Pharmacology Fundamentals Flashcards

A patient with type 1 diabetes asks about the 'honeymoon phase.' Which pharmacological adjustment is typically needed during this period?

Answer: Reducing insulin doses as residual beta-cell function temporarily returns

During the honeymoon phase, remaining beta cells temporarily resume function, often requiring significantly reduced insulin doses to avoid hypoglycemia.

Which cardiovascular benefit is specifically associated with empagliflozin and liraglutide based on landmark clinical trials?

Answer: Reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and heart failure hospitalization

The EMPA-REG OUTCOME and LEADER trials demonstrated that empagliflozin and liraglutide significantly reduce MACE and cardiovascular death in high-risk patients.

A patient taking insulin experiences the Somogyi effect. What is the best description of this phenomenon?

Answer: Rebound hyperglycemia following nocturnal hypoglycemia

The Somogyi effect is rebound hyperglycemia that occurs in response to counterregulatory hormone release triggered by nocturnal hypoglycemia.

Which characteristic distinguishes rapid-acting insulin analogs from regular human insulin?

Answer: Faster onset allowing injection at mealtime rather than 30 minutes before

Rapid-acting analogs (lispro, aspart, glulisine) have onset within 10-15 minutes, allowing administration at mealtime rather than 30 minutes before eating.

A CDCES is educating a patient about pramlintide. This amylin analog is approved for use in which patients?

Answer: Type 1 and insulin-treated type 2 diabetes patients

Pramlintide is approved as adjunct therapy for type 1 diabetes and insulin-treated type 2 diabetes patients who have not achieved adequate glycemic control.

Which medication class requires monitoring for urinary tract infections and genital mycotic infections as common adverse effects?

Answer: SGLT-2 inhibitors

SGLT-2 inhibitors increase urinary glucose excretion, creating an environment that promotes bacterial and fungal growth in the urinary tract and genital area.

What is the mechanism of action of bromocriptine (Cycloset) in treating type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Resets circadian rhythm-related hypothalamic dopamine activity to improve insulin sensitivity

Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist that modulates hypothalamic circadian rhythms, reducing post-meal glucose excursions through improved insulin sensitivity.