Pharmacology Quiz: Diabetes and GERD Treatments

Insulin injection sites should be rotated to prevent lipohypertrophy (fat buildup) and skin problems. Injecting into muscle can lead to faster absorption, potentially causing hypoglycemia.

Metformin, a common medication for Type 2 Diabetes, primarily works by reducing glucose production in the liver, decreasing glucose absorption in the gut, and improving insulin sensitivity, leading to better glucose uptake by cells.

Metformin can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can also increase the risk of lactic acidosis, particularly with kidney or liver problems, or in elderly patients.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of drugs that mimic the action of GLP-1, a hormone promoting insulin secretion and reducing glucagon release.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are associated with an increased risk of medullary thyroid cancer and thyroid C-cell tumors.

Decreased glucagon production in the liver leads to a decrease in hepatic glucose production. This means the liver produces less glucose when glucagon is low.

Type 2 diabetes can be caused by various factors, including genetic predisposition, obesity, physical inactivity, family history, and ethnicity.

Lifestyle factors strongly contribute to Type 2 diabetes. These include lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, excess weight, and insufficient sleep.

IV antivirals and inpatient observation are the primary treatments for skin disorders in immunosuppressed patients.

Systemic antifungal medications are monitored by checking renal and liver enzyme levels to assess for potential side effects.

Steroids are categorized by their potency, with Class 1 being the strongest and Class 7 being the weakest.

Oral antibiotics like tetracycline are often prescribed for severe acne, but they can cause gastrointestinal upset as a potential side effect.

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive, resulting in low levels of thyroid hormones. This leads to elevated TSH, low T4, low FT4, and low T3.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive, resulting in high levels of thyroid hormones. This leads to low TSH, high T4, high FT4, and high T3.

Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of T4, the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It is used to replace missing thyroid hormone in patients with hypothyroidism.

Euthyroidism is a normal thyroid function with normal hormone levels. Subclinical hypothyroidism has elevated TSH but normal T4, suggesting a mild thyroid dysfunction.

Thiazolidinediones increase insulin sensitivity in fat, liver, and skeletal muscle, making cells more responsive to insulin.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a serious potential adverse effect of sulfonylureas. This is because these drugs stimulate insulin release, which can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels.

Metformin is preferred as initial therapy for type 2 diabetes due to its effectiveness in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production by the liver, while generally having a lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to other oral medications.

Antacids work quickly to neutralize stomach acid, providing immediate relief, while PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) have a slower onset but suppress acid production for a longer duration.

In older adults, IV H2 antagonists can cause central nervous system effects like delirium (confusion) and worsen existing renal impairment (kidney problems).

PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) bind to the proton pump (H/K-ATPase) and block the release of hydrogen ions into the stomach, effectively inhibiting gastric acid secretion by parietal cells. This results in significantly reduced stomach acid.

Long-term use of PPIs (more than a year) in older adults is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis (weakening of bones).

Antiacids are most effective when taken 1 hour after meals and at bedtime, as they directly neutralize stomach acid during peak periods of acid production

A state where thyroid function is normal, with the thyroid gland producing adequate amounts of hormones.

A mild form of hypothyroidism where TSH levels are elevated, but thyroid hormone levels remain within the normal range.

A condition characterized by elevated levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and suppressed TSH levels.

A condition typically associated with hypothyroidism, characterized by swelling of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

Monitoring TSH levels every 6-8 weeks is crucial to ensure proper management and adjustment of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Hypothyroidism medication dosage should be adjusted for specific groups like pregnant women and older adults to optimize treatment and minimize risks.

Autoimmune hypothyroidism, also known as Hashimoto's disease, is caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland.

Levothyroxine (synthetic T4) is the most common medication for hypothyroidism. It is a synthetic version of the naturally produced thyroxine hormone.

Liothyronine is a synthetic form of T3, which is the active form of thyroid hormone. It is sometimes used with levothyroxine or alone for patients who can't convert T4 to T3 efficiently.

Desiccated thyroid is a natural thyroid hormone derived from pig thyroid glands, containing both T3 and T4. While less common now, it is still prescribed in some cases.

The normal range for TSH is 0.4 to 4.5 mU/L. This hormone helps regulate thyroid hormone production.

The normal range for Free T4 is 0.9 to 2.3 ng/dL. It measures the active form of thyroid hormone circulating in the blood.

Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid, causing fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, and more.

Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid, causing weight loss, heat intolerance, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, tremors, and more.

Antithyroid drugs like methimazole and propylthiouracil are used to manage Hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition caused by extreme Hyperthyroidism. It requires immediate care to prevent harm.

Methimazole and propylthiouracil are common medications used to manage long-term hyperthyroidism, while radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) is another option for treating the condition.

High-potency topical steroids are used during acute flare-ups of lesions and for prevention of exacerbations in skin conditions.

Long-term use of topical corticosteroids can lead to various adverse effects like thinning of the skin (atrophy), stretch marks (striae), acne-like breakouts (rosacea), and delayed wound healing.

Low-potency topical corticosteroids are generally safe for use on the face, while higher potency steroids might cause adverse effects like rosacea or skin atrophy.

Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in open wounds or infections. These medications can worsen existing infections or delay healing.

Topical corticosteroids work by suppressing inflammation. They reduce the release of inflammatory chemicals and dampen the activity of immune cells in the skin.

Tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream are topical calcineurin inhibitors that can be used safely in the ocular region and in immunosuppressed patients.