General Information
Levothyroxine Sodium is indicated for the treatment of an underactive thyroid or called hypothyroidism. Low levels of thyroid hormone can happen naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by medications or radiation. This replaces or provides more thyroid hormone which is normally produced by the thyroid gland.
Consuming sufficient thyroid hormone is important for maintaining normal mental and physical activity. In children, having enough thyroid hormone is important for physical and normal mental development .
How does Levothyroxine Sodium work?
Levothyroxine Sodium works by replacing the thyroxine that would normally be produced naturally by your thyroid gland. This returns levels of T3 and T4 to normal.
The thyroid gland usually creates and releases two thyroid hormones, Thyroxine (T4) and Tri-iodothyronine (T3). T3 is the more active thyroid hormone. Thyroxine (T4) is converted into T3 in various parts of the body. These hormones are responsible for maintaining a normal rate of metabolism in the body.
Why use Levothyroxine Sodium?
Levothyroxine Sodium belongs to a class of drugs called hormones. This is the same as the natural hormone thyroxine. It is normally produced by the thyroid gland. This is a prescription approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Levothyroxine Sodium may also be used to treat other types of thyroid disorders such as thyroid cancer or goiters. This is supplied as tablets for oral use. Each tablet has the strengths of:
- 25 mcg
- 50 mcg
- 75 mcg
- 88 mcg
- 100 mcg
- 112 mcg
- 125 mcg
- 137 mcg
- 150 mcg
- 175 mcg
- 200 mcg
How to use Levothyroxine Sodium?
This medication is to be taken by mouth. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water. Usually, this medicine is taken once a day. This is to be taken on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to an hour before breakfast.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Do not take more or less than the prescription.
What are the side effects of Levothyroxine Sodium?
- Feeling nervous or irritable
- Diarrhea
- Weight changes
- Vomiting
- Changes in your menstrual periods
- Headache
- Appetite changes
- Dryness of your skin or hair
- Leg cramps
- Muscle aches
- Hot flashes
- Sweating
- Insomnia
Warnings and Precautions
- Do not share this with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
- Tell your doctor if you have any medical history, allergies, or current medications.
- Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding women.
- Do not double the prescribed dosage to avoid some other complications.
- Keep this at a dry and clean place away from heat and moisture.
