[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › Endocrine and metabolism # Endocrine and metabolism 100 drugs ## 5-α-reductase inhibitors - [**About this section** Drugs that block the conversion of testosterone into DHT, so the prostate shrinks slowly. Used in benign…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/5-reductase-inhibitors/) - [**Dutasteride** Steroid 5-α-reductase types 1 and 2 (SRD5A1 and SRD5A2)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/dutasteride/) - [**Finasteride** Steroid 5-α-reductase type 2 (SRD5A2)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/finasteride/) ## Adrenal steroid synthesis inhibitors - [**About this section** Drugs that block enzymes of the adrenal cortex to lower cortisol in Cushing syndrome or to test the…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/adrenal-steroid-synthesis-inhibitors/) - [**Metyrapone** Steroid 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/metyrapone/) - [**Mitotane** Adrenal cortex mitochondria (activated to a toxic metabolite) and cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/mitotane/) - [**Osilodrostat** 11-beta-hydroxylase (CYP11B1), and aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/osilodrostat/) ## Androgens - [**About this section** Testosterone and related steroids. They replace testosterone in male hypogonadism; weak androgens such as…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/androgens/) - [**Danazol** Androgen and other gonadal steroid receptors; it suppresses pituitary FSH and LH](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/danazol/) - [**Testosterone** Androgen receptor (AR), a nuclear receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/testosterone/) ## Anti-obesity drugs - [**About this section** Drugs used with diet and activity to lose weight. This page covers orlistat, which blocks fat absorption in…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/anti-obesity-drugs/) - [**Naltrexone and bupropion** Hypothalamic appetite and brain reward circuits (opioid receptors and dopamine/noradrenaline reuptake)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/naltrexone-and-bupropion/) - [**Orlistat** Pancreatic and gastric lipases](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/orlistat/) - [**Phentermine** Noradrenergic nerve endings in the brain (releases noradrenaline)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/phentermine/) - [**Phentermine and topiramate** Brain appetite and satiety circuits (phentermine releases catecholamines; topiramate acts on several targets)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/phentermine-and-topiramate/) ## Antithyroid agents - [**About this section** Medicines that lower thyroid hormone production in hyperthyroidism: thionamides, iodide and radioactive…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antithyroid-agents/) - [**Carbimazole** Thyroid peroxidase (TPO), through methimazole](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/carbimazole/) - [**Methimazole** Thyroid peroxidase (TPO)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/methimazole/) - [**Potassium iodide** Sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) of the thyroid](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/potassium-iodide/) - [**Propylthiouracil** Thyroid peroxidase (TPO)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/propylthiouracil/) - [**Sodium iodide (131I)** Sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) of the thyroid](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/sodium-iodide/) ## Biguanides - [**About this section** Oral glucose-lowering drugs that make the liver release less glucose. Metformin is the only one still in…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/biguanides/) - [**Metformin** Mitochondrial respiratory chain, complex I](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/metformin/) ## Bisphosphonates - [**About this section** Bone-seeking drugs that slow the cells that break bone down. The first-line treatment of osteoporosis and of…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/bisphosphonates/) - [**Alendronic acid (alendronate)** Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), an enzyme of the mevalonate pathway in osteoclasts](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/alendronic-acid/) - [**Ibandronic acid** Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) in osteoclasts](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/ibandronic-acid/) - [**Pamidronic acid** Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) in osteoclasts](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/pamidronic-acid/) - [**Risedronic acid (risedronate)** Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), an enzyme of the mevalonate pathway in osteoclasts](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/risedronic-acid/) - [**Zoledronic acid** Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), an enzyme of the mevalonate pathway in osteoclasts](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/zoledronic-acid/) ## Calcimimetics - [**About this section** Drugs that make the parathyroid gland «feel» more calcium than there is, so it releases less PTH. Used in…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/calcimimetics/) - [**Cinacalcet** Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), a G-protein–coupled receptor of the parathyroid gland](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/cinacalcet/) - [**Etelcalcetide** Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) of the parathyroid gland](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/etelcalcetide/) ## Calcitonins - [**About this section** Peptide hormones that briefly stop osteoclasts and make the kidney lose calcium. Now used mainly to lower…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/calcitonins/) - [**Calcitonin (salmon)** Calcitonin receptor (CTR), a G-protein–coupled receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/calcitonin/) ## Corticosteroids (glucocorticoids) - [**About this section** Synthetic versions of cortisol. They calm inflammation and the immune system and replace the hormone when…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/corticosteroids/) - [**Betamethasone** Glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a nuclear receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/betamethasone/) - [**Clobetasol** Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in skin cells](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/clobetasol/) - [**Dexamethasone** Glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a nuclear receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/dexamethasone/) - [**Fludrocortisone** Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), a nuclear receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/fludrocortisone/) - [**Hydrocortisone** Glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a nuclear receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/hydrocortisone/) - [**Methylprednisolone** Glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a nuclear receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/methylprednisolone/) - [**Prednisolone** Glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a nuclear receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/prednisolone/) - [**Prednisone** Glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a