Prototype Drug Unit 5 & 7- Hydrocortisone

Question 1

Therapeutic classification

Answer 1

Adrenal hormone

Question 2

Pharmacologic classification

Answer 2

Corticosteriod

Question 3

Therapeutic uses and effects

Answer 3

Drug of choice for treating adrenocortical insufficiency. Also used for inflammation, allergic disroders, and other conditions

Question 4

Mechanism of action

Answer 4

It restores levels of glucocorticoids and mineralcoritcoids. It also blocks the actions of various chemical mediators in the inflammatory and allergic responses, including histamine, prostaglandins, and kinins.

Question 5

Adverse effects

Answer 5

Mood swings, weight gain, acne, facial flushing, nausea, insomnia, sodium and fluid retention, impaired wound healing, menstrual abnormalities

Question 6

Contraindications

Answer 6

Hypersensitivity. Be careful with diabetes, osteoporosis, psychosis, liver disease, hypothyroidism, Heart failure, children, GI disease

Question 7

Drug interactions

Answer 7

Potassium-wasting drugs such as thiazide or loop diuretic increase the risk of hypokalmea. Anticholinesterase producs severe weakness. Decreased immune response to vaccines. Live vaccines could cause infection.

Question 8

Herbal/food interactions

Answer 8

Aloe, senna, cascara, or buckthorn can cause potassium deficiency