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Levothyroxine

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine is used as a replacement or supplemental therapy in hypothyroidism; some clinicians suggest levothyroxine is the drug of choice for replacement therapy.

Levothyroxine is a medication that treats thyroid hormone deficiency including its severe form known as myxoedema coma. It also helps in curing thyroid tumours.

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients present in this drug, do not use it. You are advised to use precautionary measures before taking this medicine if:

  • You have a thyroid disorder
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Anaemia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Adrenal gland disorder
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Problems with pituitary gland

This medicine can be taken by mouth or given by injection into a vein. The dosage is determined by your doctor. This medicine works best on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast. The peak effect from a specific dose can take up to six weeks to occur. Consult your doctor in case you face any problems.

Thyroid replacement therapy is generally for life. Take as directed, in the morning before breakfast. Do not change brands and do not discontinue without consulting prescriber.

Consult prescriber if drastically increasing or decreasing intake of goitrogenic food (eg, asparagus, cabbage, peas, turnip greens, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, soybeans).

Report chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, increased nervousness, agitation, or lethargy.Chronic overdose is treated by withdrawal of the drug; massive overdose may require beta-blockers for increased sympathomimetic activity.

Chronic overdose may cause hyperthyroidism, weight loss, nervousness, sweating, tachycardia, insomnia, heat intolerance, menstrual irregularities, palpitations, psychosis, fever; acute overdose may cause fever, hypoglycemia, CHF, unrecognized adrenal insufficiency.

Reduce dose or temporarily discontinue therapy; normal hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis will return to normal in 6-8 weeks; serum T4 levels do not correlate well with toxicity.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Levothyroxine

    • Hypothyroidism

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Levothyroxine ?

    • Hypersensitivity

    • Thyroid/Adrenal Gland Disorders

    • Myocardial Infarction

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Levothyroxine ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Levothyroxine

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Consult your doctor before consuming alcohol.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      No information available. Kindly consult your doctor before consuming it.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      You must not consume this medication if you are a breastfeeding woman. Consult your doctor for further queries.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      You can drive as this medicine has no effect over your consciousness.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Please consult a doctor before consuming the drug.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      Take medical help before consuming the drug.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The onset of action for intravenous administration is within 6 to 8 hours. Whereas, after oral administration, the onset of action varies from 3 to 5 days.

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The duration of effect reflects depending on the pathological condition of the patient. It may range from 3 to 10 days.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      Missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. It is recommended to skip your missed dose, if it is the time for your next scheduled dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Consult your doctor in case of overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Levothyroxine

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Levothyroxine as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication works by bringing up the levels of T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) hormones in your body in case of underactive thyroidism. It makes up for the deficiency of thyroxine levels in your body, and thus maintain a normal metabolic rate.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Levothyroxine ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Many drugs may have effects on thyroid function tests; para-aminosalicylic acid, aminoglutethimide, amiodarone, barbiturates, carbamazepine, chloral hydrate, clofibrate, colestipol, corticosteroids, danazol, diazepam, estrogens, ethionamide, fluorouracil, I.V. heparin, insulin, lithium, methadone, methimazole, mitotane, nitroprusside, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, PTU, perphenazine, phenytoin, propranolol, salicylates, sulfonylureas, and thiazides.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        • Phenytoin may decrease levothyroxine levels.
        • Cholestyramine may decrease absorption of levothyroxine.
        • Increased oral hypoglycemic requirements.
        • Increased effect: Increased effects of oral anticoagulants.
        • Increased toxicity: Tricyclic antidepressants may increase toxic potential of both drugs.
      • Interaction with Disease

        • Ineffective for weight reduction; high doses may produce serious or even life-threatening toxic effects particularly when used with some anorectic drugs.
        • Use with caution and reduce dosage in patients with angina pectoris or other cardiovascular disease; levothyroxine tablets contain tartrazine dye which may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
        • Use cautiously in elderly since they may be more likely to have compromised cardiovascular functions.
        • Patients with adrenal insufficiency, myxedema, diabetes mellitus and insipidus may have symptoms exaggerated or aggravated.
        • Thyroid replacement requires periodic assessment of thyroid status.
        • Chronic hypothyroidism predisposes patients to coronary artery disease.
      • Interaction with Food

        Should be administered on an empty stomach; limit intake of goitrogenic foods (asparagus, cabbage, peas, turnip greens, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, soybeans).

      FAQs about Levothyroxine

      • Ques : What is Levothyroxine?

        Ans : It treats thyroid hormone deficiency including its severe form known as myxoedema.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Levothyroxine before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : The duration of effect reflects depending on the pathological condition of the patient. In most of the cases, the average time taken by this medication to reach its peak effect is around 1 day to 1 week. Please consult your doctor for the time period you need to use this medication.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Levothyroxine?

        Ans : This medication is generally used once or twice a day. It is advised to consult your doctor before the usage, as the frequency also depends on the patient's condition.

      • Ques : Should I use Levothyroxine empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication is advised to be consumed orally. You must take this medication before 30 minutes of breakfast. Please consult the doctor before using it.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Levothyroxine?

        Ans : It should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

      • Ques : Where is Levothyroxine approved?

        Ans : Levothyroxine is approved in India, Micronesia, Japan, and the USA.

      • Ques : Is Levothyroxine safe for usage in geriatrics?

        Ans : Levothyroxine is not recommended for usage in geriatrics as its safety and effectiveness are not known.

      • Ques : Is Levothyroxine helpful in the treatment of infertility?

        Ans : Levothyroxine is not helpful in the treatment of infertility in both men and women unless the condition is associated with the thyroid gland.

      • Ques : Is Levothyroxine safe for usage in post-menopausal women?

        Ans : Levothyroxine is not recommended for usage in post-menopausal women with health conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disorders etc.

      • Ques : Does Levothyroxine help in treating obesity?

        Ans : Levothyroxine is not recommended for the treatment of obesity.

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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