregnant women.
False
How does Metyrapone affect aldosterone function?
Increases 11-deoxycortisol, which sustains aldosterone functions
What is a notable advantage of Metyrapone compared to mitotane?
Less toxicity
What is Osilodrostat also known as?
Isturisa®
When was Osilodrostat FDA approved?
March 2020
What is the mechanism of action of Osilodrostat?
Inhibitor of 11ß1-hydroxylase and aldosterone synthesis
What condition is Osilodrostat indicated for?
Cushing’s syndrome
What is a key indication for using Osilodrostat?
When pituitary surgery is not an option or has not been curative
What is significant about Osilodrostat in the context of Cushing’s disease?
First cortisol synthesis inhibitor to be FDA-approved for treatment
How is Osilodrostat metabolized?
By multiple hepatic enzymes, including CYP3A4
What dosage adjustment is necessary when combining Osilodrostat with ketoconazole?
Decreased dose
What is a common adverse effect of Osilodrostat that affects 43% of patients?
Hypocortisolism leading to adrenal insufficiency
List three adverse effects of Osilodrostat that occurred in more than 20% of patients.
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
- Edema
What percentage of patients taking Osilodrostat experienced hypertension?
10%
What are two adverse effects associated with women taking Osilodrostat?
- Hirsutism
- Acne
What are two potential serious adverse effects of Osilodrostat?
- Hypokalemia
- Prolonged QT interval
Has Osilodrostat been tested in pregnant women?
No, but no problems in pregnant animals at normal doses
What was the effect of high doses of Osilodrostat in pregnant animals?
Decreased fetal viability
What is Mifepristone also known as?
RU 486, Mifeprix®
What is the primary mechanism of action of Mifepristone?
Powerful antagonist of progesterone receptors, and at higher doses, glucocorticoid receptors
What is Mifepristone approved for?
Inducing abortions
What condition can Mifepristone help manage in inoperable patients?
Ectopic ACTH secretion or adrenal carcinoma who have failed to respond to other therapies
What symptoms can Mifepristone provide rapid relief from?
Some hypercortisolemia symptoms like psychosis
What are some contraindications or precautions for Mifepristone?
Abdominal pain, amenorrhea, fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, pregnancy
What is Spironolactone also known as?
Aldactone®
What is the mechanism of action of Spironolactone?
Competitive mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist
What additional receptor antagonism properties does Spironolactone have?
Androgen and progesterone receptor antagonist properties
What are the therapeutic uses of Spironolactone?
- Potassium-sparing diuretic
- Primary hyperaldosteronism (also for diagnosis)
- Hypertension
- Heart Failure
- Treat ascites associated with cirrhosis
- Decrease hirsutism in women
What adverse effects can Spironolactone cause?
- Hyperkalemia
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Gynecomastia and impotence in men
- Menstrual irregularities in women
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Sedation
- Headache
- Skin rashes