Included In This Lesson
Outline
Generic Name
Levothyroxine
Trade Name
Levothroid
Indication
Thyroid hormone replacement in hypothyroidism
Action
Replaces thyroid hormone, increasing metabolism, promotes gluconeogenesis,
stimulates protein synthesis, restores normal hormone balance and suppresses
thyroid cancer
Therapeutic Class
Hormone
Pharmacologic Class
Thyroid preparations
Nursing Considerations
• Assess pulse and monitor for tachyarrhythmias and chest pain
• Monitor TSH levels
• Overdose is presented as hyperthyroidism
• Start with low doses and increase as indicated
• Therapy is lifelong
• Take directly after breastfeeding
• Increases the effects of warfarin