nuclear receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/prednisone/) - [**Triamcinolone** Glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a nuclear receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/triamcinolone/) ## DPP-4 inhibitors (gliptins) - [**About this section** Oral drugs that stop the breakdown of the body's own gut hormones (incretins), so insulin rises after meals…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/dpp-4-inhibitors/) - [**Alogliptin** Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/alogliptin/) - [**Linagliptin** Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/linagliptin/) - [**Saxagliptin** Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/saxagliptin/) - [**Sitagliptin** Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/sitagliptin/) - [**Vildagliptin** Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/vildagliptin/) ## Drugs that raise blood glucose - [**About this section** Drugs used to treat or prevent low blood sugar: glucagon for emergencies and diazoxide for excess insulin.](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/drugs-that-raise-blood-glucose/) - [**Diazoxide** Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) of the KATP channel](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/diazoxide/) - [**Glucagon** Glucagon receptor (GCGR)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/glucagon/) ## Estrogens - [**About this section** Female sex hormones used for menopausal symptoms, to prevent bone loss and to replace missing ovarian…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/estrogens/) - [**Conjugated estrogens** Estrogen receptors α and β, nuclear receptors](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/conjugated-estrogens/) - [**Estradiol** Estrogen receptor α (ERα), a nuclear receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/estradiol/) ## FGF23-blocking antibodies - [**About this section** Antibodies that neutralise FGF23, the hormone that makes the kidney waste phosphate. Phosphate rises and…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/fgf23-blocking-antibodies/) - [**Burosumab** Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/burosumab/) ## GLP-1 receptor agonists - [**About this section** Injected (and one oral) drugs that copy the gut hormone GLP-1: more insulin after meals, less appetite…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/glp-1-receptor-agonists/) - [**Dulaglutide** GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/dulaglutide/) - [**Exenatide** GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/exenatide/) - [**Liraglutide** GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/liraglutide/) - [**Semaglutide** GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/semaglutide/) - [**Tirzepatide** GIP receptor and GLP-1 receptor (dual agonist)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/tirzepatide/) ## Gonadotropins - [**About this section** Injected FSH- and LH-like hormones that make ovarian follicles grow and trigger ovulation, or drive…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/gonadotropins/) - [**Chorionic gonadotrophin** Luteinising hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/chorionic-gonadotrophin/) - [**Follitropin alfa** Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/follitropin-alfa/) ## Growth hormone - [**About this section** Recombinant human growth hormone and its long-acting forms, used when the body does not make enough of it.](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/growth-hormone/) - [**Mecasermin** Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/mecasermin/) - [**Somatropin** Growth hormone receptor (GHR)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/somatropin/) ## Growth hormone receptor antagonists - [**About this section** Engineered copies of growth hormone that sit on its receptor without switching it on. They lower IGF-1 in…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/growth-hormone-receptor-antagonists/) - [**Pegvisomant** Growth hormone receptor (GHR)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/pegvisomant/) ## Insulins - [**About this section** Injectable replacements for the hormone insulin. They differ mainly in how fast they start and how long they…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/insulins/) - [**Insulin aspart** Insulin receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/insulin-aspart/) - [**Insulin degludec** Insulin receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/insulin-degludec/) - [**Insulin detemir** Insulin receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/insulin-detemir/) - [**Insulin glargine** Insulin receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/insulin-glargine/) - [**Insulin glulisine** Insulin receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/insulin-glulisine/) - [**Insulin lispro** Insulin receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/insulin-lispro/) - [**Isophane (NPH) insulin** Insulin receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/isophane-insulin/) - [**Regular human insulin** Insulin receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/regular-human-insulin/) ## Other glucose-lowering drugs - [**About this section** Smaller groups for type 2 (and type 1) diabetes: drugs that slow carbohydrate digestion, short-acting…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-glucose-lowering-drugs/) - [**Acarbose** Intestinal alpha-glucosidases (maltase-glucoamylase, sucrase-isomaltase) and pancreatic alpha-amylase](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/acarbose/) - [**Miglitol** Intestinal alpha-glucosidases (maltase-glucoamylase, sucrase)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/miglitol/) - [**Nateglinide** ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel of the beta cell, SUR1 subunit](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/nateglinide/) - [**Pramlintide** Amylin receptors (calcitonin receptor with RAMP proteins)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/pramlintide/) - [**Repaglinide** Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) of the KATP channel](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/repaglinide/) - [**Teplizumab** CD3 on T lymphocytes (CD3 epsilon)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/teplizumab/) ## Parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogues - [**About this section** Daily injections of a PTH fragment that build new bone. Anabolic, unlike the drugs that only slow bone loss.](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/parathyroid-hormone-analogues/) - [**Abaloparatide** Parathyroid hormone/PTHrP receptor type 1 (PTH1R)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/abaloparatide/) - [**Teriparatide** PTH/PTHrP type 1 receptor (PTH1R), a G-protein–coupled receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/teriparatide/) ## Progestogens (progestins) - [**About this section** Progesterone and synthetic relatives. They protect the uterine lining during estrogen therapy, treat…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/progestogens/) - [**Medroxyprogesterone acetate** Progesterone receptor (PR), a nuclear receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/medroxyprogesterone-acetate/) - [**Megestrol** Progesterone receptor (PGR); it also has