Thyroid Vascular, two lobed, surrounds trachea
What does the thyroid produce & secrete? T3= triiodothyronine T4=thyroxine --Converts in the body to T3
What regulates the thyroid? TSH & TRH --T3 and T4 are stimulated by TSH
Thyroid hormone Regulates metabolism -energy -heart stimulation (increase...
Levothyroxine ✅-Synthroid, Levothroid
-treats HYPOTHYROID
-Replacement therapy for hypothyroid and goiter
-synthetic form of thyroxine (T4) and is converted into T3 in the body replaces both
thyroid hormones in the body
-increases all metabolic processes
Goiter ✅large neck due to overworked thyroid
emergency treatment for myxedema coma ✅IV form of Levothyroxine
, Levothyroxine adverse effects ✅-thyrotoxicosis (thyroid storm)í RAPID hyperthyroid
medical emergency
-osteoporosis secondary to speeding up bone loss
-atrial fibrillation (cardiac arrythmia)
Levothyroxine contraindications/precautions ✅-Category A drug: safe in pregnancy
--Passed in breastmilk but safe to use because it is a naturally occurring hormone (but
breast feed before having a dose)
-Caution with elderly patients, older adults
-Caution with thyroitoxicosis, acute MI patients
Levothyroxine Pharmacokinetics ✅-Give PO on an empty stomach
-Prescribed in mcg
-Absorption is decreased by ***allow 4 hours between admins if taking these***
--Ca+ supplements (decrease)
--Antacids & H2 blockers (decrease)
--Iron
--Cholesterol binding agents
-Long half life of 7 days
--Dosing = 1x/day
--Takes 1 month to reach plateau
Levothyroxine Interactions ✅-Catecholemines (increase epinephrine and dopamine)
--Causes an increased response
-Antiseizure meds
--Increase levothyroxine metabolism
-Can increase the effects of Coumadin since it breaks down Vit K
Levothyroxine Nursing Implications ✅-Almost anyone can take this drug
-Empty stomach, PO, 1x daily
-Dose starts low and increases slow
-Frequent follow up and lab monitoring
--Blood work 4-6 weeks after initiating therapy
-Different brands of levothyroxine may not work the same so this needs to be
considered
Methimazole (trapazole) ✅-Treats HYPERTHYROID
-Drug of choice -> safer than PTU
-Dosing is 1 per day
Methimazole (trapazole) pharmacological action ✅Inhibits the thyroid hormone
synthesis by blocking T4 and conversion to T3
--Interferes with iodine
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