Pituitary Drugs

Question 1

What is the name of the prototype medication in the Anterior Pituitary hormones/growth hormone ? ( 1)

Answer 1

Somatropin

Question 2

What is the expected pharmacological action of the Anterior Pituitary hormones/growth hormone ?

Answer 2

To stimulate growth and production of protein and decrease the use of glucose

Question 3

What are the therapeutic uses of the Anterior Pituitary hormones/growth hormone drug?

Answer 3

To treat growth hormone deficiencies (pediatric & adult growth hormone deficiencies, Turner’s syndrome (also known as 45X or 45 X0 is a genetic disorder in which a female is partially or completely missing the X chromosome) Prader- Willi syndrome ( a genetic disorder caused by a lack of function of part of chromosome 15 passes from the father, chronic renal insufficiency, cachexia, & short bowel syndrome, AIDsS wasting syndrome

Question 4

What are the routes of administration of the Anterior Pituitary hormones/growth hormone drug?

Answer 4

IM or Sub Q

Question 5

What are the adverse effects or complications of the Anterior Pituitary hormones/growth hormone drug?

Answer 5

Hyperglycemia (polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria

Question 6

What are contraindications or precautions for of the Anterior Pituitary hormones/growth hormone drug?

Answer 6

Pregnancy Risk B or C, Use is contraindicated who are severely obese or have severe resp. Impairment (sleep apnea) because of a higher risk of fatality. In diabetics, use with caution because of hyperglycemia, use caution who have hypothyroidism because thyroid function can be further suppressed** treatment should be stopped prior to epiphyseal closure (begins at the end of puberty & is completed by age 25). The epiphyseal closure is when the bones or the growth plate the cartilage completely hardens

Question 7

What are drug interactions, with the Anterior Pituitary hormones/growth hormone drug?

Answer 7

Glucocorticoids and Growth hormones as they can counteract growth -promoting effects

Question 8

What are nursing administration things to know for the Anterior Pituitary hormones/growth hormone drug?

Answer 8

Obtain baseline height & weight, monitor growth patterns during administration, reconstitute meds per instructions , mix gently & DO NOT SHAKE PRIOR TO ADMINISTRATION, Rotate injection sites , ABD ( Sub q, thighs sub Q, IM are preferred