Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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Which therapeutic class does levothyroxine belong to?

  1. Antihypertensive

  2. Thyroid hormone replacement

  3. Antidepressant

  4. Diabetic medication

The correct answer is: Thyroid hormone replacement

Levothyroxine belongs to the therapeutic class of thyroid hormone replacement. This medication is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) and is primarily used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. By providing the body with the necessary thyroid hormone, levothyroxine helps to restore normal metabolic function, energy levels, and overall health for individuals with this endocrine disorder. In treating hypothyroidism, it's crucial to replace the deficient hormone with a biologically equivalent product, which levothyroxine effectively does. Patients on this therapy often require regular monitoring of their thyroid function to ensure that hormone levels remain within the desired range, allowing for the proper adjustment of the medication dosage as necessary. Understanding that levothyroxine is a replacement therapy distinguishes it clearly from other therapeutic classes such as antihypertensives, antidepressants, or diabetic medications, which address completely different health issues. This specificity highlights the importance of recognizing each medication's role within its respective therapeutic context.