(lee-voh-thigh-ROX-een SO-dee-um)
T4, L-ThyroxineHormone (thyroid)
Eltroxin (CAN), Levo-T, Levothroid, Levoxyl, PMS-Levothyroxine Sodium (CAN), Synthroid, Unithroid
General Information
Levothyroxine is the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland. A deficiency in the natural hormone causes hypothyroidism, which is associated with symptoms such as weight gain and reduced bodily functions. A synthetic preparation is administered to replace the natural hormone when it is deficient. It is also sometimes given in association with Carbimazole or Propylthiouracil in the treatment of an overactive thyroid gland. Levothyroxine is also administered (in higher doses) to people who have had thyroid cancer. Levothyroxine doses are generally increased gradually to help prevent side effects and special attention is required in patients with heart problems such as anginaAction
Check protein synthesis; increases metabolism, cardiac output, renal blood flow, O2 consumption, body temperature, blood volume, growth, development at the cellular level through the action on the thyroid hormone receptorsTherapeutic result: correction of the lack of thyroid hormone
Availability (Rx)
• Capsules (Tirosint): 13 mcg, 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75 mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112mcg, 125 mcg, 137mcg or 150 mcg• Injection, Powder for Reconstitution: 100mcg, 200 mcg, 500 mcg. Tablets: 25mcg, 50 mcg, 75 mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg,112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg, 175 mcg, 200mcg, 300 mcg
Uses
Hypothyroidism, myxedema coma, thyroid hormone replacement, thyrotoxicosis, congenital hypothyroidism, some types of thyroid cancer, suppression of pituitary TSH (usually administered orally)Indications and Dosages
‣Mild hypothyroidism
TabletsAdults
• Initial: 50 mcg per day, increased from 25 to 50 mcg every 2-3 weeks until the desired response occurs or the therapeutic blood level is reached. Maintenance: from 75 to 125 mcg per day
• Dose adjustment: for elderly patients and those with cardiovascular disease or chronic hypothyroidism, the starting dose is generally reduced from 12.5 to 25 mcg per day and then increased from 12.5 to 25 mcg every 3-4 weeks until response desired. For the elderly patients, the maintenance dose is limited to 75 mcg per day
• Initial: 50 mcg per day, increased from 25 to 50 mcg every 2-3 weeks until the desired response occurs or the therapeutic blood level is reached. Maintenance: from 75 to 125 mcg per day
• Dose adjustment: for elderly patients and those with cardiovascular disease or chronic hypothyroidism, the starting dose is generally reduced from 12.5 to 25 mcg per day and then increased from 12.5 to 25 mcg every 3-4 weeks until response desired. For the elderly patients, the maintenance dose is limited to 75 mcg per day
Usual pediatric dose
• Note: the dosage is highly personalized and based on body weight and age (see manufacturer's dosage). The following information represents common ranges observed at each age
Child ˃12 years: PO 2-3 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Usual: 150 to 200 mcg per day
6-12 year old boy: PO 4-5 mcg / kg / day administered as a single dose am
• Usual: 100 to 150 mcg per day
Children from 1 to 5 years: PO from 5 to 6 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Usual: 75 to 100 mcg per day
Children 6-12 months: PO 6-8 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Usual: 50-75 mcg / day
Children ˂6 months: PO 8-10 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Normal: 25-50 mcg / day
Children 3 months and younger
• Usual: 10-15 mcg / day
• Initial: 12.5 to 25 mcg per day. Increased by 25 mcg every 2-3 weeks until the desired response occurs or the therapeutic blood level is reached. Maintenance: from 75 to 125 mcg per day. Maximum: 200 mcg per day
