Hormonal drug therapy is used to return the patient to hormonal balance by
either replacing the missing hormone or by inhibiting the secretion of the hor-
mone. Hormonal drug therapy is used for hormones produced by the pituitary,
thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands.
The pituitary gland secretes the growth hormone. Octreotide (Sandostatin) is
used to suppress growth hormone release. Somatrem (protropin) and somatropin
(Humatrope) are used to replenish missing growth hormone.
The adrenal glands produce a number of hormones. Cortiocotropin (Acthar)
is used to treat adrenal gland insufficiency.
The thyroid gland secretes two hormones that regulate protein synthesis and
enzyme activity and to stimulate mitochondrial oxidation. These are Thyroxine
(T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Levothyroxine sodium (Levothroid, Synthroid)
is used to increase the production T3 and T4. Thiourea derivatives (thioamides)
inhibit T3 and T4.
The parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) that regulate cal-
cium levels in the blood. Calcitonin increases the level of PTH.
The pancreas secretes insulin that is used to metabolize glucose. Insulin is
used to treat a decreased output of insulin by the pancreas.
Quiz
- An overproduction of GH results in
(a) acromegaly.
(b) gigantism.
(c) abnormal growth.
(d) all of the above. - ADH replacement is needed in trauma to the
(a) hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
(b) pancreas.
(c) liver.
(d) adrenal gland. - Addison’s disease is caused by
(a) underproduction of the adrenal gland.
(b) overproduction of the adrenal gland.
(c) overproduction of the pancreas.
(d) underproduction of the pancreas.
CHAPTER 21 Endocrine Medications^397