Reproductive System Medications Lecture

Introduction

• Topic: Coverage of reproductive system medications
• Focus: Androgens, BPH medications, erectile dysfunction medications
• Additional: Quiz at the end for key concept review

Androgens

Testosterone

• Uses: Treatment of delayed puberty in boys, hypogonadism, postmenopausal breast cancer
• Contraindications: Patients with prostate cancer
• Abuse potential: High
• Side Effects:
  • Edema
  • Acne
  • Liver dysfunction
  • Polycythemia (overproduction of RBCs)
  • Premature epiphyseal closure
  • Women: Deepening of voice, baldness, hirsutism (unusual hair growth)

BPH Medications

Finasteride (Androgen Inhibitor)

• Uses: BPH, baldness
• Mode of Action: Inhibits 5-alpha reductase, prevents testosterone conversion → reduces prostate size, increases hair growth
• Side Effects:
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Gynecomastia (breast tissue development in men)
• Mnemonics: "Fine ride" to remember finasteride, baldness, BPH

Peripherally Acting Antiadrenergic

• Medications: Tamsulosin, Doxazosin (end in "-osin")
• Uses: BPH, baldness; Doxazosin also for hypertension
• Mode of Action: Antagonizes alpha-1 receptors → relaxation of prostate smooth muscles, improves urine flow, causes vasodilation
• Side Effects:
  • Hypotension (monitor blood pressure)
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Ejaculation issues

Erectile Dysfunction Medications

Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors

• Medications: Sildenafil, Tadalafil (end in "-fil")
• Uses: Erectile dysfunction
• Mode of Action: Enhances nitric oxide effect during sexual stimulation → increases blood flow to corpus cavernosum
• Side Effects:
  • Priapism (prolonged erection)
  • Increased risk for myocardial infarctions (MI)
• Key Teaching:
  • Do not take with nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) due to MI risk
  • Use cautiously in men with cardiovascular disease
• Mnemonics: "Sildenafil will help you fill out down there"

Quiz Questions

1. Finasteride is used to treat what disorder?
   • Answer: Primarily BPH, also baldness
2. What erectile dysfunction medication increases MI risk?
   • Answer: Sildenafil or Tadalafil (any phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors)
3. Key teaching for patients on sildenafil?
   • Answer: Advise not to take other nitrates simultaneously

Conclusion

• Encourage comments from students/nurses
• Share tips or mnemonics in the comments
• Subscribe and share the channel with classmates and friends in nursing school
• Like and comment if the video was helpful