• Adult 50 years
No heart disease or 50 year with heart disease: PO 25-50 mcg / day, head q6-8wk
• Adult ˃50 years
With heart disease: PO 12.5-25 mcg / day, value at 12.5-25 mcg q6-8wk
• Note: the dosage is highly personalized and based on body weight and age (see manufacturer's dosage). The following information represents common ranges observed at each age
Child ˃12 years: PO 2-3 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Usual: 150 to 200 mcg per day
6-12 year old boy: PO 4-5 mcg / kg / day administered as a single dose am
• Usual: 100 to 150 mcg per day
Children from 1 to 5 years: PO from 5 to 6 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Usual: 75 to 100 mcg per day
Children 6-12 months: PO 6-8 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Usual: 50-75 mcg / day
Children ˂6 months: PO 8-10 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Normal: 25-50 mcg / day
Children 3 months and younger
• Usual: 10-15 mcg / day
‣Severe hypothyroidism
Adults ˂50 years• Initial: 12.5 to 25 mcg per day. Increased by 25 mcg every 2-3 weeks until the desired response occurs or the therapeutic blood level is reached. Maintenance: from 75 to 125 mcg per day. Maximum: 200 mcg per day
• Adult 50 years
No heart disease or 50 year with heart disease: PO 25-50 mcg / day, head q6-8wk
• Adult ˃50 years
With heart disease: PO 12.5-25 mcg / day, value at 12.5-25 mcg q6-8wk
Usual pediatric dose
• Note: the dosage is highly personalized and based on body weight and age (see manufacturer's dosage). The following information represents common ranges observed at each age
Child ˃12 years
• PO 2-3 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Usual: 150 to 200 mcg per day
6-12 year old boy
• PO 4-5 mcg / kg / day administered as a single dose am
• Usual: 100 to 150 mcg per day
Children from 1 to 5 years
• PO from 5 to 6 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Note: the dosage is highly personalized and based on body weight and age (see manufacturer's dosage). The following information represents common ranges observed at each age
Child ˃12 years
• PO 2-3 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Usual: 150 to 200 mcg per day
6-12 year old boy
• PO 4-5 mcg / kg / day administered as a single dose am
• Usual: 100 to 150 mcg per day
Children from 1 to 5 years
• PO from 5 to 6 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Usual: 75 to 100 mcg per day
Children 6-12 months
• PO 6-8 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Usual: 50-75 mcg / day
Children ˂6 months
• PO 8-10 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Usual: 25-50 mcg / day
Children 3 months and younger
• Usual: 10-15 mcg / day
I.V. or I.M.injection
Adults
• 50 to 100 mcg per day until reaching the therapeutic level in the blood
Children
• 75% P.O. dose daily until it reaches the therapeutic level in the blood
Adults
• 200 to 500 mcg per day 1. If there is no significant improvement, 100 to 300 mcg in day 2. The daily dose continued as prescribed until the therapeutic level of blood and P.O. Administration is tolerated
Children
• 75% P.O. daily dose up to the therapeutic blood level and P.O. Administration is tolerated
Adults, the elderly
• 2-6 mcg / kg / day for 7-10 days
P.O. Route
• Onset: 3-5 days, peak: 3-4 weeks Duration: 1-3 weeks
I.V. Route
• Onset: 6–8 h, Peak: 24 h, Duration: unknown
I.M. Route
• Onset: unknown, peak: unknown, duration: 1-3 weeks
beta-blockers: possibly impaired action of beta-blockers and reduction of the conversion of T4 to triiodothyronine (T3)
• Cholestyramine, colestipol, enteral nutrition, antacids, calcium
• Iron supplements: may reduce the absorption of levothyroxine. Separate administration times
• Digoxin: can alter the required dose of digoxin as thyroid function is corrected due to the increase in the metabolic rate; monitor.
