Levothyroxine
Information about Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine Uses
Levothyroxine is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism.
How Levothyroxine works
Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It works by replacing the thyroid hormones that your thyroid gland cannot produce. This leads to improved energy production, oxygen consumption, protein synthesis, and overall regulation of metabolism, helping restore normal thyroid function and physiological balance.
Common side effects of Levothyroxine
Headache, Increased appetite, Irregular menstrual cycle, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), Heart attack, Breathlessness, Muscle spasm, Irritability, Tremors, Muscle weakness, Weight loss, Diarrhea, Heat intolerance, Skin rash
Available Medicine for Levothyroxine
EuthyroxMerck Ltd
₹115 to ₹1909 variant(s)
Expert advice for Levothyroxine
- Always take Levothyroxine at least 30 minutes before breakfast with a full glass of water to ensure proper absorption.
- Take your dose at the same time every day to maintain stable thyroid hormone levels in your body.
- Avoid certain foods and supplements such as calcium, iron supplements, soy products, and antacids as they can interfere with absorption.
- Keep track of how you feel, and report symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or palpitations to your doctor for possible dose adjustments.
- Don’t skip or adjust the dose on your own, as missing doses or changing the dosage without medical advice can lead to imbalanced thyroid levels and unwanted side effects.
- Your doctor has prescribed Levothyroxine to replace the natural thyroid hormone that your own thyroid gland can no longer make.
- Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach (ideally, first thing in the morning). No food, milk, or tea should be taken 1 hour before and 2 hours after taking this medicine.
- It may take 6 to 8 weeks to get the full effect.
- For most people, Levothyroxine can be a lifelong medication. Do not discontinue it without discussing your doctor.
- Inform your doctor if you have diarrhea, nervousness, irritability, sleep disturbances, shaking hands, or chest pain. Your doctor may adjust your dose.
- Leave a gap of at least 4 hours before taking any antacids, calcium or iron supplements, and multivitamins, as these may interfere with the effect of the medicine.
- Get your hormone levels checked regularly and inform your doctor if you notice a significant change in your body weight. The dose may need to be adjusted.
- Inform your doctor before changing the brand of Levothyroxine as all brands may not have the same effect.