This medication is used for treating hypothyroidism, underactive thyroid gland activity, and pituitary Thyroid Stimulation Hormone (TSH) suppression (for decreasing TSH levels).
levothyroxine
It is used either as a replacement or supplement to hormone thyroxine in hypothyroidism patients for pituitary TSH suppression (a condition where pituitary gland-a small gland located in the brain, fails to produce hormone TSH).
Contradications
Its use is prohibited in thyrotoxicosis (a condition with an excessive amount of thyroid hormone in the body).
Side effects
Side effects include angina pain (chest pain), cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), palpitation,skeletal muscle cramps, tachycardia (increased heart rate), diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, excitability,insomnia (inability to sleep),headaches, flushing (temporary reddening of the face), weight loss, muscleweakness, sweating, rash, pruritis (itchy skin), edema (swelling), restlessness, menstrual irregularity, pseudotumor cerebri (a condition with pressure development in the brain that results in headache),heat intolerance, and transient alopecia (temporary spot baldness)
Expert Advice
Take atleast 30 minutes before meals. Best to take it before breakfast because it causes imsomnia.
If pregnancy occurs, consult your doctor immediately as dosage might be increased.
This medication is given for lifetime.
Transient hair loss may occur in the first few months.
Consult your doctor if there's chest pain, rapid heartbeat, change in menstrual cycles, vomiting, intolerance to heat, fever, weight loss, diarhhoea, leg cramps, change to appetite, rash .
FAQs
What is this medication used for?
How to store this medication?
Please store at room temperature ranging from 15°C to 30°C, away from sunlight and out of the reach of children. Please read the leaflet provided with the medicine for further storage guidance.
What will happen if I take an extra dose of this medication?
One extra dose is unlikely to harm you. However, if you get any side effects consult your doctor.
Can I take levothyroxine with my other medications?
It is best to avoid co-administration of other medicines. Consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.
After how long can I eat food after taking levothyroxine?
Please have it after approximately 30 minutes.
How to take this medication?
It is mostly taken orally (through mouth). The dosage is dependent on the age, condition and its severity. Please consult your doctor before using this medicine.
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