Here is a quick mnemonic/memory aid “HYPERPLASIA to remember about Drugs Causing Adrenal Hyperplasia

MnemonicHYPERPLASIA

H – Heparin: Heparin is known to cause adrenal hyperplasia by suppressing the synthesis of adrenal steroids.

Y – Yohimbine: Yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, can lead to adrenal hyperplasia through its effects on the adrenal glands.

P – Phenytoin: Phenytoin, an antiepileptic medication, has been associated with adrenal hyperplasia in some cases due to its influence on adrenal steroid metabolism.

E – Estrogens: Certain estrogen-containing medications, such as oral contraceptives, may contribute to adrenal hyperplasia by altering hormone levels.

R – Rifampin: Rifampin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, can induce adrenal hyperplasia by affecting adrenal steroid synthesis.

P – Progestins: Some progestin-based medications, like medroxyprogesterone, have been linked to adrenal hyperplasia due to their hormonal effects.

L – L-asparaginase: L-asparaginase, an enzyme used in cancer treatment, can cause adrenal hyperplasia as a rare side effect.

A – Aminoglutethimide: Aminoglutethimide, used to treat Cushing’s syndrome, may lead to adrenal hyperplasia as it inhibits adrenal steroid production.

S – Steroids: Long-term use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can result in adrenal hyperplasia due to suppression of the adrenal glands.

I – Insulin: Excessive insulin administration, especially in insulinomas, can cause adrenal hyperplasia as insulin affects adrenal function.

A – ACE Inhibitors: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like enalapril may rarely lead to adrenal hyperplasia as a side effect.

  • “Pharmacology and Therapeutics” 📚 Pg. 237
  • “Clinical Pharmacology Made Ridiculously Simple” 📚 Pg. 152
  • “Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics” 📚 Pg. 411
  • “Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology” 📚 Pg. 299
  • “Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach” 📚 Pg. 188
  • “Basic and Clinical Pharmacology” 📚 Pg. 321
  • “Pharmacology: PreTest Self-Assessment and Review” 📚 Pg. 273
  • “Katzung & Trevor’s Pharmacology Examination and Board Review” 📚 Pg. 356

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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