Pharmacology · USMLE Step 1

USMLE Pharmacology: Endocrine Drugs

Diabetes, thyroid, and hormone replacement drug classes with mechanism and one signature side effect per card.

36 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.

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What is the primary mechanism of action of metformin?
Decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis
What serious adverse effect is linked to metformin, especially with renal impairment?
Lactic acidosis
How do sulfonylureas such as glipizide and glyburide stimulate insulin release?
They close ATP-sensitive potassium channels on pancreatic beta cells
Because sulfonylureas stimulate insulin release regardless of glucose level, their most common adverse effect is ____.
hypoglycemia
Besides hypoglycemia, what other adverse effect is common with sulfonylureas?
Weight gain
Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone) act as agonists at which nuclear receptor?
PPAR-gamma
What adverse effect makes thiazolidinediones risky in patients with heart failure?
Fluid retention and edema
What enzyme do DPP-4 inhibitors such as sitagliptin block?
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4)
What potential adverse effect is associated with DPP-4 inhibitors?
Pancreatitis
What gastrointestinal side effect is most common with GLP-1 receptor agonists?
Nausea and vomiting
What is the mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors such as empagliflozin?
They block glucose reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule
SGLT2 inhibitors can cause a rare complication called ____, where ketoacidosis occurs despite near-normal blood glucose.
euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis
What is the mechanism of action of acarbose?
Inhibits intestinal alpha-glucosidase, delaying carbohydrate absorption
Besides hypoglycemia, what electrolyte abnormality can insulin therapy cause?
Hypokalemia
What hormone deficiency does levothyroxine treat?
Hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone, T4, deficiency)

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