Chapter 25 Thyroid Disorders Q&A (1 of 33) Sample Questions

1. MP, a 60-year-old patient healthy appearing male with no apparent distress comes at the pharmacy concerned that 3 to 4 weeks after initiating Levothyroxine, his hypothyroid symptoms did not improve. From your record of MP’s profile, you learn that he has been diagnosed with high cholesterol 2 weeks ago. Other medical condition is significant for type 2 diabetes mellitus for 5 years. Current medications levothyroxine, 0.15 mg daily po, and glyburide, 10 mg BID.
What will you recommend the patient to do?
  1. A. Wait for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
  2. B. Stop the medication and contact the physician.
  3. C. Immediately contact the doctor to increase dose.
  4. D. Call doctor about Levothyroxine and diabetic drug interactions
Answer
Ans: A
Tips: Dosage adjustment is made every 4–6 weeks as needed. Generally, it takes 6 weeks to attain a new steady state after dosage adjustments. In the elderly, or in patients with coronary artery disease, start with a dose as low as 12.5 mcg/day as tolerated, and titrate every 4 weeks. High doses may be associated with an increased risk of fracture in elderly patients.