Pharmacology Flashcards
what are examples of rapid acting insulin
- insulin lispro (humalog)
- insulin aspart (novorapid)
- insulin glulisine (apidra)
rapid acting insulin
- onset of action
- time of peak action
- duration of action
- 5-15 mins
- 30-60 mins
- 3-4 hours
what are examples of short acting insulin
- actrapid
- humulin S
- insuman rapid
short acting insulin
- onset of action
- time of peak action
- duration of action
- 30-60 mins
- 2-3 hours
- 6-8 hours
give examples of intermediate acting insulin
- isophane
- insulatard
- humulin I
intermediate acting insulin
- onset of action
- time of peak action
- duration of action
- 1-2 hours
- 4-6 hours
- 14-16 hours
what are examples of long acting insulin
- insulin glargine (lantus); abasaglar
- insulin determir
how should insulin be stored
- unopened vials/cartridges/pens should be stored in the fridge
- once opened and in use store at room temp
- cold injections are more painful and absorption profile of cold insulin differs from that of room temp insulin
- discard after 30 days once opened
how can insulin be given
- s/c by either insulin syringes, pen device or insulin pumps
- give into abdomen or outer thighs
What is the primary mechanism of action of Metformin?
Increases insulin sensitivity and decreases glucose production by the liver
What class of medication does Metformin belong to?
Biguanide
Does Metformin cause weight gain?
No, it does not cause weight gain and may cause some weight loss
Does Metformin cause hypoglycaemia?
No, it does not cause hypoglycaemia
What are notable gastrointestinal side effects of Metformin?
Pain, nausea, and diarrhoea (depending on the dose)
What serious condition can Metformin lead to, particularly in the context of acute kidney injury?
Lactic acidosis
What alternative can patients with gastrointestinal side effects try?
Modified-release metformin
Name three examples of SGLT-2 inhibitors.
- empagliflozin
- canagliflozin
- dapagliflozin
- ertugliflozin
Where is the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 protein located?
In the proximal tubules of the kidneys
What is the primary action of SGLT-2 inhibitors?
They block the reabsorption of glucose, causing more glucose to be excreted in the urine
What effect do SGLT-2 inhibitors have on HbA1c levels?
They lower HbA1c levels
due to loss of glucose in the urine
What are two cardiovascular benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors?
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Improve outcomes in heart failure
Which SGLT-2 inhibitors are licensed for heart failure?
- Empagliflozin
- Dapagliflozin
Which SGLT-2 inhibitor is also licensed for chronic kidney disease?
Dapagliflozin
What notable side effect is associated with SGLT-2 inhibitors?
Glycosuria (glucose in the urine)
True or False: SGLT-2 inhibitors can cause hypoglycaemia when used with insulin or sulfonylureas.
True
List two common side effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors.
- Increased urine output
- Genital and urinary tract infections
What severe infection is associated with SGLT-2 inhibitors, though rare?
Fournier’s gangrene
Fill in the blank: SGLT-2 inhibitors can lead to _______ loss.
weight
What potential risk is associated with canagliflozin specifically?
Lower-limb amputation may be more common
What serious condition can occur with SGLT-2 inhibitors despite only moderately raised glucose?
Diabetic ketoacidosis
what can SGLT-2 inhibitors cause when used with insulin or sulfonylureas
hypoglycaemia
What class of medication is pioglitazone?
Thiazolidinedione
What is the primary action of pioglitazone?
Increases insulin sensitivity and decreases liver production of glucose
Does pioglitazone typically cause hypoglycaemia?
No
List notable side effects of pioglitazone.
- Weight gain
- Heart failure
- Increased risk of bone fractures
- A small increase in the risk of bladder cancer
What is the most common sulfonylurea?
Gliclazide
What do sulfonylureas stimulate?
Insulin release from the pancreas
List two notable side effects of sulfonylureas.
- Weight gain
- Hypoglycaemia
What are incretins?
Hormones produced by the gastrointestinal tract
When are incretins secreted?
In response to large meals
How do incretins reduce blood sugar? List the mechanisms.
- Increasing insulin secretion
- Inhibiting glucagon production
- Slowing absorption by the gastrointestinal tract
What is the main incretin?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)
What enzyme inhibits incretins?
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4)
What do DPP-4 inhibitors do?
Block the action of DPP-4, allowing increased incretin activity
Name two examples of DPP-4 inhibitors.
- Sitagliptin
- Alogliptin
Do DPP-4 inhibitors cause hypoglycaemia?
No
What are notable side effects of DPP-4 inhibitors? List them.
- Headaches
- Low risk of acute pancreatitis
What do GLP-1 mimetics do?
Imitate the action of GLP-1
Name two examples of GLP-1 mimetics.
- Exenatide
- Liraglutide
How are GLP-1 mimetics administered?
As subcutaneous injections
Can liraglutide be used for weight loss?
Yes, in non-diabetic obese patients
What are notable side effects of GLP-1 mimetics? List them.
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Gastrointestinal symptoms, including discomfort, nausea and diarrhoea
What are key complications of type 2 diabetes?
- Infections (e.g., periodontitis, thrush and infected ulcers)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Autonomic neuropathy
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetic foot
- Gastroparesis (slow emptying of the stomach)
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
These complications can significantly impact the health and quality of life of individuals with type 2 diabetes.
What is the first-line medication for hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes?
ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are effective in managing hypertension and offer renal protective benefits.
When should ACE inhibitors be started in type 2 diabetics with chronic kidney disease?
When the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is > 3 mg/mmol
This threshold is lower than that for patients without diabetes.
When should SGLT-2 inhibitors be initiated in type 2 diabetics?
When the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is > 30 mg/mmol
SGLT-2 inhibitors are used in conjunction with ACE inhibitors for better management of kidney disease.
What medications may be used for erectile dysfunction in type 2 diabetes?
PDE‑5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil or tadalafil)
These medications are commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction.
What are prokinetic drugs used for in type 2 diabetes?
Gastroparesis (slow emptying of the stomach)
Examples include domperidone and metoclopramide, which should be used with caution due to potential cardiac side effects.
List four options for treating neuropathic pain in type 2 diabetes.
- Amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant)
- Duloxetine (SNRI antidepressant)
- Gabapentin (anticonvulsant)
- Pregabalin (anticonvulsant)
These medications can help alleviate symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
how can you calculate estimated insulin dose from pt weight
how can you calculate estimated insulin dose form insulin requirements during VRIII