Pharmacology: posterior pituitary drugs

Question 1

VASOPRESSIN
Vasopressin deficiency is called what?
Its two main symptoms are what?

Answer 1

Diabetes insipidus
Polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive thrist)

Question 2

VASOPRESSIN
Diabetes insipidus
- Three main mechansisms?
- Two drugs

Answer 2

Central (pituitary gland)
Nephrogenic
Medication induced (eg. NSAIDs, lithium, carbamazepine)
Vasopressin and desmopressin

Question 3

VASOPRESSIN
Diabetes insipidus treatments
- Complete the table

Answer 3

Question 4

VASOPRESSIN
Vasopressin excess is called?
Two main symptoms?

Answer 4

Syndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)
V1 overstimulation –> excessive vasoconstriction –> hypertension
V2 overstomulation –> excessive water retention –> hyponatremia

Question 5

VASOPRESSIN
Syndrome of inappropriate ADH
- Physiological causes?
- Medciation causes?

Answer 5

Small cell carcinomas in lungs (which produce ADH)
SSRIs, tri/tetracyclic antidepressants

Question 6

VASOPRESSIN
Syndrome of inappropriate ADH
- 2 drug treatments?

Answer 6

Tolvaptan: V2 receptor antagonist
Demeclocycline: inhibits adenylyl cyclase activation –> fewer aquaporins

Question 7

OXYTOCIN
3 main functions?

Answer 7

Contraction of SMC of the uterus
Milk release during lacation
Promoting positive social interactions

Question 8

OXYTOCIN
Contracting the SMC of the uterus
- How to stimulate labour?
- How to treat premature labour?

Answer 8

Long acting oxytocin analogue eg. carbetocin
Oxytocin receptor antagonist eg. atosiban

Question 9

OXYTOCIN
Milk release during lactation
- Are oxytocin related drugs recommened to promote lactation? Why/why not?

Answer 9

No - lack of efficacy and safety data.

Question 10

OXYTOCIN
Promoting positive social interactions
- Oxytocin supplementation may be effective in treating which conditions?

Answer 10

Autism; schizophrenia, social phobia, post partum depression