Endocrine Pharmacology for PA Students | Adrenal, Pituitary, Thyroid & Parathyroid Medications

In this comprehensive PA Pharmacology lecture, we review high-yield endocrine medications commonly tested on exams and encountered in clinical practice. This session covers therapeutic applications, mechanisms of action, major adverse effects, contraindications, and essential patient education strategies for: 🔹 Adrenal Pharmacology • Glucocorticoids • Mineralocorticoids (Fludrocortisone) • Adrenal androgens (DHEA) • Steroid tapering strategies and HPA axis suppression 🔹 Pituitary & Posterior Pituitary Agents • Vasopressin • Desmopressin (DDAVP) • Oxytocin • Human Growth Hormone (Somatropin) • Octreotide 🔹 Thyroid Pharmacology • Natural vs Synthetic thyroid hormones • Levothyroxine (T4) • Liothyronine (T3) • Liotrix • Antithyroid drugs (Methimazole, PTU) • Iodides and Radioactive Iodine • Medication-induced hypo- and hyperthyroidism 🔹 Parathyroid Pharmacology • Cinacalcet • Calcitriol We also discuss: • Safe steroid tapering and prevention of adrenal crisis • Recognition of thyroid over- and under-replacement • High-risk adverse effects (agranulocytosis, hepatotoxicity, hyponatremia, arrhythmias) • Drug interactions and monitoring strategies • Documentation best practices • Patient counseling for safe endocrine pharmacotherapy This lecture is designed for PA students in pharmacology and aligns with PANCE-style learning objectives emphasizing mechanism-based reasoning and medication safety. If you are preparing for exams or strengthening your endocrine prescribing foundation, this session provides the clinical framework you need.