• Estrogen: decrease in the effects of the thyroid hormone. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: reduction of the effects of levothyroxine
• Oral anticoagulants: can alter the effects of oral anticoagulants
• Sympathomimetics: may increase the risk of coronary insufficiency
• Antiepileptic medicines These medicines can reduce the effect of levothyroxine
• Sucralfate The absorption of levothyroxine can be reduced with sucralfate
• Antidepressants Levothyroxine can increase the effects of tricyclic antidepressants
• Oral contraceptives can increase the need for levothyroxine
Decrease: thyroid function test
Make sure to tell your doctor if:
• You have high blood pressure
• You have heart problems
• Do you have diabetes
• You are taking other medications
Administer IV after dilution with the diluent provided (0.9% NaCl), 500 mcg / 5 ml, 200 mcg / 2 ml; shake well; administer through a Y-tube or a 3-way tap; give 100 mcg or less for 1 minute; do not add to IV infusion; It is considered incompatible in the syringe with all other products
Rate of Administration
Store the vials at room temperature
• CV: hypotension, heart block, CV collapse, bradycardia, arrest
• EENT: tinnitus, blurred vision
• GI: nausea, vomiting, anorexia
• HEMA: methemoglobinemia
• INTEG: skin rash, urticaria, edema, swelling, petechiae, itching
• MISC: febrile response, phlebitis at inj site
• RESP: dyspnea, respiratory depression
T3, T4, FTI, which have decreased; TSH radioimmunoassay, which increases; radioabsorption, which increases if the patient receives too low a dose of medication
• Monitor pro-time (may require an anticoagulant reduction); bleeding control, bruising Evaluate the increase in nervousness, excitability, irritability, which may indicate a too high dose of drugs, usually after 1-3 weeks of treatment
• Evaluate cardiac status: angina, palpitations, chest pain, VS change; the geriatric patient heart problems may be undetected and baseline ECG should be completed before treatment
Children
(Undertreatment): May decrease intellectual development, linear growth
(Overtreatment): adversely affects brain maturation, accelerates bone age
• Instruct the patient to report excitability, irritability, anxiety, sweating, heat intolerance, chest pain, palpitations, which indicate an overdose
• Follow-up visits to the office, thyroid function tests are essential
• Take your medications at the same time every day, preferably in the morning
• Advise the patient not to change brands unless approved by the prescriber; bioavailability can differ from; do not take with food; Absorption will decrease
• Teach the patient that the product can be suspended after childbirth; will be the thyroid panel evaluated after 1-2 months
• Monitor pulse for rate, rhythm; reports irregular rhythm or pulse greater than 100 beats / min
• Promptly report chest pain, weight loss, anxiety, tremors, insomnia
• Tell patient to notify prescriber if rash or hives develop during drug use
• Inform the patient that temporary hair loss may occur during the first few months of levothyroxine therapy
• Inform the woman of childbearing age to notify the doctor immediately if she is pregnant as the dose of levothyroxine may need to be increased
• Teach the patient that the product should not be taken to reduce weight
• Advise the patient to avoid iodine over the counter preparations; read the labels; to separate antacids, iron, calcium based products for 4 hours
• Advise the patient To avoid iodine-rich foods, iodized salt, soy, tofu, turnips, iodine-rich seafood, bread
• Children may present reversible hair loss, increased aggression during the first one few months of therapy
• The complete therapeutic effect can take 1 to 3 weeks
Children 6-12 months
• PO 6-8 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Usual: 50-75 mcg / day
Children ˂6 months
• PO 8-10 mcg / kg / day administered in a single dose am
• Usual: 25-50 mcg / day
Children 3 months and younger
• Usual: 10-15 mcg / day
I.V. or I.M.injection
Adults
• 50 to 100 mcg per day until reaching the therapeutic level in the blood
Children
• 75% P.O. dose daily until it reaches the therapeutic level in the blood
‣Myxedema Coma
I.V. injectionAdults
• 200 to 500 mcg per day 1. If there is no significant improvement, 100 to 300 mcg in day 2. The daily dose continued as prescribed until the therapeutic level of blood and P.O. Administration is tolerated
