Chapter 37 Flashcards
Thyroid Hormone Prototype for Hypothyroidism
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levo-T, Levothroid)
Levothyroxine (Pharmacotherapeutics)
Used as a replacement therapy for hypothyroidism
Levothyroxine (Pharmacokinetics)
Administered: Oral,
Metabolism: Liver,
Excreted: Bile,
Onset: 6-8 hours
Levothyroxine (Pharmacodynamics)
Acts as a replacement for natural thyroid hormone
Levothyroxine (Contraindications & Precautions)
Hypersensitivity,
Thyrotoxicosis,
Acute MI complicated by hypothyroidism
Levothyroxine (Adverse Effects)
Hypertension, Tachycardia, Arrhythmias, Anxiety, Headache, Nervousness, GI irritation, Sweating, Heat intolerance
Levothyroxine (Drug Interactions)
Many drugs
Levothyroxine (Maximizing Therapeutic Effects)
Replacement therapy is a lifelong occurrence,
During drug therapy, monitor cardiovascular response and serum thyroid function
Levothyroxine (Minimizing Adverse Effects)
Young adults without evidence of CAD can begin a full replacement dose
Levothyroxine (Patient and Family Education)
Explain the purpose of drug therapy,
Advise patients to avoid OTC drugs
Levothyroxine (Ongoing assessment and evaluation)
Monitor serum thyroid hormone levels periodically
Levothyroxine (Pregnancy Category)
A (No risk)
Antithyroid Agents
Propylthiouracil (PTU),
Methimazole (Tapazole),
Potassium iodide (Iosat, Thyrosafe, Thyroshield),
Sodium iodide I131 (generic)
Antithyroid Prototype
Methimazole (Tapazole)
Methimazole (Pharmacotherapeutics)
Palliative treatment of hyperthyroidism
Methimazole (Pharmacokinetics)
Administered: Oral,
Metabolism: Liver,
Excreted: Kidneys
Methimazole (Pharmacodynamics)
Inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones
Methimazole (Contraindications and precautions)
Hypersensitivity
Methimazole (Adverse effects)
Hives, Itching, Rash, Fever, Arthralgia, Joint swelling, Vertigo, Drowsiness, Nausea & Vomiting, Altered taste sensation
Methimazole (Drug interactions)
Beta-Blocking Agents,
Theophylline,
Warfarin
Methimazole (Maximizing Therapeutic Effects)
Ensure drug is being administered appropriately
Methimazole (Minimizing Adverse Effects)
During drug therapy arrange for periodic blood tests to monitor for hematologic and thyroid functions,
Monitor the patient’s bone marrow function