P a g e | 1
Metabolism
Catecholamines
-Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine
-A type of neurohormone (a chemical that is made by nerve cells and
used to send signals to other cells)
-Catecholamines are!important in stress responses
oHigh levels cause high blood pressure which can lead to
headaches, sweating, pounding of the heart, pain in the chest,
and anxiety
Levothyroxine
used to treat an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). The thyroid
gland makes thyroid hormones which help to control energy levels and
growth. Levothyroxine is taken to!replace the missing thyroid hormone
thyroxine. Levothyroxine is only available on prescription
Propylthiouracil
used!to treat hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease , a condition where
the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone which speeds up
metabolism causing other issues. It is also used before thyroid surgery or
radioactive iodine treatment in patients who have already been treated with
other medicines (e.g., methimazole) that did not work well; It works by
stopping the thyroid gland from making thyroid hormone
Monitor LFT (liver func. test)
30 min in AM prior to eating for absorption
Caution : liver fail; may need liver transplant
DO NOT give to children
Can have adjunct therapy – Beta blockers
Iodine solution – inhibit release of T4 and T3 can be given prior to
surg
Cause staining of teeth *drink out of straw
Radioactive Iodine : out patient, not use in preg or breast feeding
Avoid preg for 6 month after treatment
Do NOT lay child on chest because iodine comes out thru
sweat
** Do NOT know how much of the thyroid it will destroy
** Relief of symptoms aren’t instant & can take about 6-8 wks
