T Flashcards
What is the endocrine system composed of?
Ductless glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
What are hormones?
Chemical substances synthesized from amino acids and cholesterol that act on body tissues and organs.
How are hormones categorized?
Into two categories: proteins or small peptides and steroids.
Which glands are included in the endocrine system?
Pituitary (hypophysis)
Thyroid
Parathyroid
Adrenal
Gonads
Pancreas
What is the role of hypothalamic hormones?
They are found in minute quantities and are used for diagnostic purposes or as antineoplastic agents.
What is the pharmacokinetics of hypothalamic agents?
Most are absorbed slowly when given intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or in depot form.
Fill in the blank: Most hypothalamic hormones can cross the _______.
Placenta.
What are common adverse effects of hypothalamic agents?
Increased release of sex hormones
Loss of energy
Decreased sperm count and activity
Fluid retention
What types of drugs affect the anterior pituitary hormones?
Adrenocorticotropics
Somatropin
Gonadotropics
Thyrotropics
What are the indications for growth hormone agonists?
Treatment of children with growth failure due to lack of growth hormones or chronic renal failure.
True or False: Anterior pituitary drugs can be given orally.
False.
What is hyperpituitarism?
GH hypersecretion usually caused by pituitary tumors.
What is acromegaly?
The excessive GH secretion that occurs after puberty and epiphyseal plate closure.
What are contraindications for growth hormone therapy?
Closed epiphyses
Cranial lesions
Acute illness
Pregnancy and lactation
What are some adverse effects of growth hormone therapy?
Development of antibodies to GH
Autoimmune-type reactions
Endocrine reactions of hyperthyroidism
What is the mechanism of action for glucocorticoids?
They reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
Fill in the blank: Glucocorticoids are effective at _______.
Reducing inflammation.
What is a common indication for Beclomethasone?
Blocking inflammation in the respiratory tract.
What are the common routes of administration for anterior pituitary drugs?
Most require injection; some can be administered topically.
What should be monitored in patients taking growth hormone therapy?
Height, weight, thyroid function tests, glucose tolerance tests, and GH levels.
What role do glucocorticoids play in inflammation?
They help control the inflammation process, reducing potential tissue damage.
What happens when the usual control mechanisms that turn off inflammation are not functioning properly?
Tissues can become damaged.
This refers to the uncontrolled inflammation process.
What are glucocorticoids?
A class of steroid hormones that regulate inflammation and immune responses.
What is the indication for Beclomethasone (Beclovent)?
Blocking inflammation in the respiratory tract.
What is the indication for Betamethasone (Celetone)?
Management of allergic intra-articular and topical inflammatory disorders.
What is cortisone used for?
Replacement therapy in adrenal insufficiency, treatment of allergic and inflammatory disorders.
What are the indications for Dexamethasone (Decadron)?
Management of allergic and topical inflammatory disorders, adrenal hypofunction.
What is the purpose of Flunisolide (Nasalide, AeroBid, Aerospan)?
Control of bronchial asthma, relief of symptoms of seasonal and allergic rhinitis.
What is Hydrocortisone (Cortef) used for?
Replacement therapy, treatment of allergic and inflammatory disorders.
What are the indications for Methylprednisolone (Medrol)?
Treatment of allergic and inflammatory disorders.
What is the primary use for Prednisolone (Delta-Cortef)?
Treatment of allergic and inflammatory disorders.
What is the primary indication for Prednisone (Deltasone)?
Replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency, treatment of allergic and inflammatory disorders.
What is Triamcinolone (Aristocort) used to treat?
Treatment of allergic and inflammatory disorders, management of asthma.
What are the pharmacokinetics of glucocorticoids?
Metabolized by natural systems, absorbed well, excreted in urine, can cross the placenta and enter breast milk.
In which cases should glucocorticoids be used during pregnancy?
Only if benefits to the mother clearly outweigh potential risks to the fetus or neonate.
What forms are Beclomethasone and Flunisolide available in?
Respiratory inhalant and nasal spray.
What is Budesonide used for?
Intranasal use as a relatively new steroid.
What is the effect duration of Dexamethasone and Triamcinolone?
Effects can last for 2 days.
What is the main concern with the use of Hydrocortisone?
It has largely been replaced by other steroid hormones with less mineralocorticoid effect.
What are the contraindications for glucocorticoids?
Known allergy to any steroid preparation, acute infections, diabetes, peptic ulcers, other endocrine disorders, pregnancy.
What adverse effects are associated with glucocorticoids?
Local inflammation, infections, burning, stinging, growth retardation in children.
What drug interactions can occur with glucocorticoids?
Increased toxicity with erythromycin, ketoconazole; decreased effectiveness with salicylates, barbiturates.
What is the role of Mineralocorticoids?
Influence salt and water balances (electrolyte and fluid balance).
What is the indication for Fludrocortisone (Florinef)?
Replacement therapy and treatment of salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome.
What are the pharmacokinetics of mineralocorticoids?
Absorbed slowly, undergo hepatic metabolism, cross the placenta and breast milk.
What are common adverse effects of mineralocorticoids?
Increased fluid volume, edema, hypertension, headache, arrhythmias, weakness.
What should be assessed before beginning therapy with mineralocorticoids?
History of allergy, heart failure, hypertension, infections, blood pressure, pulse.
What are thyroid agents used for?
To replace thyroid hormone when thyroid function is low or to suppress overproduction when it is high.
What are the types of thyroid agents?
Thyroid hormones and antithyroid drugs, including thioamides and iodine solutions.
What are the main thyroid hormones for treating hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine, Liothyronine, Liotrix, Thyroid dessicated.
What are the primary thyroid hormones used in replacement therapy for hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine, Liothyronine, Liotrix, Thyroid dessicated
Examples include Synthroid, Cytomel, and Armour Thyroid.
What is the main indication for thyroid hormone replacement therapy?
Hypothyroidism, suppression of TSH release, treatment of myxedema coma, treatment of thyrotoxicosis
True or False: Thyroid hormone can cross the placenta.
False