ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE:
Medication
Mackenzie Nasta
STUDENT NAME______________________________________
Levothyroxine
MEDICATION___________________________________________________________________________
REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER____________
Thyroid Product
CATEGORY CLASS__Hormone;
_____________________________________________________________________
PURPOSE OF MEDICATION
Expected Pharmacological Action
Synthetic form of thyroxine T4. Replacement of or
supplementation to endogenous thyroid hormones;
Increases metabolic rate of body tissues: promotes
gluconeogenesis,stimulates protein synthesis,
promote cell growth, aid in development of brain/CNS
Therapeutic Use
Replacement in hypothyroidism to restore normal
hormonal balance; Suppression of thyroid cancer
Complications
Headache, Insomnia, irritability, angina pectoris, arrhythmias,
tachycardia, sweating, hyperthyroidism, menstrual irregularities,
abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, heat intolerance,
weightloss
Contraindications/Precautions
Medication Administration
PO (Adults): Hyperthyroidism: 50
mcg single dose initially, may be
increased every 2-3 weeks by 25
mcg/day. IM IV (Adults):
Hypothyroidism: 50-100 mcg/day.
Myxedema coma/stupor: 300-500
mcg/IV and additional 100-300 mcg
on 2nd da
Hypersensitivity, recent MI, Hyperthyroidism.
Use with precuation in cardiovascular disease, severe renal
insufficiency, uncorrected adrenocortical disorders, neonates
and geri population
Interactions
Cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol, sodium polystyrene
sulfonate and sevelemer= decrease absorption
PPI, antacids, sucralfate, simethicone=decrease absorption
Warfarin effects are increased.
Nursing Interventions
Administer with a full glass of water on
an empty stomach, 30-60 min before
breakfast. For patients with difficulty
swallowing crush tablets, place in 510ml of water.
Monitor for toxicity overdose. Monitor
thyroid functiontest prior to and during
therapy.
Assess vitals: apical pulse, BP, assess
for chest pain, tachycardia, etc
Client Education
Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness
Relief of symptoms of hypothyoidism; normalizing hormone
levels
Teach patient to take med at the same time
each day and to take missed doses as
soon as remembered.
Therapy is lifelong.
Advise patient to report adverse reactions
H/A, chest pain, increased pulse,
palpitations, weightloss >2lbs/week, etc.
Emphasize importance of follow up and
function tests to determine effectiveness
ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES
Therapeutic Procedure
A7