UNIT 9 Thyroid Replacement CHAPTER 49

Question 1

Levothyroxine

Answer 1

ACTION
* INCREASES METABOLIC RATE, OXYGEN CONSUMPTION
AND BODY GROWTH (INCREASES T3 AND T4)
* USES
* LEVOTHYROXINE IS DRUG OF CHOICE
* HYPOTHYROIDISM
* MYXEDEMA – SEVERE HYPOTHYROIDISM IN ADULTS
* CRETINISM – SEVERE HYPOTHYROIDISM IN CHILDREN
* SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
* LETHARGY, MEMORY IMPAIRMENT, SLOW THINKING, COLD
INTOLERANCE, DRY SKIN, CONSTIPATION, WEIGHT GAIN

Question 2

Levothyroxine S/A & A/A

Answer 2

SIDE EFFECTS/ADVERSE REACTIONS
* GI DISTRESS
* TREMORS/NERVOUSNESS/INSOMNIA
* WEIGHT LOSS

• TACHYCARDIA
• HYPERTENSION
• PALPITATIONS
• OSTEOPOROSIS
• THYROID STORM

Question 3

Patient teaching & Interactions

Answer 3

INTERACTIONS
* INCREASED EFFECTS OF ANTICOAGULANTS, TCAS,
VASOPRESSORS, DECONGESTANTS
* DECREASED EFFECTS OF ANTIDIABETIC DRUGS,
DIGOXIN
* FOOD – TAKE ON EMPTY STOMACH ½-1 HOUR
BEFORE FOOD
* CONTRAINDICATIONS
* SEVERE RENAL DISEASE
* CAUTION
* CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
* HYPERTENSION
* DIABETES (INCREASES BLOOD GLUCOSE)
HYPOTHYROIDISM -
LEVOTHYROXINE