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Questions and Answers
What is the drug class of Levothyroxine?
What is the drug class of Levothyroxine?
- Beta blocker
- Diuretic
- Antidepressant
- Thyroid preparation (correct)
What is the mechanism of action of Levothyroxine?
What is the mechanism of action of Levothyroxine?
By replacing decreased or absent thyroid hormone to restore metabolic rate.
What is the primary indication for Levothyroxine?
What is the primary indication for Levothyroxine?
Hypothyroidism
What is a contraindication for Levothyroxine?
What is a contraindication for Levothyroxine?
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Which of the following are side effects of Levothyroxine? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are side effects of Levothyroxine? (Select all that apply)
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What is an important precaution when using Levothyroxine?
What is an important precaution when using Levothyroxine?
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The route/dose of Levothyroxine is ____ mcg per kg per day orally.
The route/dose of Levothyroxine is ____ mcg per kg per day orally.
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What is the IV dose of Levothyroxine?
What is the IV dose of Levothyroxine?
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Study Notes
Levothyroxine Overview
- Drug Class: Thyroid preparation used for hormone replacement therapy.
- Primary function is to restore the metabolic rate in individuals with hypothyroidism.
Mechanism of Action
- Replaces deficient or absent thyroid hormone, leading to improved metabolism and energy levels.
Indications
- Primarily prescribed for treatment of hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid does not produce enough hormones.
Contraindications
- Should be avoided in patients with cardiac symptoms or insomnia, especially in cases of overdose or excessive dosing.
Side Effects
- Common adverse effects include irritability, nervousness, insomnia, tachycardia, nausea, weight loss, sweating, fever, leg cramps, and heat intolerance.
Precautions
- Levothyroxine requires lifelong therapy and should not be used after a recent myocardial infarction (MI).
- Regular monitoring of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels is essential to ensure proper dosing.
Route/Dose
- Oral administration: 1.7 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) per day.
- Intravenous (IV) dosing: 50 to 100 micrograms (mcg) injected into a muscle or vein once daily.
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