Thyroid Medications

Question 1

generic name

synthetic thyroxine (T4)

Answer 1

levothyroxine

Question 2

brand name

synthetic thyroxine (T4)

Answer 2

synthroid

Question 3

indication

synthetic thyroxine (T4)

Answer 3

hypothyroidism

Question 4

MOA

synthetic thyroxine (T4)

Answer 4

T4 is a synthetic form of thyroxine, an endogenous hormone secreted by the thyroid gland

Question 5

contraindications

synthetic thyroxine (T4)

Answer 5

• Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Benign thyroid nodules
• acute MI (myocardial infarction)

Question 6

black box warnings

synthetic thyroxine (T4)

Answer 6

should not be used for weight reduction

Question 7

common ADRs

synthetic thyroxine (T4)

Answer 7

• anxiety
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• insomnia

Question 8

rare but serious ADRs

synthetic thyroxine (T4)

Answer 8

• Aggravation of pre-existing CV disease
• hyperthyroidism

Question 9

key counseling points

synthetic thyroxine (T4)

Answer 9

• Take consistently on an empty stomach each day (with water and at least 30 min before food)
• Separate calcium and iron-containing products by at least 4 hours

Question 10

brand name

dessicated thyroid

Answer 10

armour thyroid

Question 11

generic name

dessicated thyroid

Answer 11

thyroid

Question 12

indication

dessicated thyroid

Answer 12

hypothyroidism

Question 13

MOA

dessicated thyroid

Answer 13

derived thyroid replacement containing both levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3)

Question 14

contraindications

dessicatd thyroid

Answer 14

• Untreated thyrotoxicosis
• Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency
• Myxedema

Question 15

black box warnings

dessicated thyroid

Answer 15

should not be used for weight reduction

Question 16

common ADRs

dessicated thyroid

Answer 16

• hair loss
• diarrhea
• nausea/vomiting
• weight loss

Question 17

rare but serious ADRs

dessicated thyroid

Answer 17

• Aggravation of pre-existing CV disease
• hyperthyroidism

Question 18

key counseling points

dessicated thyroid

Answer 18

• Take consistently each day on an empty stomach (30 to 60 minutes prior to breakfast) to increase absorption
• Some desiccated thyroid products are acquired from porcine thyroid gland (pork)

Question 19

generic name

antithyroid agents

Answer 19

potassium iodide

Question 20

brand name

antithyroid agents

Answer 20

SSKI & ThyroShield

Question 21

indication

antithyroid agents

Answer 21

hyperthyroidism

Question 22

MOA

antithyroid agents

Answer 22

inhibits release of thyroid hormones via direct effect of thyroid gland

Question 23

contraindications

antithyroid agents

Answer 23

nodular thyroid condition with heart disease

Question 24

common ADRs

antithyroid agents

Answer 24

• GI upset
• diarrhea
• nausea/vomiting
• salivary gland swelling

Question 25

rare but serious ADRs | antithyroid agents

Answer 25

* Hypersensitivity Reaction * Hypothyroidism * Thyroid adenoma/Goiter

Question 26

key counseling points | antithyroid agents

Answer 26

* Take with food to minimize GI upset * Take with 4 oz of water. Other liquids can be used; dilution in chocolate milk can help mask the taste