What it means
The main treatment for hypothyroidismhy-poh-THY-roy-diz-umA condition in which the thyroid gland makes too little thyroid hormone.hypo- below, underthyr/o thyroid gland-ism conditionFull entry and for replacement after thyroid removal. Most clients take it for life. The dose is adjusted by the thyroid-stimulating hormoneTHY-royd STIM-yuh-lay-ting HOR-mohnA hormone from the pituitary gland that tells the thyroid to make thyroid hormone; its blood level is the main thyroid test.Full entry level, checked about 6 to 8 weeks after each change. Too much causes signs of an overactive thyroid, such as a fast heart rate, nervousness, heat intolerance and weight loss.
For the nurse
Teach the client to take it at the same time each day on an empty stomach with water, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, and 4 hours apart from calcium, iron and antacids. Do not switch brands without telling the provider. Its boxed warning says not to use it for weight loss. Start low in older adults and those with heart disease.
At a glance
| Drug class | thyroid hormone replacement |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid |
| Spanish | levotiroxina |
| Also written | Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid |
Easy to confuse with
digoxin
A drug that makes the heart beat more strongly and more slowly.
lamotrigine
An anticonvulsant drug used to prevent seizures and to keep mood stable in bipolar disorder.
Related terms
hypothyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland makes too little thyroid hormone.
hyperthyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.
thyr/o
A word part that means the thyroid gland.
thyroid-stimulating hormone
A hormone from the pituitary gland that tells the thyroid to make thyroid hormone; its blood level is the main thyroid test.