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Diabetic Medications

Powerful Mnemonics to Master Diabetes Medications

Picmonic makes learning diabetes medication classes a breeze. Our engaging characters, audio stories, and built-in quizzes help you master these medications with ease. Unlock powerful mnemonics to remember names, functions, and how they work together to control blood sugar!

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Pharmacology | Nurse Practitioner (NP) School Study Aid

Diabetic Medications
12 Picmonics to Learn | 23 mins
Insulin
Rapid Acting
Insulin Lispro (Humalog)
Insulin Aspart (Novolog)
Insulin Glulisine (Apidra)
Short Acting
Regular Insulin (Humulin R)
Intermediate Acting
Isophane NPH (Humulin N)
Long Acting
Detemir (Levemir)
Glargine (Lantus)
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2 mins
Metformin
Indications
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Mechanism of Action
Decreased Gluconeogenesis
Increased Insulin Sensitivity
Side Effects
Lactic Acidosis
GI Distress
Weight Loss
B12 Deficiency
Contraindication
GFR < 30 ml/min
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2 mins
Chlorpropamide and Tolbutamide (Orinase) (1st Generation Sulfonylureas)
Mechanisms
1st Generation Sulfonylureas
Stimulate Release of Insulin
Indications
Type 2 Diabetes
Side Effects
Hypoglycemia
Possible Cardiovascular Toxicity
Weight Gain
Considerations
Exacerbated Hypoglycemia with Beta-blockers
Avoid During Pregnancy and Breast Feeding
Avoid Alcohol
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2 mins
Glyburide and Glipizide (2nd Generation Sulfonylureas)
Mechanisms
2nd Generation Sulfonylureas
Blocks Potassium Channels in Beta Cells
Stimulate Release of Insulin
Indications
Type 2 Diabetes
Side Effects
Hypoglycemia
Considerations
More Potent
Beta Blockers Reduce Effects
Avoid Alcohol
Avoid Breastfeeding
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2 mins
Pioglitazone (Thiazolidinediones)
-glitazones Suffix
Mechanism
Binds PPAR-Gamma
Decreases Insulin Resistance
Indications
Type 2 Diabetes
Side Effects
Weight Gain
Heart Failure
Myalgia
Hypoglycemia
Upper Respiratory Infection
Considerations
Increased Risk of Bladder Cancer
Increased Fracture Risk in Women
Monitor Liver Enzymes
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2 mins
Acarbose (Precose) and Miglitol (Glyset) (Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors)
Mechanisms
Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors
Delays Absorption of Carbohydrates
Indications
Type 2 Diabetes
Side Effects
Flatulence
Diarrhea
Anemia
Cramps
Considerations
Monitor LFTs
Oral Glucose for Hypoglycemia
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2 mins
Repaglinide and Nateglinide (Meglitinides)
Mechanisms
Meglitinides
Increased Insulin Release
Indications
Type 2 Diabetes
Side Effect
Hypoglycemia
Considerations
Eat Within 30 Minutes
Gemfibrozil Increases Risk of Hypoglycemia
Short Half-Life
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2 mins
Sitagliptin (Januvia) and Saxagliptin (Onglyza) (DPP-4 Inhibitors)
-gliptin Suffix
Mechanisms
DPP-4 Inhibitor
Increases Insulin Release
Indications
Type 2 Diabetes
Side Effects
Pancreatitis
Upper Respiratory Infection and Inflammation
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Considerations
Used as Add-on Agents
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2 mins
Pramlintide (Symlin)
Mechanism
Synthetic Amylin Analog
Indications
Diabetes Type 1 and 2
Supplement Mealtime Insulin
Side Effects
Nausea
Skin Reactions at Injection Site
Considerations
Hypoglycemia When Combined with Insulin
Delayed Absorption of Oral Drugs
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2 mins
Exenatide (Byetta)
Mechanism
Incretin Mimetic
GLP-1 Synthetic Analog
Indications
Type 2 Diabetes
Side Effects
Hypoglycemia
Nausea and Vomiting
Diarrhea
Thyroid Cancer
Pancreatitis
Renal Failure
Considerations
(Give Exenatide) One Hour After Other Medications
Adjunct Therapy
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3 mins
Glucagon (GlucaGen)
Mechanism
Increases Glucose
Indications
Hypoglycemic Emergency
Side Effects
Nausea and Vomiting
Considerations
Reconstitute Powder
Consume Oral Carbohydrates
50% Dextrose IV (If No Effect)
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2 mins
SGLT2 Inhibitors
"-gliflozin" Suffix
Mechanism of Action
Blocks Glucose Reabsorption in Proximal Tubule
Indications
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Side Effects
Weight Loss
Lower Blood Pressure
Hyperkalemia
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Considerations
Contraindicated in Chronic Kidney Disease
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1 min

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