Med Term
endocrinologist
Where in the body are the adrenal glands located
on top of kidneys
What does it mean to taper a medication?
slowly decrease the amount taken over time to wean off instead of stopping all at once
Brand name = Decadron
dexamethasone
Brand name = Prednisone Intensol
prednisone
corti-
cortex
When is epinephrine typically released in our bodies?
during times of stress
Name one thing that corticosteroids are used to treat
Addison’s disease
Arthritis, inflamed joints, tendons, or muscles
Autoimmune disorders (lupus, multiple sclerosis)
Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, rash)
Crohn's disease & ulcerative colitis
Asthma
Organ transplant
Brand name = Medrol
methylprednisolone
Name one of the brand names of epinephrine
EpiPen, Adrenalin, Primatene
medications that reduce the strength of the body's immune system
immunosuppressants
What two hormones are produced in the adrenal cortex?
cortisol and aldosterone
Why are corticosteroids available in so many different dosage forms?
Can be used to treat many different things - local treatment preferred to avoid systemic side effects
Brand name = Orapred
prednisolone
Brand name = Diprolene, Celestone
betamethasone
crin/o
secrete
What two hormones are secreted from the adrenal medulla?
epinephrine and norepinephrine
If someone is suffering from an adrenal crisis, what medication should they be given?
hydrocortisone (IV or IM)
Brand name = Cortef
hydrocortisone
Brand name = Temovate
clobetasol
What are 3 differences between Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome (hormone levels, physical appearance/symptoms, treatment)
Addison's involves low cortisol and aldosterone. Patients typically are thin/frail, have darker skin pigmentation, low blood pressure. Need treated with corticosteroid replacement.
Cushing's involves high cortisol. Patients typically have excess weight, particularly in abdomen and face, thin skin that bruises easily, high blood pressure. Typically treated with surgery to remove tumors (if that's the cause) or adrenal glands, or with meds to reduce cortisol.
What are epinephrine and norepinephrine classified as?
hormones, neurotransmitters, catecholamines
When your blood cortisol levels are low, what happens to get more to be released?
The hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH alerts the pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH stimulates the adrenal gland to produce and release cortisol.
What is the day supply of a Medrol Dosepak?
6 days
Brand name = Kenalog
triamcinolone