Antithyroid Flashcards
(207 cards)
What are the major indications for the therapeutic use of thyroid hormone?
Hormone replacement therapy in hypothyroidism and TSH suppression therapy in thyroid cancer.
What type of preparations are used for thyroid hormone therapy?
Synthetic preparations of the sodium salts of natural isomers of thyroid hormones.
What is the form of levothyroxine sodium available for administration?
Tablets, liquid-filled capsules, and lyophilized powder for injection.
Where does absorption of levothyroxine occur?
In the stomach and small intestine.
What is the absorption rate of levothyroxine tablets?
Approximately 80%.
How does taking levothyroxine on an empty stomach affect its absorption?
Increases absorption and reduces variability in TSH levels.
When do serum T4 levels peak after oral ingestion of levothyroxine?
2-4 hours after ingestion.
What is the plasma half-life (t1/2) of levothyroxine?
7 days.
What should a patient do if they miss a dose of levothyroxine?
Take a double dose the next day.
How does the T4/T3 ratio in patients taking levothyroxine compare to those with endogenous thyroid function?
Slightly higher in patients taking levothyroxine.
When are follow-up blood tests typically done after a dosage change of levothyroxine?
About 6 weeks after any dosage change.
What is the intravenous dosing recommendation for levothyroxine if oral intake is not possible?
80% of the patient’s daily oral requirement once daily.
What is liothyronine sodium the salt of?
T3 (triiodothyronine).
What is the absorption rate of liothyronine?
Nearly 100%.
In what situations is liothyronine used?
Myxedema coma or rapid termination of action in thyroid cancer preparation.
What are the drawbacks of using liothyronine for chronic replacement therapy?
More frequent dosing, higher cost, and transient serum T3 elevations.
How does the required daily dose of liothyronine compare to levothyroxine?
About one-third of L-T4 to achieve an equivalent TSH level.
What is the T3 concentration comparison between normalization of TSH with liothyronine versus levothyroxine?
Nearly 2-fold higher serum T3 with liothyronine.
What mixture of thyroid hormones is available for therapy?
A mixture of levothyroxine and T3 in a 4:1 ratio by weight.
What is equivalent in activity to a 60-mg desiccated thyroid tablet?
80 µg of levothyroxine.
Name one drug that may increase levothyroxine dosage requirements.
Aluminum-containing antacids.
What factors may impair levothyroxine absorption?
Aluminum-containing antacids, bile acid sequestrants, calcium carbonate, food.
What is a drug that may decrease levothyroxine dosage requirements?
Metformin.
What factors may increase thyroxine metabolism?
Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, sertraline.