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Endocrine Pharmacology
Endocrine pharmacology is organized by hormonal organ systems.
Each section links to physiology, pathophysiology, drug classes, and therapeutic strategy.
Diabetes & Glucose Regulation
1. Hypoglycemics (Increase Insulin Effect)
These agents increase insulin levels and carry hypoglycemia risk. Insulin Therapy
Rapid-Acting (Prandial)
Short-Acting
- Regular Insulin (Humulin R®, Novolin R®)
Intermediate-Acting
- NPH (Humulin N®, Novolin N®)
Long-Acting (Basal)
Ultra-Long Acting
- Degludec (Tresiba®)
- Glipizide (Glucotrol®)
- Glyburide (Diabeta®, Glynase®)
- Glimepiride (Amaryl®)
- Repaglinide (Prandin®)
- Nateglinide (Starlix®)
2. Anti-Hyperglycemics (Low Hypoglycemia Risk)
These agents improve glycemia without directly increasing insulin secretion.
- Metformin (Glucophage®)
- Pioglitazone (Actos®)
- Rosiglitazone (Avandia®)
- Exenatide (Byetta®, Bydureon®)
- Liraglutide (Victoza®, Saxenda®)
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)
- Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®)
Dual GLP-1/GIP Incretin Agonists
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®)
- Retatrutide (Investigational)
- Dapagliflozin (Farxiga®)
- Empagliflozin (Jardiance®)
- Sotagliflozin (Inpefa®)
Thyroid
Thyroid Hormone Replacement
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid®, Levoxyl®)
- Liothyronine (Cytomel®)
- Liotrix (Thyrolar®)
Antithyroid Drugs
- Methimazole (Tapazole®)
Iodine Therapy
Symptom Control in Hyperthyroidism
Adrenal
Glucocorticoids
Short-Acting:
- Hydrocortisone (Cortef®)
Intermediate-Acting:
- Prednisone (Deltasone®)
- Methylprednisolone (Medrol®)
Long-Acting:
- Dexamethasone (Decadron®)
Mineralocorticoids
- Fludrocortisone (Florinef®)
Steroid Synthesis Inhibitors
- Osilodrostat (Isturisa®)
- Etomidate (IV for severe Cushing’s)
- Abiraterone (Zytiga®)
Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonists
- Mifepristone (Korlym®)
Aldosterone Antagonists
(Linked in Cardiovascular but physiologically adrenal)
- Spironolactone (Aldactone®)
- Eplerenone (Inspra®)
ACTH & Diagnostic Agents
- Cosyntropin (Cortrosyn®)
Adrenolytic Agents
- Mitotane (Lysodren®)
Pituitary
Prolactin Disorders
- Cabergoline (Dostinex®)
- Bromocriptine (Parlodel®)
Growth Hormone Disorders
Growth Hormone Replacement
- Somatropin (Genotropin®, Humatrope®)
- Lonapegsomatropin (Skytrofa®)
- Somaclonal GH (long-acting formulations)
GH Receptor Antagonist
- Pegvisomant (Somavert®)
[[endocrine:somatostatin:start|Somatostatin Analogs]]
- Octreotide (Sandostatin®)
- Lanreotide (Somatuline®)
- Pasireotide (Signifor®)
ACTH Axis
Vasopressin (Posterior Pituitary)
- Desmopressin (DDAVP®)
- Vasopressin (Pitressin®)
Gonadotropins & Fertility Agents
GnRH Agonists
- Leuprolide (Lupron®)
- Goserelin (Zoladex®)
GnRH Antagonists
Gonadotropins
Oxytocin Axis
- Oxytocin (Pitocin®)
Reproductive Endocrinology
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
- Tamoxifen (Nolvadex®)
- Raloxifene (Evista®)
- Spironolactone (Aldactone®)
- Finasteride (Proscar®, Propecia®)
Bone & Mineral Metabolism
Anti-Resorptive Agents
Oral:
- Alendronate (Fosamax®)
- Risedronate (Actonel®)
- Ibandronate (Boniva®)
IV:
- Zoledronic Acid (Reclast®, Zometa®)
- Pamidronate (Aredia®)
- Denosumab (Prolia®, Xgeva®)
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
- Raloxifene (Evista®)
- Salmon Calcitonin (Miacalcin®)
Anabolic / Bone-Forming Agents
- Teriparatide (Forteo®)
- Abaloparatide (Tymlos®)
- Romosozumab (Evenity®)
Vitamin D & Calcium Axis
Nutritional:
- Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
- Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2)
Active Forms:
- Calcitriol (Rocaltrol®)
- Paricalcitol (Zemplar®)
- Doxercalciferol (Hectorol®)
Calcium Supplements
Hyperparathyroidism / CKD-MBD
- Cinacalcet (Sensipar®)
- Etelcalcetide (Parsabiv®)
Phosphate Binders
Calcium-based:
Non-calcium:
- Sevelamer (Renvela®)
- Lanthanum (Fosrenol®)
- Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide (Velphoro®)
- Ferric Citrate (Auryxia®)