Thyroid gland is located in the middle of the neck and surrounds the trachea like a shield. It produces two hormones: thyroid hormone and calcitonin. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones that regulate body metabolism. Thyroid agents either replace or remove hormones to prevent deficiency and excess. Thyroid agents include thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH)and antithyroid drugs (further classified as thioamides and iodine solution). Show
Thyroid Agents: Generic and Brand NamesHere is a table of commonly encountered thyroid agents, their generic names, and brand names:
Disease Spotlight: Thyroid Dysfunction
Thyroid Hormones
Therapeutic ActionThe desired and beneficial action of thyroid hormones:
IndicationsThyroid hormones are indicated for the following medical conditions:
PharmacokineticsHere are the characteristic interactions of thyroid hormones and the body in terms of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion:
Contraindications and CautionsThe following are contraindications and cautions for the use of thyroid hormones:
Adverse EffectsUse of thyroid and hormones may result to these adverse effects:
InteractionsThe following are drug-drug interactions involved in the use of thyroid hormones:
Nursing ConsiderationsHere are important nursing considerations when administering thyroid hormones: Nursing AssessmentThese are the important things the nurse should include in conducting assessment, history taking, and examination:
Nursing DiagnosesHere are some of the nursing diagnoses that can be formulated in the use of this drug for therapy:
Implementation with RationaleThese are vital nursing interventions done in patients who are taking thyroid hormones:
EvaluationHere are aspects of care that should be evaluated to determine effectiveness of drug therapy:
Antithyroid Agents
Therapeutic ActionThe desired and beneficial action of antithyroid agents:
IndicationsAntithyroid agents are indicated for the following medical conditions:
PharmacokineticsHere are the characteristic interactions of thioamides and the body in terms of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion:
Here are the characteristic interactions of iodine solutions and the body in terms of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion:
Contraindications and CautionsThe following are contraindications and cautions for the use of antithyroid agents:
Adverse EffectsUse of antithyroid agents may result to these adverse effects:
InteractionsThe following are drug-drug interactions involved in the use of antithyroid agents:
Nursing ConsiderationsHere are important nursing considerations when administering antithyroid agents: Nursing AssessmentThese are the important things the nurse should include in conducting assessment, history taking, and examination:
Nursing DiagnosesHere are some of the nursing diagnoses that can be formulated in the use of this drug for therapy:
Implementation with RationaleThese are vital nursing interventions done in patients who are taking antithyroid agents:
EvaluationHere are aspects of care that should be evaluated to determine effectiveness of drug therapy:
Practice Quiz: Thyroid AgentsHere are some practice questions for this study guide. Please visit our nursing test bank page for more NCLEX practice questions. 1. This is the most common type of thyroid dysfunction. A. Cretinism 1. Answer: D. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a lack of sufficient levels of thyroid hormones to maintain a normal metabolism. This is the most common type of thyroid dysfunction and is common among older women and men. Symptoms include obesity and fatigue, among others. 2. Thyroid hormones can: A. stimulate overproduction of TSH 2. Answer: B. increase oxygen consumption Thyroid hormones increase the metabolic rate of body tissues, increasing oxygen consumption, respiration, heart rate, growth and maturation, and the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. 3. All of the following should be included in the nursing interventions for patients taking thyroid hormones, except: A. consistent administration before breakfast each day 3. Answer: C. advise patient to frequently exercise to develop the core As much as possible, patients should be provided for rest periods when on this therapy. 4. The antithyroid agent of choice for pregnant women. A. methimazole 4. Answer: B. PTU Other antithyroid agents can lead to development of cretinism. 5. Which of the following history data will possibly render strong iodine products contraindicated for the patient? A. 35 years old 5. Answer: D. both B and C A blood-tinged sputum for the past three weeks may signify tuberculosis. If this is the case, strong iodine products are contraindicated. Also, strong iodine products can change the metabolism and level of anticoagulants and may place the patient at greater risk for bleeding. Recommended ResourcesRecommended resources and reference books. Disclosure: Includes Amazon affiliate links.
See AlsoHere are other nursing pharmacology study guides:
Gastrointestinal System Drugs
Respiratory System Drugs
Endocrine System Drugs
Autonomic Nervous System Drugs
Immune System Drugs
Chemotherapeutic Agents
Reproductive System Drugs
Nervous System Drugs
Cardiovascular System Drugs
References and SourcesReferences and sources for this pharmacology guide for Thyroid agents:
Which agent would nurse expect to administer to a patient with hypothyroidism?Levothyroxine is a thyroid replacement drug used to treat hypothyroidism.
What is the agent of choice for hypothyroidism?Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid, Tirosint, Thyquidity) Thyroid hormone influences growth and maturation of tissues. It is involved in normal growth, metabolism, and development. Levothyroxine (LT4) is generally considered to be the treatment of choice for patients with hypothyroidism.
What is the most common thyroid medication for hypothyroidism?The main medication used to treat hypothyroidism is levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid, Levoxyl, and Levothroid), a synthetic version of thyroxine (T4), a thyroid hormone your body produces naturally.
What is the drug of choice for client with hyperthyroidism?Anti-thyroid medications include methimazole and propylthiouracil. Symptoms usually begin to improve within several weeks to months. Treatment with anti-thyroid medicine typically lasts 12 to 18 months.
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