The nurse is preparing to administer the synthetic hormone levothyroxine. The nurse understands that to best facilitate absorption, the drug should be administered: Select all that apply

Question

1. On an empty stomach.
2. At least 4 hours before taking antacids.
3. With supplemental calcium.
4. With meals.
5. During the evening hours.

Answer 1

1. On an empty stomach.
2. At least 4 hours before taking antacids.

Rationale: On an empty stomach. Because the absorption of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine is altered by food and selected drugs, herbs, vitamins, and minerals, the nurse should administer the drug while the client's stomach is empty, usually as a single dose before breakfast, and hold food intake for at least 1 hour. At least 4 hours before taking antacids. The nurse should administer the medication at least 4 hours before taking antacids. With supplemental calcium. The drug will suppress the TSH, which increases the risk of osteoporosis, a side effect that can be avoided by the ingestion of calcium. However, the calcium should not be administered with the drug because it can interfere with the absorption of the drug. Therefore, calcium is incorrect because it should not be administered at the same time as the levothyroxine. With meals. Taking levothyroxine with meals will interfere with the absorption of the drug. During the evening hours. The best time for the administration of the drug is in the early morning while the stomach is empty, not during the evening hours while the stomach is full and its contents will alter absorption of the drug.