What are the two types of treatments for hypothyroidism? What are the drugs that are used as synthetic preparations of thyroid hormone? What is the prototype synthetic thyroid replacement? What is the usual treatment regime for levothyroxine? What are some pt care considerations for levothyroxine? What is the best way to take levothyroxine? What are the contraindication for levothyroxine? What three disease create hyperthyroidism? What are the three general methods of treating hyperthyroidism? What is the Wolff-Chaikoff effect?

1. What are the two types of treatments for hypothyroidism?

hormone replacement therapy either through thyroid tablets (less predictable response - made from crushed animal thyroid) or synthetic preperations

2. What are the drugs that are used as synthetic preparations of thyroid hormone?

Levothyroxine (T4), liothyroxine (T3), Liotrix (T3 and T4 mixed)

3. What is the prototype synthetic thyroid replacement?

Levothyroxine (T4)

4. What is the usual treatment regime for levothyroxine?

50 ug daily P.O. 1-2 weeks, then 100 ug, and increase or decreased in after that to mainatin adeqate thyroid hormone - needs to be taken for life

5. What are some pt care considerations for levothyroxine?

start with low dose and inrease as needed, esp with pt with angina (can increase the effect), monitor heart function and hormone levels

6. What is the best way to take levothyroxine?

single daily dose on an empty stomach

7. What are the contraindication for levothyroxine?

in pt with acute MI, hyperthyroidism

8. What three disease create hyperthyroidism?

Grave's disease (autoimmune disease where antibodies bind to TSH receptor and stimulate release), toxic adenoma, and thyrotoxic strom

9. What are the three general methods of treating hyperthyroidism?

block synthesis of T3/T4, increase the metabolic break down of T3/T4, and destroy excess thyroid tissue

10. What is the Wolff-Chaikoff effect?

The delivery of massive amounts of I- to block the synthesis of T3 and T4 temporarily, in a not well understood mechanism