What is Levothyroxine?
Levothyroxine helps to cope with symptoms associated with thyroid hormone deficiency.
How should Levothyroxine be taken?
Levothyroxine is taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules. It is typically administered once a day on an empty stomach, at least half an hour before breakfast.
The physician may initially prescribe a low dose and then increase it gradually whenever necessary.
Side effects associated with Levothyroxine
Possible side effects of levothyroxine include the following:
- Weight loss
- Tremors
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Excessive sweating
- Increased appetite
- Fever
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Sensitivity to heat
- Temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of treatment
You should immediately contact a doctor if the drug triggers:
- Chest pains
- Fast or irregular heart/pulse beats
Contraindications and warnings associated with Levothyroxine
In case of simultaneous intake with antacids, Levothyroxine should be administered at least four hours before or four hours later antacid intake.
Before taking levothyroxine, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you have any drug allergies
- If you are taking any medicinal products, herbal supplements or remedies. Mentioning in particular: amiodarone, amphetamines, anticoagulants, aspirin or other NSAIDs, beta-blockers, carbamazepine, corticosteroids, digoxin, estrogens, furosemide, imatinib, insulin or other drugs for diabetes, lithium, maprotiline, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, rifampin, SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants and theophylline
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from diabetes, atherosclerosis, kidney disease, liver disease, hepatitis, bleeding, porphyria, cardiovascular disease, adrenal or pituitary malfunction or if you have trouble swallowing
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is important to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Levothyroxine.
