HYPERTHYROIDISM AND HYPOTHYROIDISM

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October 19, 2020
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October 19, 2020

HYPERTHYROIDISM AND HYPOTHYROIDISM

The pharmacology of levothyroxine and propylthiuracil is outlined in the table below

Components of Drug Therapy Hypothyroidismlevothyroxine (Synthroid) Hyperthyroidismpropylthiuracil (PTU)
Drug Dosage  1.7 mcg/kg/day. 300mg initial dose100-150 maintenance dose
Action  Supplemental therapyInhibits TSH Inhibits synthesis of thyroid hormones
Onset of Action  Immediately Immediately
Peak of Action  Peak concentration occurs in 1 hour. 1 hour.
Duration of Action  24 hours 6-15 hours
Serum Half Life  6-7 days 1 hour
Absorption  40 – 80%. Absorption increased by fasting Readily absorbed 50-80 % from GIT.
Metabolism  in the liver In the liver.
Excretion  Kidneys and in feaces. 35% excreted in urine
Contraindications  Myocardial infarction, thyrotoxicosis and adrenal insufficiency hypersensitivity to the drug
Precautions  Careful dosage is important. report any symptom of hepatic dysfunction
Adverse Effects  Dysphoria, raised appetite, palpitation,weight loss and fatigue Liver injury, aplastic anaemia, kidney injury and bleeding
Drug to Drug Interactions.  Glucocorticoids. NP should reduce their dosage.Levothyroxine increases anticoagulation activity.

More antidiabetics requirement. Diabetics should be closely monitored.

Concurrent use with ketamine may cause hypertension.

Action of sympathomometics may be exercabated.

Increases activity of anticoagulants. monitoring of INR is requiredBeta blocker agent. Reduce the dose of the beta blockers

Increases the serum digitalis. Reduce the amount of the digitalis.

Decreases theophiline clearance hence the dose should be reduced.

 

 

 

Drug to Food Interactions  Food reduces absorption of the drug e g cotton seed meal. Food reduces absorption
Drug to Herb Interactions  Herbal drugs reduce the absorption of the drug Herbal drugs reduces absorption of the drug
Patient Education  Correct dosing and side effect reporting. Right dosing and adverse effect to report.
Monitoring of Therapy  Monitoring of blood pressure and sugar Monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar.

References

Woo,T., &Wynne, A. (2012). Pharmacotherapeutics for the nurse practitioner prescribers.Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.