Oral & Injectable Medications Flashcards

Which class of oral diabetes medication works by inhibiting sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) in the kidneys?

Answer: SGLT-2 inhibitors

SGLT-2 inhibitors (e.g., empagliflozin, canagliflozin) block glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule, causing glucosuria.

A patient on a sulfonylurea skips a meal. What is the most likely adverse effect to monitor for?

Answer: Hypoglycemia

Sulfonylureas stimulate insulin secretion regardless of food intake, so skipping meals can cause hypoglycemia.

Which GLP-1 receptor agonist is available as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection?

Answer: Semaglutide weekly

Semaglutide (Ozempic) is administered once weekly subcutaneously and has strong evidence for cardiovascular benefit.

Metformin is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR below which threshold per current guidelines?

Answer: < 30 mL/min/1.73m²

Metformin is contraindicated when eGFR falls below 30 mL/min/1.73m² due to risk of lactic acidosis from drug accumulation.

Which injectable non-insulin diabetes medication also acts as an amylin analog to slow gastric emptying?

Answer: Pramlintide

Pramlintide (Symlin) is a synthetic amylin analog that slows gastric emptying and suppresses post-meal glucagon.

DPP-4 inhibitors lower blood glucose primarily by which mechanism?

Answer: Preventing breakdown of endogenous GLP-1 and GIP

DPP-4 inhibitors prolong the action of incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP by blocking the enzyme that degrades them.

A patient reports genital mycotic infections since starting a new diabetes medication. Which drug class is most likely responsible?

Answer: SGLT-2 inhibitors

SGLT-2 inhibitors increase urinary glucose excretion, creating a favorable environment for genital yeast infections.