dioimmunoassay of TSH, which is increased; radio uptake, which is increased if patient is on too low a dose of medication•Pro-time may require decreased anticoagulant, check for bleeding, bruising•Increased nervousness, excitability, irritability, which may indicate too high dose of medication, usually after 1-3 wk of treatment•Cardiac status: angina, palpitation, chest pain, change in VSAdminister:•IV after diluting with provided diluent 0.5 mg/5 ml; shake; give through Y-tube or 3-way stopcock; give 0.1 mg or less over 1 min; do not add to IV inf; 0.1 mg = 1 ml•In AM if possible as a single dose to decrease sleeplessness•At same time each day to maintain drug level•Only for hormone imbalances; not to be used for obesity, male infertility, menstrual conditions, lethargy•Lowest dose that relieves symptoms; lower dose to the elderly and in cardiac diseasesPerform/provide:•Storage in tight, light-resistant container; sol should be discarded if not used immediately•Removal of medication 4 wk before RAIU testEvaluate:•Therapeutic response: absence of depression; increased weight loss, diuresis, pulse, appetite; absence of constipation, peripheral edema, cold intolerance, pale, cool dry skin, brittle nails, alopecia, coarse hair, menorrhagia, night blindness, paresthesias, syncope, stupor, coma, rosy cheeksTeach patient/family:•That hair loss will occur in child, is temporary•To report excitability, irritability, anxiety, which indicate overdose •Not to switch brands unless approved by physician•That drug may be discontinued after birth, thyroid panel evaluated after 1-2 mo•That hypothyroid child will show almost immediate behavior/personality change•That drug is not to be taken to reduce weight•To avoid OTC preparations with iodine; read labels•To avoid iodine food, iodized salt, soybeans, tofu, turnips, some seafood, some bread...
