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Thyroid and Anti-Thyroid Medications Overview

Apr 27, 2025

Endocrine System Medications: Thyroid and Anti-Thyroid Medications

Introduction

  • Presenter: Cathy from Level Up RN
  • Focus: Thyroid and anti-thyroid medications
  • Tools: Level Up RN Pharmacology Second Edition Flashcards
  • Includes a quiz at the end for key concepts

Thyroid Medications

Examples

  • Levothyroxine
  • Liothyronine

Function

  • Act as synthetic forms of thyroid hormones
  • Used to treat hypothyroidism

Side Effects

  • Minimal unless overdosed
  • Signs of hyperthyroidism if dose is too high:
    • Anxiety
    • GI upset
    • Sweating
    • Weight loss
    • Heat intolerance

Warnings

  • Black box warning: Not for obesity or weight loss treatment

Monitoring and Dosing

  • Monitor TSH and T4 levels
  • Dosage adjustments as needed
  • Lifelong treatment required
  • Administrate on an empty stomach with a full glass of water before breakfast

Mnemonic

  • "Thyro" in levothyroxine and liothyronine indicates thyroid disorder treatment

Anti-Thyroid Medications

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

  • Use: Grave's Disease, preparation for thyroidectomy
  • Function: Blocks synthesis of thyroid hormones

Side Effects

  • Agranulocytosis (risk of infection)
  • GI upset
  • Rash
  • Hepatotoxicity (black box warning)
  • Signs of hypothyroidism if overdosed:
    • Lethargy
    • Weight gain
    • Cold intolerance
    • Bradycardia
    • Depression

Monitoring

  • Monitor CBC for agranulocytosis
  • Monitor liver function

Mnemonic

  • PTU "Prevents Thyroid from being Up too high"

Lugol's Solution

  • Components: Iodine and potassium iodide
  • Use: Hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, preparation for thyroidectomy

Function

  • Absorbed by thyroid, inhibits production and release of thyroid hormones

Side Effects

  • GI upset
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Iodism (metallic taste, stomatitis, severe GI upset)

Administration Tips

  • Mix with water or juice to mask taste

Quiz Questions

  1. Levothyroxine should be given once a day with food. True or false?

    • False: Should be without food, with a full glass of water before breakfast.

  2. What anti-thyroid medication carries the risk for iodism?

    • Lugol's solution

  3. If a patient's dose of PTU is too high, what side effect would we expect?

    • Hypothyroidism

Conclusion

  • Review flashcards or replay the video if any quiz questions were missed
  • Encouragement to subscribe and share the channel
  • Invite for feedback and comments

Full transcript