Thyroid hormone drugs for hypothydroidism Flashcards
How do they work?
They are synthetic versions of the hormones
What can hypothyroidism cause?
Lethargy
Weight gain
Constipation
Slowing of mental processes
What are the side effects of these drugs?
GI upset
Cardiac e.g. palpitations, arrhythmias, angina
Neurological e.g. tremor, restlessness, insomnia
Weight loss
These are associated with dose
What are the warnings of this drug?
Precipitate cardiac ischaemia in people with coronary artery disease
What are the interactions of this drug class?
Antacids, calcium and iron salts reduce GI absorption of levothyroxine need to separate administration by 4 hours
Enzyme inducer drugs- need an increase in levothyroxine dose
Levothyroxine induced changes in metabolism can increase requirements for glucose-lowering treatments and may enhance effects of warfarin.
