Warning: the following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, expertise of your pharmacist. it should not be construed to indicate that use of drug is safe or effective for you. Consult you're pharmacist before using this med.

Levothyroxine - oral

(lee-voe-thye-rox-een)

common brand names: Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid

Warning: this medication should not be used either alone or at combination with diet tablets to treat obesity or for weight loss because serious, even life-threatening, effects could occur. large doses about it med, especially with diet meds, may cause symptoms of toxicity. see the Side Effects & Overdose sections for more information.

Levothroid Usage: Levothyroxine is used to replace hormone that is normally produced by the thyroid gland for condition known as hypothyroidism. this is important to have adequate levels about thyroid hormone in your bloodstream in order for various organ systems in your body to function properly. this drug is used to treat other types of thyroid disorders as well (e.g., certain types of goiters, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer).

How to use Levothroid: Take this drug on an empty stomach. It's usually taken as single daily dose before breakfast. for children who cann't swallow whole meds, crush tablet and mix in 1 or 2 teaspoons (5 or 10 ml) about water, & give using a spoon or dropper as soon as possible after preparation. do not store mixture for later use. don't mix crushed tablets in soybean infant formula. Consult your healthcare professional since more information. your pharmacist may need to adjust youre dosage based on your medical condition, you're response to therapy & your laboratory test results. do not stop taking it tablet with out consulting with your doctor. Replacement therapy is usually taken for life. it may take several weeks before you notice an improvement in your symptoms.

Levothroid side effects: Symptoms of low thyroid levels include fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heart rate, sensitivity to cold, or dry brittle hair that tends to fall out easily. These symptoms should disappear as your body adjusts to tablet. If they persist or become bothersome, notify youre physician promptly. Headache, nervousness, trembling, sweating, increased appetite, diarrhea, weight loss or insomnia may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify you're your doctor promptly. in rare instances, few hair loss may occur during 1'st several months about starting it drug. this effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medication. If this effect persists or worsens, notify youre physician promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness about breath. Tell your pharmacist immediately if you have any of these very unlikely but serious side effects: seizures. An allergic reaction to it med is unlikely, but seek immediate healthcare professional attention if it occurs. Symptoms about an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your physician or pharmacist.

Levothroid Precautions: this drug shouldnot be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your physician or healthcare professional if you have: overactive thyroid conditions (e.g., thyrotoxicosis), heart attack (acute myocardial infarction), adrenal gland problems (e.g., uncorrected adrenal insufficiency). don't use thyroid drugs for weight control. Before using it med, tell youre healthcare professional or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., hypertension, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease), diabetes, male or female infertility problems, bone loss disease (e.g., osteoporosis), other hormone disorders (e.g., hypothalamic/pituitary hormone deficiencies, autoimmune polyglandular syndrome), other thyroid problems (e.g., nontoxic diffuse goiter, nodular thyroid disease), blood clotting disorders, any allergies. Notify some your healthcare professional or dentist that you are taking this tablet prior to any surgery. Caution is advised when using it drug at kid because overuse may reduce the child's future adult height. Consult your pharmacist for details. Caution is advised when using this drug in elderly because they may be more sensitive to effects of the drug. Current following details shows that it med may be used during pregnancy. Tell youre doctor if you pregnant because your dose will have to be adjusted. Small amounts of this drug pass into breast milk. Consult youre pharmacist before breast-feeding.

Levothroid pill interactions: Before using this drug, tell your physician or pharmacist of all prescription & nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: warfarin, digoxin, estrogen goods (including estrogen-containing birth control pills), diabetes medicines (e.g., insulin, glipizide, rosiglitazone), amiodarone, iodide (including radiographic contrast agents containing iodine), lithium, anti-thyroid agents (e.g., methimazole, propylthiouracil), androgens/anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone), high dose salicylates (e.g., aspirin), phenobarbital, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), beta blockers (e.g., propranolol), antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, maprotiline, sertraline), cytokines (e.g., interferon-alpha, interleukin-2), growth hormones, ketamine, theophylline. check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients such as decongestants or caffeine that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask you're pharmacist about the safe use of these goods. Certain medicines may decrease absorption of this drug into your bloodstream. Therefore, take levothyroxine four hours apart from: calcium supplements, iron supplements, aluminum, calcium or magnesium antacids, simethicone, cholestyramine, colestipol, sucralfate, sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Certain foods may decrease absorption of this medication when taken at same time. Take levothyroxine separately from: soybean flour (soybean infant formula), walnuts, dietary fiber. don't start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Levothroid Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: excessive sweating, extreme nervousness, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, seizures.

Levothroid special notes: Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., thyroid function tests) must be done periodically to monitor effectiveness of this med. Inform your healthcare professional if you change to a different brand of thyroid hormone.

If you missed Levothroid dose: If you miss dose, take it as soon as you remember. If It's near time of the next dose, skip missed dose & resume you're usual dosing schedule. do not double the dose to catch up. Call your pharmacist if you miss two or more doses in a row.

Levothroid Storage: Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 & 86 degrees F (15 & 30 degrees C) is permitted. don't store in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children & pets.

Active Ingredients : Levothyroxine