Houston Methodist Pharmacology Practice Exam

Sulfonylureas are categorized as oral antihyperglycemic agents. These medications play an essential role in the management of type 2 diabetes by promoting insulin secretion from the pancreas. They work by stimulating pancreatic beta cells to release more insulin in response to glucose intake, which helps lower blood sugar levels.

The classification as oral antihyperglycemics underscores their mode of administration and therapeutic goal of controlling blood glucose levels through oral medication rather than injections or other forms. This classification includes various drug classes, but sulfonylureas specifically fall under this category due to their mechanism of action and use in diabetes management.

Other classifications such as insulin, thiazolidinediones, or GLP-1 agonists involve different mechanisms or modes of administration. Insulin is a hormone that directly lowers blood glucose levels and is typically given by injection. Thiazolidinediones function by improving insulin sensitivity, while GLP-1 agonists mimic incretin hormones to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Each of these classes has unique properties and applications, but sulfonylureas distinctly fit into the oral antihyperglycemic category due to their method of action and the route of administration.

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