Generic Levothroid (Levothyroxine)

Common Use
Levothroid contains levothyroxine sodium, a hormone identical to the thyroid gland hormone. It is used alone or with diet pills to treat primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, and obesity.

Dosage and Direction
Dosage is individualized by your doctor.

Take a single daily dose 0.5 to 1 hour before breakfast with a full glass of water.

Separate Levothroid intake and medications that interfere with its absorption by at least four hours.

Do not stop treatment without your doctor’s permission, even if you feel no immediate effect.

It may take several weeks for the medication to take effect.

Treatment may be lifelong to replace thyroid hormone deficiency.

Precautions
Use caution in patients with:

Cardiovascular disease

Elderly individuals

Concomitant adrenal insufficiency

Contraindications
Do not use Levothroid if you have:

Untreated subclinical or overt thyrotoxicosis

Acute myocardial infarction

Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency

Possible Side Effects
Common adverse reactions include:

Headache, insomnia, nervousness, irritability

Hyperactivity, anxiety, emotional lability

Fever, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), arrhythmias

Hot flashes, sweating

Menstrual changes, appetite changes

Diarrhea, vomiting

Weight changes, hair loss

Flushing

Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you use any of the following, as they may affect Levothroid’s action:

Calcium carbonate (Oystercal, Caltrate, Citracal)

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate, Kionex)

Ferrous sulfate (iron supplements)

Sucralfate (Carafate)

Aluminum-containing antacids (Rulox, Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, Riopan, Amphojel, Gaviscon)

Cholesterol-lowering drugs: colestipol (Colestid), cholestyramine (Questran)

Warfarin

Digoxin

Estrogen products

Diabetes medicines

Amiodarone, iodide, lithium

Anti-thyroid agents

Phenobarbital

Rifamycins

Beta blockers

Antidepressants

Growth hormones

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take extra doses to compensate.

Overdose
Symptoms may include:

Pounding heartbeat, chest pain

Tremors, leg cramps

Confusion, disorientation

Shortness of breath

Vomiting, diarrhea

Seizures

Seek emergency medical help if you experience these symptoms.

Storage
Store at room temperature (59–77°F / 15–25°C) away from light, moisture, children, and pets. Do not use after the expiration date.

Disclaimer
This information provides general medication guidance and does not include all directions, possible interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions. We disclaim responsibility for any damages resulting from use of this information or self-treatment.