mcp: endocrine levo

Question 1

Levothyroxine MOA

Answer 1

Synthetic thyroid hormone

thyroxine (T4)

Question 2

Levothyroxine dosing

Answer 2

Titration is necessary
Dose varies depending on the patient
Doses between 25-200 mcg per day common

Question 3

Levothyroxine administration

Answer 3

• Take in the morning on an empty stomach
• 30-60 minutes before first meal of the day
• Take with a full glass of water

Question 4

Levothyroxine separation:

Answer 4

-Separate from the following by 4 hours:
Antacids
Iron supplements
Multivitamins

Question 5

Levothyroxine side effects

Answer 5

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Decreased bone mineral density

Question 6

Levothyroxine drug interxn

Answer 6

• Antacids, iron supplements, multivitamins (may decrease absorption of levothyroxine)
• Warfarin
• Amiodarone

Question 7

Levothyroxine Precautions/Warnings

Answer 7

• cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest
• cardiovascular disease
• older adults
• Boxed Warning: should not be used to treat obesity or for weight loss

Question 8

Levothyroxine contraindications

Answer 8

• Recent acute myocardial infarction

- Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency

Question 9

Levothyroxine time of effect

Answer 9

Symptomatic improvement within 2 weeks

May take 6-8 weeks to see normalized TSH levels

Question 10

Levothyroxine TSH level monitoring

Answer 10

Every 6-8 weeks until normalized
Every 8-12 weeks after dose changes
Every 6-12 months throughout therapy

Question 11

Levothyroxine discontinuation

Answer 11

Do not abruptly discontinue