Children
• 75% P.O. daily dose up to the therapeutic blood level and P.O. Administration is tolerated
‣Suppression of thyroid stimulating hormone in thyroid cancer, nodules, euthyroid
POAdults, the elderly
• 2-6 mcg / kg / day for 7-10 days
‣Usual IV maintenance dose IV
Adults, elderly, children. Starting dose about half of the previously established oral doseP.O. Route
• Onset: 3-5 days, peak: 3-4 weeks Duration: 1-3 weeks
I.V. Route
• Onset: 6–8 h, Peak: 24 h, Duration: unknown
I.M. Route
• Onset: unknown, peak: unknown, duration: 1-3 weeks
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to tablet components, such as tartrazine. Acute myocardial infarction, unopened or open subclinical thyrotoxicosis, incorrect adrenal insufficiency (can cause acute adrenal crisis); myocardial infarction and thyrotoxicosis without complications from hypothyroidism, treatment of obesityDrug / Laboratory interactions
Individual Drugs
adrenocorticoids: possibly adjustments in the dose of adrenocorticoids as the thyroid status changes antacids containing aluminum and magnesium, bile acid sequestrants, calcium carbonate, cation exchange resins, cholestyramine, colestipol, ferrous sulphate, kayexalate, orlistat, sucralfate: possible reduced effects of levothyroxine amiodarone, iodine: possibly hyperthyroidismbeta-blockers: possibly impaired action of beta-blockers and reduction of the conversion of T4 to triiodothyronine (T3)
Drug Classifications
• Antidiabetic drugs: when thyroid replacement occurs, antidiabetic requirements may change; monitor• Cholestyramine, colestipol, enteral nutrition, antacids, calcium
• Iron supplements: may reduce the absorption of levothyroxine. Separate administration times
• Digoxin: can alter the required dose of digoxin as thyroid function is corrected due to the increase in the metabolic rate; monitor.
• Estrogen: decrease in the effects of the thyroid hormone. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: reduction of the effects of levothyroxine
• Oral anticoagulants: can alter the effects of oral anticoagulants
• Sympathomimetics: may increase the risk of coronary insufficiency
• Antiepileptic medicines These medicines can reduce the effect of levothyroxine
• Sucralfate The absorption of levothyroxine can be reduced with sucralfate
• Antidepressants Levothyroxine can increase the effects of tricyclic antidepressants
• Oral contraceptives can increase the need for levothyroxine
Drug / Herb
Decrease: effect of thyroid hormone: soyDrug / Laboratory tests
Increase: CPK, LDH, AST, blood sugarDecrease: thyroid function test
Foods
Coffee, dairy products, soy flour (formula for infants), cotton seed flour, nuts and dietary fiber, nuts: possible reduction of the absorption of levothyroxine from the gastrointestinal tractPrecautions
Pregnancy A, breastfeeding, geriatric, angina, hypertension, ischemia, heart disease, other cardiovascular diseases, adrenal insufficiency, myxedema, diabetes mellitus and tasteless, swallowing disordersMake sure to tell your doctor if:
• You have high blood pressure
• You have heart problems
• Do you have diabetes
• You are taking other medications
Maternal / newborn:
Category A: can be used during pregnancy- Presumed safe during breastfeeding; Pay attention and watch the baby. The drug passes into breast milk, but adverse effects on the baby are unlikely, when normal doses. Talk to your doctor
- Myxedema coma is a disease of the elderly. An approved oral dosage form
Elderly
More sensitive to effects. Atrial fibrillation is a common side effect related with levothyroxine treatment in the elderlyAdministration / Management
IV Route
ReconstitutionAdminister IV after dilution with the diluent provided (0.9% NaCl), 500 mcg / 5 ml, 200 mcg / 2 ml; shake well; administer through a Y-tube or a 3-way tap; give 100 mcg or less for 1 minute; do not add to IV infusion; It is considered incompatible in the syringe with all other products
Rate of Administration
- Use immediately; discard unused portions
- Give each 100 mcg or less for 1 minute
Store the vials at room temperature
PO Route
- In am if possible as single dose to decrease sleeplessness; at same time each day to maintain product level; take on empty stomach
- Administer before breakfast to prevent insomnia
- Only for hormonal imbalances; it should not be used for obesity, male infertility, menstrual conditions, lethargy
