Levothyroxine Tablets

Description

Brand name: Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, Euthyrox
Generic name: Levothyroxine

What is Levothyroxine and what is it used for?

Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It helps to restore proper hormone levels, improving symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold. Levothyroxine is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and in some cases, it is used as part of the treatment for thyroid cancer.

How to take Levothyroxine Tablets:

Levothyroxine is typically taken orally, once daily on an empty stomach, usually 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast.
Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, weight, and response to treatment. Do not increase the dose or take it more often than prescribed.
Take this medication at the same time each day for the best effect, and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Possible side effects of Levothyroxine:

Levothyroxine may cause some side effects, including:

Hair loss (temporary, often during the first few months)
Increased appetite
Weight loss
Nervousness or anxiety
Tremors
Headache
Sweating
Heat intolerance
Irregular menstrual periods
If any of these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects, such as chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or signs of an allergic reaction (such as rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing).

Precautions and warnings for Levothyroxine:

Before taking Levothyroxine, inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, adrenal gland disorders, or osteoporosis. Levothyroxine may interact with other medications, including calcium supplements, iron supplements, antacids, and certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, which can decrease its effectiveness.

During pregnancy, it is essential to continue using this medication as directed. Levothyroxine may also be used during breastfeeding but inform your doctor to adjust the dose if needed.

Regular monitoring of thyroid levels through blood tests is necessary to ensure the correct dosage and effective treatment. Levothyroxine is a prescription medication and should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

MedlinePlus Drug Information.

Full Patient Information (for Levoxyl brand of Levothyroxine).