01
Front
What is levothyroxine used for?
Back
Levothyroxine replaces thyroid hormone in people with hypothyroidism.
Free Online Flashcard Deck
3 Thyroid Medications Free Online FlashCards
Study 3 Thyroid Medications with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
12 cards
02
Front
What is a common indication for methimazole?
Back
Methimazole reduces new thyroid hormone synthesis and is commonly used for hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease.
03
Front
Do methimazole and PTU treat thyroiditis?
Back
No. Antithyroid drugs reduce new hormone production; thyroiditis releases stored hormone, so these drugs do not treat it.
04
Front
What serious adverse effect limits the routine use of PTU?
Back
PTU can cause severe, sometimes fatal, liver injury, so it is generally not the default antithyroid drug.
05
Front
When should levothyroxine be taken?
Back
Take it consistently on an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before breakfast, to support reliable absorption.
06
Front
How should calcium or iron supplements be timed with levothyroxine?
Back
Calcium and iron can reduce levothyroxine absorption; separate them from the dose by at least 4 hours.
07
Front
When is TSH generally reassessed after a levothyroxine dose change?
Back
For primary hypothyroidism, TSH is generally reassessed about 4–6 weeks after a dose change.
08
Front
What can new palpitations and tremor suggest during levothyroxine treatment?
Back
Palpitations, tremor, and heat intolerance may signal excessive replacement. Assess thyroid tests and the dose before changing treatment.
09
Front
What should a patient taking methimazole do for fever or severe sore throat?
Back
Fever or severe sore throat may signal agranulocytosis. Seek prompt medical assessment, typically including a blood count, and contact the prescriber before further doses.
10
Front
Why may TSH alone be misleading early in methimazole treatment?
Back
Follow thyroid hormone levels and clinical status. TSH may stay suppressed early, so free T4 and sometimes T3 help assess the response.
11
Front
When may PTU be selected during pregnancy?
Back
PTU may be selected when antithyroid treatment is needed in the first trimester because methimazole has a different fetal risk profile.
12
Front
What should a patient taking methimazole do after learning they are pregnant?
Back
Contact the treating clinician promptly to review the medicine and create a pregnancy-specific plan; do not make an unsupervised change.
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