glucocorticoid activity](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/megestrol/) - [**Norethisterone** Progesterone receptor (PR), a nuclear receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/norethisterone/) - [**Progesterone** Progesterone receptor (PR), a nuclear receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/progesterone/) ## RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitors - [**About this section** Antibodies that block RANKL, the signal that makes osteoclasts form and work. Strong antiresorptives, but…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/rank-ligand-inhibitors/) - [**Denosumab** RANK ligand (RANKL), the cytokine that switches on osteoclasts](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/denosumab/) ## Sclerostin inhibitors - [**About this section** Antibodies that remove the brake sclerostin puts on bone-building cells. Bone formation rises quickly and…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/sclerostin-inhibitors/) - [**Romosozumab** Sclerostin (SOST)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/romosozumab/) ## Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) - [**About this section** Drugs that act like oestrogen in some tissues and block it in others: they treat breast cancer, prevent bone…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/selective-oestrogen-receptor-modulators/) - [**Clomifene** Oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/clomifene/) - [**Ospemifene** Oestrogen receptor (ERα)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/ospemifene/) - [**Raloxifene** Oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/raloxifene/) - [**Tamoxifen** Oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/tamoxifen/) ## SGLT2 inhibitors (gliflozins) - [**About this section** Oral drugs that make the kidney spill glucose into the urine. They also protect the heart and kidneys…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/sglt2-inhibitors/) - [**Canagliflozin** Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/canagliflozin/) - [**Dapagliflozin** Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/dapagliflozin/) - [**Empagliflozin** Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/empagliflozin/) - [**Ertugliflozin** Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/ertugliflozin/) - [**Sotagliflozin** Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/sotagliflozin/) ## Somatostatin analogues - [**About this section** Long-lasting copies of somatostatin, the body's «stop» hormone. They lower growth hormone and gut hormone…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/somatostatin-analogues/) - [**Lanreotide** Somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2), and SSTR5](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/lanreotide/) - [**Octreotide** Somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2), and SSTR5](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/octreotide/) - [**Pasireotide** Somatostatin receptors, highest affinity for SSTR5](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/pasireotide/) ## Sulfonylureas - [**About this section** Oral drugs that make the pancreas release more insulin. Cheap and effective, but the classic cause of…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/sulfonylureas/) - [**Glibenclamide** Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) of the KATP channel](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/glibenclamide/) - [**Gliclazide** Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) of the KATP channel](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/gliclazide/) - [**Glimepiride** Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) of the KATP channel](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/glimepiride/) - [**Glipizide** Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) of the KATP channel](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/glipizide/) ## Thiazolidinediones (glitazones) - [**About this section** Oral insulin sensitizers that act on a nuclear receptor in fat. They work slowly and can retain fluid and…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/thiazolidinediones/) - [**Pioglitazone** PPAR-gamma (nuclear receptor)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/pioglitazone/) - [**Rosiglitazone** PPAR-gamma (nuclear receptor)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/rosiglitazone/) ## Thyroid hormones - [**About this section** Synthetic T4 (levothyroxine) and T3 (liothyronine) that replace the hormone an underactive thyroid no longer…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/thyroid-hormones/) - [**Levothyroxine** Thyroid hormone receptor β (and α)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/levothyroxine/) - [**Liothyronine** Thyroid hormone receptor β (and α)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/liothyronine/) - [**Resmetirom** Thyroid hormone receptor beta (THR-beta)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/resmetirom/) ## Vasopressin and its analogues - [**About this section** Antidiuretic hormone and its synthetic relatives. Through V2 receptors they hold water in the kidney…](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/vasopressin-and-its-analogues/) - [**Desmopressin** Vasopressin V2 receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/desmopressin/) - [**Terlipressin** Vasopressin V1a receptor](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/terlipressin/) - [**Vasopressin** Vasopressin V1a receptor (and V2 in the kidney)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/vasopressin/) ## A to Z - [A](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/a/) - [B](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/b/) - [C](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/c/) - [D](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/d/) - [E](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/e/) - [F](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/f/) - [G](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/g/) - [H](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/h/) - [I](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/i/) - [K](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/k/) - [L](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/l/) - [M](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/m/) - [N](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/n/) - [O](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/o/) - [P](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/p/) - [Q](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/q/) - [R](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/r/) - [S](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/s/) - [T](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/t/) - [U](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/u/) - [V](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/v/) - [W](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/w/) - [X](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/x/) - [Y](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/y/) - [Z](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/a-z/z/) [← Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given. Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/areas/endocrine/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/areas/endocrine/