Pharm - Thyroid/Antithyroid Flashcards
Cardiovascular function of thyroid hormone
Increased CO
Decreased vascular resistance
Metabolic function of thyroid hormone
Increase BMR, heat production, O2 consumption, and LDL receptor expression
Respiratory function of thyroid hormone
Increase respiratory rate
Bone/Skin function of thyroid hormone
Bone growth
Epidermis and dermis
Hair and nails
Sweat glands
CNS function of thyroid hormone
CNS development and responsiveness
Growth function of thyroid hormone
Promotes growth
Required for fetal development
Skeletal muscle function of thyroid hormone
Required for muscle function
Describe the regulation of thyroid hormone synthesis
The HPT axis controls thyroid hormone synthesis.
TSH from the anterior pituitary stimulates thyroid hormone production. Iodine and thyroglobulin combine to make MIT and DIT (organificaiton) and then are coupled within the colloid to form T3 and T4. Both steps are catalyzed by TPO.
How are thyroid hormones transported in the blood?
Bound to thyroxine-binding globulin (T3 and T4) and transthyretin (T4 only)
Only the unbound hormone is active
What effect does pregnancy have on thyroid hormone transport?
Increased estrogen associated with pregnancy increases the TBG levels, thus decreasing the amount of free T4, decreasing the biological activity
How is T4 converted to T3?
Deiodinase enzymes: Type 1 activates T4 to T3 in the liver and kidney. Type 2 activates T4 to T3 intracellularly in target tissues.
What are the two major disorders of the thyroid gland?
Hypothyroidism: Hashimotos thyroiditis
Hyperthyroidism: Grave’s disease
Diagnose a patient with Low T4/T3 and high TSH
Hypothyroidism: most likely Hashimotos thyroiditis
Diagnose a patient with High T4/T3 and low TSH
Hyperthyroidism: Could be pituitary adenoma, Grave’s disease
What are the treatment options for hypothyroidism
Levothyroxine: synthetic T4 (Drug of choice)
Liothyronine: synthetic T3
What is a major pharmacokinetic difference between Levothyroxine and Liothyronine?
Levothyroxine has a slow onset whereas Liothyronine is rapid onset. This allows levothyroxine to be taken once daily, unlike liothyronine which requires multiple doses per day.
When would you use liothyronine instead of levothyroxine?
In cases when rapid action is required such as myxedema coma or preparing a patient for radioiodine therapy
Once T4 therapy is begun, how long does it take for improvement?
Improvements should begin in about 2 weeks
TSH levels reach steady state in about 6 weeks
Full recovery can take months
How is T4 therapy monitored?
TSH levels are checked to assess therapeutic efficacy
What risks are associated with over replacement of T4?
Hyperthyroidism
Risk of atrial fibrillation
Increased bone loss in post-menopausal women
What are the major types of drug interaction with levothyroxine?
Inhibitors of absorption: Ca/Fe supplements, fiber, cholestyramine, ciprofloxacin, antacids
Increased metabolism: Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, St. John’s wort
Increased TBG: pregnancy, cirrhosis, estrogen therapy