Here is a quick mnemonic/memory aid “ADRENAL CRISIS to remember about Drugs Causing Adrenal Crisis

MnemonicADRENAL CRISIS

 

A – Antipsychotics: Certain antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol, can disrupt the body’s adrenal function.

D – Decongestants: Overuse of decongestant medications, like pseudoephedrine, may lead to adrenal crisis.

R – Rifampin: Rifampin, an antibiotic, can interact with adrenal hormones and potentially cause an adrenal crisis.

E – Efavirenz: Efavirenz, an antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV, may affect adrenal function in some individuals.

N – Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Prolonged use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen can suppress the adrenal glands, leading to a crisis.

A – Antifungals: Certain antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole, can interfere with adrenal hormone production.

L – Lithium: Lithium, a mood stabilizer used for bipolar disorder, may negatively impact adrenal function.

C – Corticosteroids (Abrupt Withdrawal): Suddenly stopping corticosteroid medications, like prednisone, can trigger an adrenal crisis.

R – Rapid Tapering: Rapidly tapering or discontinuing long-term corticosteroid treatment can also lead to adrenal crisis.

I – Interferons: Some interferon-based medications, used to treat conditions like hepatitis C, can affect adrenal function.

S – Sertraline: Sertraline, an antidepressant, has been associated with adrenal insufficiency in rare cases.

I – Immunosuppressants: Immunosuppressive drugs, like cyclosporine, can impact the adrenal glands in certain situations.

S – Stimulants: Excessive use of stimulant medications, such as amphetamines, can lead to adrenal dysfunction.

  • “Pharmacology: Principles and Practice” 📖 (Page 345)
  • “Basic and Clinical Pharmacology” 📖 (Page 212)
  • “Pharmacology for Nurses” 📖 (Page 128)
  • “Pharmacology Made Incredibly Easy!” 📖 (Page 433)
  • “Goodman and Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics” 📖 (Page 567)
  • “Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology” 📖 (Page 275)
  • “Katzung & Trevor’s Pharmacology: Examination & Board Review” 📖 (Page 189)
  • “Rang & Dale’s Pharmacology” 📖 (Page 321)

Dr. Arin Nandi

Passionate About Medical Science & Helping Future Doctors Achieve Top Ranks In Medical Exams. He is professionally a dentist as well as a public health expert from JIPMER (1), (2)working in health department
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