Hormones

Commonly Prescribed Drugs

See General Uses of Select Hormones table.

Pharmacologic Profile

General Use

GENERAL USES OF SELECT HORMONES

DRUG	MECHANISM
Estradiol and estrogens	Amenorrhea; contraception; postmenopausal osteoporosis (prevention); vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause; vulvar/vaginal atrophy associated with menopause
Desmopressin	Diabetes insipidus; hemophilia A; nocturia; nocturnal enuresis; von Wildebrand disease
Glucagon	Hypoglycemia
Goserelin	Breast cancer; endometriosis; prostate cancer; uterine bleeding
Insulin	Type 1 and 2 diabetes
Levothyroxine	Hypothyroidism
Megestrol	Anorexia/cachexia; breast cancer; endometrial cancer
Nafarelin	Central precocious puberty; endometriosis
Octreotide	Acromegaly; carcinoid syndrome; variceal bleeding
Ospemifene	Vulvar/vaginal atrophy associated with menopause
Oxytocin	Labor induction
Progesterone	Amenorrhea; contraception; uterine bleeding
Testosterone	Delayed puberty (males); hypogonadism (males)
Vasopressin	Hypotension (associated with septic shock)

General Action and Information

Natural or synthetic substances that have a specific effect on target tissue. Differ greatly in their effects, depending on individual agent and function of target tissue.

Contraindications

Differ greatly among individual agents; see individual entries.

Precautions

Differ greatly among individual agents; see individual entries.

Interactions

Differ greatly among individual agents; see individual entries.

Nursing Implications

Assessment

Monitor patient for symptoms of hormonal excess or insufficiency.
Sex Hormones: BP and liver function tests should be monitored periodically throughout therapy.

Implementation

Sex Hormones: During hospitalization, continue to administer according to schedule followed prior to hospitalization.

Patient/Family Teaching

Explain dose schedule (and withdrawal bleeding with female sex hormones).
Emphasize the importance of follow-up exams to monitor effectiveness of therapy and to ensure proper development of children and early detection of possible side effects.
Female Sex Hormones: Advise patient to report signs and symptoms of fluid retention, thromboembolic disorders, mental depression, or hepatic dysfunction to health care professional.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Resolution of clinical symptoms of hormone imbalance including menopause symptoms and contraception.
Correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
Control of the spread of advanced metastatic breast or prostate cancer.
Slowed progression of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Hormones included in Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses