05 Endocrine and Diabetes Medications Free Online FlashCards

Which insulins provide rapid meal-time coverage?

Insulin lispro, aspart, and glulisine are rapid-acting insulins used for meal-time or bolus coverage.

What distinguishes insulin NPH?

Insulin NPH is intermediate-acting and provides basal coverage; it has a noticeable peak.

What is the key action profile of insulin glargine?

Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin that generally has little or no pronounced peak.

How does metformin lower blood glucose?

Metformin lowers liver glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity. Gastrointestinal effects are common, and it usually does not cause hypoglycemia by itself.

What is the main action and key risk of sulfonylureas?

Sulfonylureas stimulate pancreatic insulin release and can cause hypoglycemia and weight gain.

How do SGLT2 inhibitors lower blood glucose?

SGLT2 inhibitors promote glucose excretion in urine. Risks include genital yeast infections and, rarely, ketoacidosis.

What is a key safety concern with pioglitazone?

Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that improves insulin sensitivity; it can cause fluid retention and worsen heart failure.

What is levothyroxine used to treat?

Levothyroxine is synthetic T4 and first-line hormone replacement for hypothyroidism. Calcium and iron can interfere with its absorption.

What is methimazole's main role in thyroid treatment?

Methimazole reduces thyroid-hormone production and is commonly used for hyperthyroidism, including Graves disease. Fever or sore throat warrants prompt clinical evaluation.

What additional action distinguishes PTU from methimazole?

Propylthiouracil (PTU) reduces thyroid-hormone production and peripheral T4-to-T3 conversion. It is often preferred over methimazole in the first trimester of pregnancy; serious liver injury is a risk.

Why should prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy not be stopped abruptly?

Long-term or high-dose systemic corticosteroids can suppress the body's own cortisol production and raise blood glucose. Prolonged therapy should not be stopped abruptly without medical direction.

Which adrenal hormones do hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone replace?

Hydrocortisone commonly replaces cortisol in primary adrenal insufficiency; fludrocortisone replaces aldosterone when needed.