Never thyroxine is used to treat thyroid hormone deficiency the thyroid gland is responsible for the synthesis storage and release of metabolic hormones including iodine containing thyroxine t4 and triiodothyroxine t3 these hormones are crucial in the regulation of many metabolic processes and are vital for normal growth and development specific indications for
Levothyroxine include hypothyroidism congenital cretinism hashimoto disease postpartum thyroiditis pituitary gland damage or disorder affecting tsh production disorder of the hypothalamus affecting trh production surgical removal of thyroid gland radiation of the neck area in the treatment of certain cancers management of thyroid cancer and treatment of myxodema
The actions of levothyroxine are identical to thyroid hormone the drug increases the metabolic rate which increases oxygen consumption respiration and heart rate increased rate of fat protein and carbohydrate metabolism and promotes growth and maturation common side effects of levothyroxine include fluctuations in weight mood appetite body temperature tiredness
And menstrual cycle some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention these side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine at therapeutic doses adverse effects of levothyroxine therapy are rare at high doses treatment may cause central nervous system excitability such as tremors headache nervousness or insomnia
Cardiovascular adverse effects include palpitations tachycardia angina and cardiac arrest a large number of medications can interact with thyroid hormone and result in either increased or decreased effects food dietary fiber and espresso coffee also interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine oral levothyroxine is taken by mouth the injection is given as an
Infusion into the veins it is usually only given by injection if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth oral level thyroxine works best if you take it on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast try to take the medication at the same time each day swallow the tablet or capsule hole with a full glass of water the tablet may dissolve quickly and could
Swell in the throat measure the liquid medication carefully use a dosing syringe not a kitchen spoon levothyroxine doses are based on weight in children child’s dose may change if the child gains or loses weight levothyroxine is contraindicated in people who have hypersensitivity to the drug are experiencing thyrotoxicosis severe cardiovascular conditions or an
Acute metacardial infarction adrenal insufficiency must be corrected before taking levothyroxine because it can cause a serious adrenal crisis other thyroxine is mainly absorbed in the small intestine specifically through the duodenum jejunum and ilium during distribution the drug is gradually released to peripheral tissues it crosses the placenta during pregnancy
And secreted in breast milk and is more than 99 protein-bound levothyroxine is primarily metabolized in the liver the kidneys are responsible for 99 of the excretion of the drug one percent may be excreted in bile or feces by mouth the half-life is six to seven days and has a duration of action of one to three weeks the drug dose should be low and slow to start
And increase gradually to avoid adverse effects of the nursing considerations assessments obtain complete health history including allergies and drug history assess for presence or history of hypothyroidism symptoms obtain baseline ecg obtain measurements of serum t3 t4 tsh and liver function tests interventions monitor for decreasing symptoms of hypothyroidism
Monitor vital signs for changes in temperature pulse blood pressure indicators of increasing t3 t4 levels monitor for signs of weight loss indicator of increasing t3 t4 levels monitor for signs of hyperthyroidism monitor serum levels of t3 t4 tsh and blood glucose you
Transcribed from video
Levothyroxine By Mariane Meas
