Levothroid (Levothyroxine)

Description

Levothroid is avsynthetic T4 version of the thyroid hormone produced in the body. Its main component is levothyroxine sodium.

 

 

 

Uses

 

Levothroid is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism, a disorder where the body is not capable of producing the necessary amounts of the thyroid hormone. The hormone produced by the thyroid is required for the proper functioning of the human body in adults. It aids the growth and development of children. Levothroid is a synthetic substitute for this hormone. It is given when not enough of the hormone is produced by the body, affecting the natural metabolism and energy levels. The low levels of the thyroid hormone may be due to a malfunctioning gland or when the thyroid is removed during surgery.

 

Levothroid is also used to treat goiters. A goiter is a swollen thyroid gland. The deformation of this gland can occur due to the fluctuations of other hormones in the body or due to the presence of cancer. It can also be caused due to various forms of radiation and can be the unexpected consequence of surgery. In certain instances, Levothroid may be used to combat the effects of thyroid cancer.

 

Contact your doctor to find what other uses this medication may have for you.

 

Dosage

 

Always follow the prescription that your doctor has provided you with. Do not take Levothroid in larger or smaller dosages than you have been directed.

 

This medication should be taken orally.

 

For adults, the dosage for this medication is dependent upon weight. The recommended dosage for this medication is 1.7 micrograms per kg each day.

 

The recommended dosage for children is 25 micrograms per day.

 

Take this medication with a full glass of water. This capsule dissolves extremely quickly and may expand in your throat. This may cause choking.

 

If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together.

 

In the case of an overdose, contact your local medical emergency services.

 

Side Effects

 

The side effects that you may experience while taking this medication are:

 

 Discomfort in the chest
 Difficulty in urinating
 Difficulty in breathing
 Problems with swallowing
 Prominent veins in the neck
 Fatigue
 Loss of consciousness
 Erratic heartbeat
 Changes in skin temperature
 Erratic pulse
 Elevated blood pressure
 Changes in temperament
 Changes in menstrual cycle
 Irritation of the skin
 Unusual perspiring
 Shaking
 Enlargement of the limbs

 

In the event that you experience any of these side effects, contact your physician immediately.

 

Contraindications

 

 Inform your doctor if you have any thyroid-related problems, especially thyrotoxicosis.

 

 Inform your doctor if you have a history of coronary disease or if you have recently experienced a heart attack.

 

 Inform your doctor if you experienced problems with your adrenal gland

 

 Tell your physician if are suffering from anemia or if you have low bone density.

 

 Inform your physician if you have had problems with your pituitary gland.

 

 Tell your doctor if you have diagnosed with diabetes. The treatment for your diabetes may have to be altered when you begin taking Levothroid.