Reproductive System Medications: Lecture Notes

Overview

• Lecturer: Cathy from Level Up RN
• Topics Covered: Androgens, BPH medications, Erectile Dysfunction medications
• Tools: Pharmacology Second Edition Flashcards (recommended)
• End of video: Quiz for knowledge check

Androgens

Testosterone

• Uses:
  • Treatment of delayed puberty in boys
  • Hypogonadism
  • Postmenopausal breast cancer
• Contraindications:
  • Prostate cancer
• Abuse Potential: High
• Side Effects:
  • Edema
  • Acne
  • Liver dysfunction
  • Polycythemia (excessive red blood cell production)
  • Premature epiphyseal closure
  • In women: Deepening of voice, baldness, hirsutism (unusual hair growth)

BPH Medications

Overview

• BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia): Enlarged prostate causing urinary symptoms

Androgen Inhibitors

Finasteride

• Uses:
  • Treatment of BPH
  • Baldness
• Mode of Action:
  • Inhibits five alpha reductase enzyme
  • Prevents conversion of testosterone
  • Reduces prostate size, increases hair growth
• Side Effects:
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Gynecomastia (male breast tissue development)
• Mnemonic Hint: "Fine ride" to remember finasteride for baldness and BPH

Peripherally Acting Antiadrenergics

Tamsulosin and Doxazosin

• Uses:
  • Treatment of BPH
  • Baldness
  • Doxazosin also for hypertension
• Mode of Action:
  • Antagonizes alpha one receptors
  • Relaxes smooth muscles in prostate
  • Improves urine flow
  • Causes vasodilation
• Side Effects:
  • Hypotension
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Ejaculation issues

Erectile Dysfunction Medications

Phosphodiesterase Type Five Inhibitors

Sildenafil and Tadalafil

• Uses: Erectile dysfunction
• Mode of Action:
  • Enhances nitric oxide effect during sexual stimulation
  • Increases blood flow to corpus cavernosum in penis
• Side Effects:
  • Priapism (prolonged erection)
  • Increased risk for myocardial infarctions (MI)
• Key Teaching:
  • Do not take with other nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin)
  • Caution in men with cardiovascular disease
• Mnemonic Hint: "Sildenafil will help you fill out down there"

Quiz Questions

1. Finasteride is used to treat what disorder?
   • Answer: BPH (also baldness, but primarily BPH)
2. What erectile dysfunction medication causes an increased risk for an MI?
   • Answer: Sildenafil or Tadalafil (Phosphodiesterase Type Five Inhibitors)
3. What key teaching do you need to provide a patient who is taking sildenafil?
   • Answer: Advise not to take other nitrates simultaneously (risk for MI)

Conclusion

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