methimazole Flashcards
what is the classification for methimazole?
Thyroid Hormone Antagonist (antithyroid compounds)
what is the pharmacotherapeutics of methimazole?
palliative treament of hyperthyroidism as an adjunct in preparation for surgery to manage thyrotoxic crisis
how is methimazole administered?
orally
what is the pharmacodynamics of methimazole?
inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 & T4), thus nes T3 & T4 are not produced.
what are the contraindications and precautions of methimazole?
- hypersensitivity to antithyroid drugs
- pregnancy category D. crosses placenta and enters breast milk
what are the adverse effects of methimazole?
hives, itching, rash, fever, arthralgia, joint swelling, vertigo, drowsiness, N/V, and altered taste sensation (due to possible retention of toxins)
what are the drug interactions of methimazole?
beta-blocking agents, theophylline, and warfarin are all exacerbated when body is in an increased state. when thyroid becomes more euthyroid, then may need to readjust above meds.
what are the health status, lifespan/gender, lifestyle/diet/habits & environment of methimazole?
- assess for contraindications to therapy
- pregnancy category D
- assess ability to adapt to long-term therapy. vertigo and drowsiness may occur thus, advise against driving or performing other tasks while adjusting to medication
- assess environment where drug will be given
What are the nursing Dx for methimazole?
- imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements r/t increased metabolic demands secondary to hypothyroidism
- desired outcome: the pt will describe reasons why weight loss may occur and discuss nutritional needs related to age, lifestyle and diagnosis.
- risk for injury r/t to blood dyscrasias (e.g., granulocytosis) or to drowsiness and vertigo secondary to adverse reaction of PTU
- desired outcome: the pt will demonstrate no adverse hematologic reactions to thyroid therapy.
- nonadherence r/t to long-term use of the antithyroid agent and need to take the prescribed medication frequently
- desired outcome: the pt will describe the reasons for the therapeutic regimen, identify barriers to adherence, and identify the behaviors that must change to facilitate adherence.
how do you maximize the therapeutic effects of methimazole?
ensure that the drug is being administered appropriately. drug may be given in equal divided doses (q8h) if client unable to tolerate once a day administration
how do you minimize the adverse effects of methimazole?
- during drug therapy, arrange for periodic blood tests to monitor for hematologic and thyroid functions
- monitor the patient’s bone marrow function
what are the patient and family education of methimazole?
- explain the purpose of therapy
- if the drug is taken in divided doses, instruct patients to take them every 8 hours around the clock
what are the ongoing assessment and evaluation of methimazole?
monitor serum thyroid hormone levels periodically to evaluate the effectiveness of MMI and to assess the need for replacement thyroid hormone because the thyroid gland is suppressed
