ATI PHARMACOLOGY PROCTORED EXAMS SECRETS: A
ROADMAP TO A+
Meglitinides
Repaginate
Used for type two diabetes
Increases release of insulin from pancreas
Side effects: hypoglycemia, angina
Take three times a day, eat within thirty minutes of dose
Biguanides
Metformin
Used for type two diabetes, controls BS levels
Decreases glucose production in the liver and increases glucose uptake
Side effects: GI upset, B-12 deficiency, lactic acidosis, metallic taste
Take with a meal
Do not drink alcohol
If B-12 issue, you may need supplement and discontinue use of metformin if it requires
NPO or contrast dye
Monitor for signs of lactic acidosis (diarrhea, dizziness, hypotension, bradycardia,
weakness)
Thiazolidinedione
Pioglitazone
Used for type two diabetes
Decreases insulin resistance, increases glucose uptake, decreases glucose production
Side effects: fluid retention, increased LDL, hepatotoxicity
Contraindicated in heart failure
Take once a day with or without food
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
Acarbose
Used for type two diabetes
Inhibits glucose absorption in GI tract
, Side effects: GI upset, anemia, hepatotoxicity
Contraindicated for GI disorders
Taken three times a day, with meals, with the first bite of food
Hyperglycemic Agent
Glucagon
Used for severe hypoglycemia when patient cannot take oral glucose (unconscious,
swallowing issues)
Stimulates breakdown of glycogen into glucose
Side effects: GI upset
Administer SQ or IM
Provide food as soon as they can swallow
"When all the glucose is gone, you take glucagon"
Levothyroxine
Hypothyroidism
Acts as a synthetic form of T3, T4
Side effects: r/t too high of a dose. GI upset, anxiety, heat intolerance, weight loss,
sweating
While patient is on therapy, monitor levels of TSH and T4
Should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water in the morning
Life long terapy
Propylthiouracil
Used for graves disease (hyperthyroidism) or preparation of thyroidectomy
Blocks synthesis of thyroid hormone
Side effects: agranulocytosis, GI upset, rash, hepatotoxicity, if too high: hypothyroidism
signs like cold intolerance, lethargy, weight gain, depression
Make take 1-2 weeks to work
Important to monitor CBC and liver function
PTU: Prevents Thyroid from being Up
Radioactive Iodine
Used for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer
Absorbed by thyroid and destroys its cells
ROADMAP TO A+
Meglitinides
Repaginate
Used for type two diabetes
Increases release of insulin from pancreas
Side effects: hypoglycemia, angina
Take three times a day, eat within thirty minutes of dose
Biguanides
Metformin
Used for type two diabetes, controls BS levels
Decreases glucose production in the liver and increases glucose uptake
Side effects: GI upset, B-12 deficiency, lactic acidosis, metallic taste
Take with a meal
Do not drink alcohol
If B-12 issue, you may need supplement and discontinue use of metformin if it requires
NPO or contrast dye
Monitor for signs of lactic acidosis (diarrhea, dizziness, hypotension, bradycardia,
weakness)
Thiazolidinedione
Pioglitazone
Used for type two diabetes
Decreases insulin resistance, increases glucose uptake, decreases glucose production
Side effects: fluid retention, increased LDL, hepatotoxicity
Contraindicated in heart failure
Take once a day with or without food
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
Acarbose
Used for type two diabetes
Inhibits glucose absorption in GI tract
, Side effects: GI upset, anemia, hepatotoxicity
Contraindicated for GI disorders
Taken three times a day, with meals, with the first bite of food
Hyperglycemic Agent
Glucagon
Used for severe hypoglycemia when patient cannot take oral glucose (unconscious,
swallowing issues)
Stimulates breakdown of glycogen into glucose
Side effects: GI upset
Administer SQ or IM
Provide food as soon as they can swallow
"When all the glucose is gone, you take glucagon"
Levothyroxine
Hypothyroidism
Acts as a synthetic form of T3, T4
Side effects: r/t too high of a dose. GI upset, anxiety, heat intolerance, weight loss,
sweating
While patient is on therapy, monitor levels of TSH and T4
Should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water in the morning
Life long terapy
Propylthiouracil
Used for graves disease (hyperthyroidism) or preparation of thyroidectomy
Blocks synthesis of thyroid hormone
Side effects: agranulocytosis, GI upset, rash, hepatotoxicity, if too high: hypothyroidism
signs like cold intolerance, lethargy, weight gain, depression
Make take 1-2 weeks to work
Important to monitor CBC and liver function
PTU: Prevents Thyroid from being Up
Radioactive Iodine
Used for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer
Absorbed by thyroid and destroys its cells
