thyroid pharmacology Flashcards
Which drugs can cause hypothyroidism
lithium, amiodarone, cholestyramine, phenytoin, carbamazepine
LevothyroxineMOA
synthetic T4
Levothyroxine- time course
Resolution of symptoms begins within 2-3 weeks. Requires 6-8 weeks of maintenance dose to reach steady-state plasma levels . Thyroid function tests should be assessed at least 6-8 weeks after any dosage change
Levothyroxine- contraindications
cardiac disease
Hypothyroidism during pregnancy
Requires an increased dose (avg 25% increase) due to: 1. Increased levels of TBG (via estrogen) decreases free T4-T3. 2. Increased placental metabolism of T4-T3.
Myxedema coma
An extreme form of hypothyroidism, so severe as to readily progress to death unless diagnosed promptly and treated vigorously. Na and glucose drop, hypothermia, shock and possibly death.
Myxedema coma treatment
- large doses of T4- IV loading dose followed by daily IV dosing. 2. hydrocortisone to prevent adrenal crisis b/c T4 may increase its metabolism
Thyroid hormones absorption
Best in ileum-colon. bioavailability - T4: 65-85%, T3: 95%. May be modified by binding proteins (T4), food or intestinal flora. Absorption is impaired in severe myxedema, so IV only.
Levothyroxine- instructions for usage
empty stomach with water, 30-60 min before breakfast or 4 hours after last meal in evening
Levothyroxine- drugs that can impair absorption
•Metal ions (antacids, calcium and iron supplements). Ciprofloxacin, bile acid sequestrants, raloxifene, sucralfate. Avoid interaction by spacing levothyroxine dose 2 hrs before or 4-6 hrs after interacting drug
amount of free T3 and T4 in plasma
free T4 = 0.04%, free T3 = 0.4%
Levothyroxine- drugs that affect protein binding
Increased binding: estrogens/SERMs, methadone, 5-fluorouracil, heroin. Decreased binding: glucocorticoids, androgens, salicylates, anticonvulsants (phenytoin-carbamazepine), furosemide
Activation of thyroid hormones
•T3 (80%) utilized by peripheral tissues is derived from T4 deiodination in liver via 5’-deiodinase. T3 in brain and pituitary derived by intracellular deiodination
Drugs that inhibit conversion of T4 to T3
glucocorticoids, Beta blockers, amiodarone, propylthiouracil
Conditions which inhibit conversion of T4 to T3
acute/chronic illness, caloric deprivation, malnutrition, fetal/neonatal period
Inactivation of T3
•Deiodination to reverse T3, Deamination, decarboxylation, conjugation to glucuronide or sulfate
Conditions which cause increased/decreased metabolic clearance of thyroid hormones
•Increased in hyperthyroidism and CYP450 induction - decreased by hypothyroidism
Half life of T3 and T4
T4: 7 days (due to protein binding). T3: 1 day.
When should Thyroid function tests be monitored for hypothyroidism
6-8 weeks after any change in levothyroxine
Liothyronine MOA
aka triiodothyronine. Synthetic T3.
Liothyronine uses
NOT recommended for routine replacement due to short t1/2 (greater Cp fluctuations between doses), high cost.
Liothyronine contraindications
cardiac disease- T3 activity has greater risk of cardiotoxicity. Also may increase risk of osteoporosis