Questions and Answers
What is the therapeutic class of levothyroxine?
What is the pharmacologic class of levothyroxine?
What are some actions and uses of levothyroxine?
Synthetic form of T4, drug of choice for replacement therapy in low thyroid function.
When administering levothyroxine, it should be given in the _____ to avoid insomnia.
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Which of the following are adverse effects of levothyroxine?
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Levothyroxine is contraindicated for treating obesity.
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Name a contraindication for levothyroxine.
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Which of the following drugs decreases the absorption of levothyroxine?
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What dietary items should be taken 4 hours after levothyroxine?
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The treatment of overdose for levothyroxine is the use of _____ antagonists.
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What is a serious complication associated with levothyroxine use?
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What nursing implication should be observed when administering levothyroxine?
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Study Notes
Levothyroxine (Synthroid) Overview
- Classified as a thyroid hormone, crucial for managing thyroid replacement therapy.
- Utilized primarily to treat hypothyroidism and restore hormone balance.
Actions and Uses
- Synthetic T4 hormone crucial for restoring normal thyroid levels.
- Promotes effects similar to endogenous thyroid hormones: weight loss, temperature tolerance, increased activity and heart rate.
- Dosing is personalized, tailored to individual patient needs.
Administration Alerts
- Administer consistently at the same time each day, preferably in the morning to minimize sleep disturbances.
- Safety category in pregnancy: Category A.
Adverse Effects
- Adverse effects mimic symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including:
- Palpitations and dysrhythmias
- Anxiety and insomnia
- Weight loss and heat intolerance
- Potential menstrual irregularities
- Long-term use may lead to osteoporosis in women.
Black Box Warning
- Contraindication against using thyroid hormone for weight loss or obesity treatment.
Contraindications
- Not advised for individuals with:
- Thyrotoxicosis or severe cardiovascular diseases including acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina.
- Adrenal insufficiency, hypertension, impaired kidney function, and diabetes mellitus.
Drug Interactions
- Certain medications can diminish levothyroxine's efficacy or heighten risks:
- Cholestyramine, colestipol reduce absorption.
- Epinephrine and norepinephrine may increase cardiac insufficiency risks.
- Warfarin can enhance bleeding risks.
- Digitalis effects may be decreased.
- Theophylline clearance may be reduced.
Herbal and Food Interactions
- Items that negatively impact absorption include:
- Soybean flour in infant formulas
- Cottonseed meal, walnuts
- High dietary fiber
- Calcium or iron supplements should be spaced 4 hours apart.
Lab Tests
- No specific lab tests indicated.
Treatment of Overdose
- Overdose can be managed with beta-adrenergic antagonists, such as propranolol.
Nursing Implications/Patient Education
- Regularly monitor blood tests to track thyroid levels.
- Instruct patients to notify healthcare providers before discontinuing medication.
- Educate on signs and symptoms of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
- Clearly explain dosage timing and interactions with other medications to patients.
Complications
- Potential for thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm), a life-threatening condition characterized by:
- Severe tachycardia, heart failure, and shock
- Hyperthermia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
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Description
Explore the essential information about Levothyroxine (Synthroid), a crucial thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. This quiz covers its actions, administration alerts, potential adverse effects, and important safety warnings. Test your knowledge on proper dosing and patient management with this therapeutic agent.
