Thyroid hormones (levothyroxine, liothyroxine, liotrix, thyroid USP)
increase metabolic rates, resulting in increased cardiac output, oxygen consumption, body temperature, blood volume, growth, cellular development, respiratory rate, enzyme activity
Brand Names
Cytomel, Eltroxin, Levothroid tablets, Levothyroxine, Levothyroxine injection, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Synthroid injection, Tapazole, Unithroid
Indications
hypothyroidism
Pharmacology
directly replaces thyroid hormone
Contraindications
adrenal insufficiency, myocardial infarction, thyrotoxicosis
Precautions
elderly, angina pectoris, hypertension, ischemia, cardiac disease, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, pregnancy, lactation
Interactions
Impaired thyroid absorption: cholestyramine
Increased effects: anticoagulants, sympathomimetics, tricyclic antidepressants, catecholamines
Decreased effects: digitalis, glycosides, insulin, hypoglycemics
Decreased thyroid effect: estrogens
Adverse Reactions
insomnia, tremors, tachycardia, palpitations, angina, dysrhythmias, weight loss, appetite changes, thyroid storm
Additional Information
Assess vitals, intake and output, weight daily, height and growth rate (child)
Assess thyroid function tests
Assess mental status, cardiac status
Administer at same time daily to maintain hormone level
Evaluate therapeutic response: absence of depression, increased weight loss, diuresis, pulse, appetite; absence of constipation, peripheral edema, cold intolerance, pale, cool, dry skin, brittle nails, alopecia, coarse hair, menorrhagia, night blindness, paresthesia, syncope, stupor, coma
Date of most recent Update
August 03, 2002
Further information is available in the writeup for the
brand name(s) of this medication