Pharmacology for Care of the
Family)Questions &
Answers(SCORED A+)
Anti-Androgens - ANSWER Finasteride (Propecia)
Leuprolide (Eligard, Lupron, Lupron Depot)
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) - ANSWER blocks conversion of testosterone to dihydrotesterone
Used to tx:
-BPH
-male pattern baldness
3 months of therapy need to see benefits
Stopping, reverses effect w/in 12 months
Adverse side effects:
- Decreased libido
-Impotence
dutasteride (Avodart) - ANSWER 5-alpha reductase inhibitor
used to tx:
BPH
,Can stay in serum up to 6 mon after discontinuing
can be absorbed through skin
pregnant woman shouldn't handle capsules
(fetal anomaly in male fetus)
Adverse Effects
decreased libido
Impotence
Leuprolide Acetate (Lupron) - ANSWER Luteinizing hormone - releasing agonist
create reversible:
-orchiectomy state
-oophorectomy state
Used to tx:
- advanced prostatic cancer
- Management of endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- polycystic ovarian disease
- central precocious puberty in peds
Flutamide (Eulexin, Euflex) - ANSWER Truly non-steroidal agent
Used to tx:
-Advanced prostate cancer
-female androgen excess syndrome
Adverse Effects in males
- gynecomastia
-reversible liver toxicity
, Black Box Warning
-hepatic failure
-hepatic encephalopathy
Basline/monthly liver function test for 1st 4 months
Contraindications for Testosterone - ANSWER Male breast cancer
prostate cancer
Pregnancy (X category)
Lactation
Complications of Testosterone - ANSWER - Edema w/or w/out congestive heart failure
(use caution in pts w/ preexisting cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease)
Increased risk for
-prostatic hypertrophy
-prostatic hyperplasia
-prostatic carcinoma
Hypogonadal men might experience sleep apnea
This risk increases in men w/obesity or chronic lung disease.
Refer to endocrinologist - ANSWER stimulating growth in boys with delayed puberty
aging men to increase strength + muscle mass
Adverse Reactions Androgens - ANSWER Prolonged high dose use =
-life threatening hepatitis
-hepatic neoplasms
-Hepatocellular carcinoma
Methyltestosterone + fluoxymesterone low dose:
-cholestatic hepatitis
-Jaundice