Generic Name

Levothyroxine

Trade Name

Levothroid

Indication

Thyroid hormone replacement in hypothyroidism

Action

Replaces thyroid hormone, increasing metabolism, promotes gluconeogenesis,
stimulates protein synthesis, restores normal hormone balance and suppresses
thyroid cancer

Therapeutic Class

Hormone

Pharmacologic Class

Thyroid preparations

Nursing Considerations

• Assess pulse and monitor for tachyarrhythmias and chest pain
• Monitor TSH levels
• Overdose is presented as hyperthyroidism
• Start with low doses and increase as indicated
• Therapy is lifelong
• Take directly after breastfeeding
• Increases the effects of warfarin