Levothyroxine Sodium

Levothyroxine Sodium is indicated for the treatment of:

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
• Prevention of goitre recurrence; suppression of TSH after thyroid cancer treatment.

Replaces the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) that the body needs.

Dosage and administration of Levothyroxine Sodium:

• Adults: usually start 25-50 mcg once daily on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast; adjust every 6-8 weeks by TSH to the usual 75-150 mcg (about 1.6 mcg/kg).
• Start lower in the elderly and in heart disease.

Levothyroxine Sodium may interact with:

Calcium, iron, antacids and sucralfate (separate by 4 hours); warfarin; digoxin; rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin; oral oestrogens.

Levothyroxine Sodium should not be used in:

Untreated adrenal insufficiency, thyrotoxicosis, recent heart attack (caution).

Possible side effects of Levothyroxine Sodium:

At the right dose few; too much causes palpitations, tremor, weight loss, sweating, anxiety, bone loss.

Pregnancy category: A

Use of Levothyroxine Sodium in pregnancy and breastfeeding:

Needed and safe in pregnancy; the dose often needs to rise; check TSH.

Precautions while using Levothyroxine Sodium:

• Take at the same time daily on an empty stomach; check TSH regularly.
• Caution in heart disease and diabetes.