Drugs that affect anterior pituitary hormones mimic or antagonize the effects of specific pituitary hormones.

Hypothalamic agents can inhibit or stimulate the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary using hormones or factors. However, not all of these hormones are available for pharmacological use.

Adrenocortical agents are drugs used as short-term treatment to suppress immune system in patients with inflammatory disorders. They are also used for replacement therapy to maintain hormone levels when adrenal glands are not functioning adequately.

Parathyroid agents are drugs used to treat disorders that affect serum calcium levels. This can be either antihypocalcemic agent or antihypercalcemic agent (further classified into bisphosphonates and calcitonins).

The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones that regulate body metabolism. Thyroid agents either replace or remove hormones to prevent deficiency and excess. Thyroid agents include thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH)and antithyroid drugs (further classified as thioamides and iodine solution).