Drugs Related

to
Adrenal Function
(Chapter 34)
Physiology of Adrenal System

• Adrenal Gland- are

endocrine glands that
produces a variety of
hormone including
adrenaline and the
steroids aldosterone
and cortisol.
Physiology of Adrenal System
2 distinct parts:
• Adrenal Cortex- "outer
layer"
-made up of endocrine
tissue
-comprises about 80-
90% of the entire gland
• Adrenal Medulla- "inner
layer"
- made up of
neuroendocrine tissue
Adrenal Cortex

2 types of corticosteroids
a. glucocorticoids- secreted by the zona
fasiculata

b. mineralcorticoids- secreted by the

outer layer of the adrenal cortex, the zona
glomerrulosa
Over or undersecretion of
adrenocortical hormones can lead to:
1. Cushing's syndrome- due to
hypersecretion of glucocorticoids w/c
results in the redistribution of body fat
2. Primary aldosteronism- (oversecretion)
leads to increased retention of the water
and sodium w/c lead to potassium loss
3. Addison's disease- (undersecretion)
decrease blood sodium and glucose level
Adrenal Drugs

• aminogluthethimide(Cytadren)
• dexamethasone(Decadron, others)
• fludrocortisone(Florinef)
• hydrocortisone(Cortef, others)
• hydrocortisone sodium succinate(Solu-
Cortef, other)
• prednisone(Orasone, others)
• Glucocorticoid have 3 physiologic effects:
promote glucose availability
protein catabolism
promote lyposis

Contraindications:
-Drug allergies
• Adverse effects:
-heart failure, hypertension, headache,
insomnia, cushing's syndrome, abdominal
distention, muscle weakness, others.

• Indication
-Non-potassium sparing diuretics, Anti-
diabetic drugs, antifungal drugs,
Barbiturates, others