The Endocrine System

Question 0

What are the treatments for hypothyroidism and how do they work?

Answer 0

• Levothyroxine T4 - thyroxine substitute used for replacement therapy.
• Intravenous Triiodothyronine T3 - only for emergencies.

Question 1

What treatment is used for hyperthyroidism and how does it work?

Answer 1

Carbizamole - inhibits the synthesis of thyroxine completely.

Question 2

What is the treatment for hypercalcaemia and how do they work?

Answer 2

• Alendronic Acid - slows rate of bone growth to prevent calcium loss.
• Calcitonin - only for short term use, also slows rate of bone growth.

Question 3

What is the treatment for hypocalcaemia and how does it work?

Answer 3

• Ergocalciferol - a form of vitamin D to promote strong bones.

Question 4

Name 5 glucocorticoids and their uses.

Answer 4

• Hydrocortisone - eczema.
• Prednisolone - asthma.
• Methylprednisolone - stops transplant rejection.
• Dexamethasone - cerebral oedema
• Beclametasone - asthma

Question 5

Name a minerocorticoid and it’s use.

Answer 5

• Aldosterone - potassium loss and sodium excretion at the kidneys.

Question 6

Name 5 drugs used for female hormone replacement therapy and how they work.

Answer 6

• Oestrogen - post-menopausal osteoporosis, ovarian failure, hypogonadism and breast cancer.
• Tamoxifen - oestrogen-sensitive tumours/breast cancer
• Clomiphene - ovarian failure and fertility treatment.
• Oxytocin - used to induce labour
• Prostoglandins - muscle contraction, used to induce labour.

Question 7

Name 2 contraceptive drugs and how they work.

Answer 7

• Combined pill - low dose of oestrogen and progesterone to stimulate negative feedback, hypothalamus stops release of GTRH, anterior pituitary stops FSH which inhibits ovulation.
• Mini pill - progesterone only pill which alters cervical mucous to prevent implantation.

Question 8

Name 5 treatments for the male reproductive system and how they work.

Answer 8

• Testosterone - used to treat hypogonadism and breast cancers.
• Anabolic steroids - produce tissue-building effects of testosterone.
• Nandrolone - anaemia associated with renal failure.
• Sildenofil/Viagra - used for erectile dysfunction and arterial hypertension.
• Alprostadil - erectile dysfunction.