Levothyroxine and How It Works | Pharmacology help for Nursing School

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive overview of Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone commonly used to treat hypothyroidism and as a replacement after thyroidectomy. It explains how the medication mimics the thyroid hormone T4, highlighting key side effects, such as symptoms of hyperthyroidism (elevated energy, tremors, weight loss), and the therapeutic benefits, including improved mood and vital signs. Patient education emphasizes lifelong therapy, correct administration timing, and the importance of adherence, especially for pregnant women. The video offers practical tips for understanding and managing Levothyroxine treatment, tailored for future healthcare professionals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism and as a hormone replacement after a thyroidectomy.
• 😀 The brand name for Levothyroxine is Synthroid, and it's commonly used to mimic the T4 hormone (thyroxine) produced by the thyroid gland.
• 😀 Hypothyroidism, characterized by low thyroid hormone levels, is treated with Levothyroxine, which replaces or mimics T4.
• 😀 After a thyroidectomy (removal of all or part of the thyroid gland), patients often need Levothyroxine as a synthetic hormone replacement.
• 😀 The mechanism of action of Levothyroxine involves increasing thyroid hormone levels in the body, mimicking natural T4.
• 😀 Side effects of Levothyroxine can mimic symptoms of hyperthyroidism if the dosage is too high, such as increased energy, tremors, and weight loss.
• 😀 Common side effects of Levothyroxine include increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, diarrhea, and a feeling of being hot.
• 😀 A therapeutic response to Levothyroxine includes improved mood, better energy levels, and normal vital signs.
• 😀 Patients should not stop taking Levothyroxine even if symptoms improve, as it's necessary for proper thyroid function, especially during pregnancy.
• 😀 Levothyroxine should be taken once a day, 30 minutes before meals, on an empty stomach, and adherence is crucial since it may take up to eight weeks to see full effects.
• 😀 Levothyroxine is typically a lifelong therapy, requiring consistent medication use for the patient’s entire life.

Q & A

What is Levothyroxine used for?

Levothyroxine is used for patients with hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) and as a hormone replacement after a thyroidectomy (removal of part or all of the thyroid gland).

What is the significance of the brand name 'Synthroid'?

The brand name 'Synthroid' signifies that Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone, with 'SYN' standing for synthetic and 'THROID' representing thyroid.

How can you remember the connection between Levothyroxine and thyroid hormone?

You can use the memory trick: 'LevoTHYroxine looks like THYroid' and 'SYNthroid looks like SYNthetic Thyroid'.

What is the mechanism of action of Levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine mimics the hormone thyroxine (T4), replacing or supplementing the thyroid hormone in patients with hypothyroidism or after a thyroidectomy.

What are the side effects of Levothyroxine?

If Levothyroxine is overused, it can lead to hyperthyroidism, causing symptoms such as nervousness, tremors, increased blood pressure, increased pulse, diarrhea, weight loss, and increased body temperature.

What does a therapeutic response to Levothyroxine look like?

A therapeutic response includes an improved mood, increased energy levels, and normal vital signs, indicating that the medication is working.

Why should patients not stop taking Levothyroxine even if their symptoms improve?

Patients, especially pregnant women with hypothyroidism, should not stop taking Levothyroxine because thyroid hormone is essential for fetal development in utero, and stopping could harm the pregnancy.

How should Levothyroxine be taken?

Levothyroxine should be taken once a day, in the morning, at the same time each day, 30 minutes before a meal, and on an empty stomach.

How long might it take to see the full effects of Levothyroxine?

It may take up to eight weeks to see the full effect of Levothyroxine, so patients need to be patient and adhere to the medication regimen.

Is Levothyroxine a short-term or long-term medication?

Levothyroxine is a lifelong therapy for patients with hypothyroidism or those who have had a thyroidectomy. It is crucial for ongoing thyroid hormone replacement.