Common Use

Levothroid contains levothyroxine sodium, a substance identical to the thyroid gland hormone. It is used either alone or in combination with diet pills to treat primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, and obesity.

Dosage and Direction

The dose should be administered individually. Follow all recommendations of your doctor, and do not exceed the recommended dose. Take it as a single daily dose 0.5-1.0 hour before breakfast with a full glass of water. Intake of Levothroid and medications known to interfere with its absorption should be separated by at least four hours. Do not stop treatment without your doctor's permission, even if you do not feel an immediate effect. It may take several weeks for the medication to start working. You may need Levothroid for the rest of your life to replace the thyroid hormone deficit.

Precautions

Cautiousness should be exercised when treating patients with cardiovascular disease, the elderly, and individuals with concomitant adrenal insufficiency.

Contraindications

Levothroid cannot be used in patients with untreated subclinical or overt thyrotoxicosis, acute myocardial infarction, and uncorrected adrenal insufficiency.

Possible Side Effects

The most likely adverse reactions include:

• Headache
• Insomnia
• Nervous or irritable feeling
• Hyperactivity
• Anxiety
• Emotional lability
• Fever
• Tachycardia
• Arrhythmias
• Hot flashes
• Sweating
• Changes in menstrual periods
• Appetite changes
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Weight changes
• Hair loss
• Flushing

Drug Interaction

Inform your doctor about all medications, herbal products, and food supplements you use, especially:

• Calcium carbonate (Oystercal, Caltrate, Citracal)
• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate, Kionex)
• Ferrous sulfate iron supplement
• Sucralfate (Carafate)
• Antacids containing aluminum (Rulox, Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, Riopan, Amphojel, Gaviscon)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs colestipol (Colestid) and cholestyramine (Questran)
• Warfarin
• Digoxin
• Estrogen products
• Diabetes medicines
• Amiodarone
• Iodide
• Lithium
• Anti-thyroid agents
• Phenobarbital
• Rifamycins
• Beta blockers
• Antidepressants
• Growth hormones

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Skip the missed dose if it is close to your next dose. Do not take an extra dose to compensate for the missed one.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms include:

• Pounding heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Tremor
• Leg cramps
• Confusion and disorientation
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77°F (15-25°C) away from light, moisture, children, and pets. Do not use after the expiration date.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. The information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare advisor or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim the reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other damages resulting from the use of the information on this site or consequences of self-treatment.