Endocrine System Pharmacology Flashcards

Which type of insulin has the SHORTEST onset of action?

Answer: Lispro

Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin analog with an onset of approximately 15 minutes, making it the fastest-acting option listed.

Metformin's PRIMARY mechanism to reduce blood glucose is:

Answer: Decreasing hepatic glucose production

Metformin activates AMPK, which primarily reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis to lower fasting blood glucose.

Levothyroxine is the drug of choice for treating:

Answer: Hypothyroidism

Levothyroxine is synthetic T4 used as hormone replacement therapy to treat hypothyroidism by restoring normal thyroid hormone levels.

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is preferred over methimazole during:

Answer: First trimester of pregnancy

PTU is preferred in the first trimester because methimazole is associated with a specific embryopathy including aplasia cutis and choanal atresia.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide) lower blood glucose primarily by:

Answer: Stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion

GLP-1 agonists bind GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, stimulating insulin secretion only when glucose is elevated (glucose-dependent mechanism).

Among the following corticosteroids, which has the HIGHEST anti-inflammatory potency?

Answer: Dexamethasone

Dexamethasone has approximately 25–30 times the anti-inflammatory potency of hydrocortisone, the highest of those listed.

SGLT-2 inhibitors (e.g., empagliflozin) lower blood glucose by:

Answer: Inhibiting renal glucose reabsorption

SGLT-2 inhibitors block sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 in the proximal tubule, preventing glucose reabsorption and promoting glucosuria.