- Lower dose that relieves symptoms; lower dose for geriatric patients and for those with heart disease
- Crush and mix with water; non-dairy formula or breast milk for babies, children
- Take 4 hours minimum between antacids, iron, calcium supplements
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: irregular (PO); complete (IV)
- Distribution: widely distributed
- Metabolism: liver; enterohepatic recirculation
- Excretion: stool through bile; breast milk (small quantities)
- Half-life: 6-7 days
Side Effects
• CNS: fatigue, headache, dizziness, involuntary movements, confusion, tremor, drowsiness, euphoria, convulsions, tremors• CV: hypotension, heart block, CV collapse, bradycardia, arrest
• EENT: tinnitus, blurred vision
• GI: nausea, vomiting, anorexia
• HEMA: methemoglobinemia
• INTEG: skin rash, urticaria, edema, swelling, petechiae, itching
• MISC: febrile response, phlebitis at inj site
• RESP: dyspnea, respiratory depression
Nursing considerations
Baseline Assessment
Obtain baseline TSH, T3, T4, weight, vital signs. Signs / symptoms of diabetes, diabetes insipidus, adrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism may intensify. Dealing with adrenocortical steroids prior to thyroid therapy in coexisting hypothyroidism and hypoadrenalismIntervention / Evaluation
• Determine whether the patient is taking anticoagulants, antidiabetic agents; document in the table. Take B / P, pulse before each dose; Monitor the I&O report and weight every day with the same clothes, using the same scale, at the same time of dayT3, T4, FTI, which have decreased; TSH radioimmunoassay, which increases; radioabsorption, which increases if the patient receives too low a dose of medication
• Monitor pro-time (may require an anticoagulant reduction); bleeding control, bruising Evaluate the increase in nervousness, excitability, irritability, which may indicate a too high dose of drugs, usually after 1-3 weeks of treatment
• Evaluate cardiac status: angina, palpitations, chest pain, VS change; the geriatric patient heart problems may be undetected and baseline ECG should be completed before treatment
Children
(Undertreatment): May decrease intellectual development, linear growth
(Overtreatment): adversely affects brain maturation, accelerates bone age
Monitor Thyroid Function Tests
Therapeutic response: absence of depression; increased weight loss, urine production, pulse, appetite; absence of constipation, peripheral edema, intolerance to cold; pale, cold, dry skin; brittle nails, alopecia, thick hair, menorrhagia, night blindness, paraesthesia, syncope, amazement, coma, rosy cheeksPatient / Family education
• Teach the patient that the product is not a cure but controls the symptoms and that the treatment is long term• Instruct the patient to report excitability, irritability, anxiety, sweating, heat intolerance, chest pain, palpitations, which indicate an overdose
• Follow-up visits to the office, thyroid function tests are essential
• Take your medications at the same time every day, preferably in the morning
• Advise the patient not to change brands unless approved by the prescriber; bioavailability can differ from; do not take with food; Absorption will decrease
• Teach the patient that the product can be suspended after childbirth; will be the thyroid panel evaluated after 1-2 months
• Monitor pulse for rate, rhythm; reports irregular rhythm or pulse greater than 100 beats / min
• Promptly report chest pain, weight loss, anxiety, tremors, insomnia
• Tell patient to notify prescriber if rash or hives develop during drug use
• Inform the patient that temporary hair loss may occur during the first few months of levothyroxine therapy
• Inform the woman of childbearing age to notify the doctor immediately if she is pregnant as the dose of levothyroxine may need to be increased
• Teach the patient that the product should not be taken to reduce weight
• Advise the patient to avoid iodine over the counter preparations; read the labels; to separate antacids, iron, calcium based products for 4 hours
• Advise the patient To avoid iodine-rich foods, iodized salt, soy, tofu, turnips, iodine-rich seafood, bread
• Children may present reversible hair loss, increased aggression during the first one few months of therapy
• The complete therapeutic effect can take 1 to 3 weeks
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