LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM

Levothyroxine sodium is a thyroid medicine that replaces a hormone generally produced by your thyroid gland to control the body's energy and metabolism.

Indications

Hypothyroidism, cretenism.

Dosage

Oral, Adult- 50-100 µg/day once daily. Maintenance dose: 100-200 µg/day. Titrate the dose along with TSH. Myxedema coma Initial: 200-500 µg/day than 100-300 µg/day on 2nd day than on maintenance dose. Children:- start with 5µg/kg/day for two weeks than increase 25 µg after two weeks till TSH becomes normal.

Contra-Indications

Untreated hyperthyroidism; Thyrotoxicosis, uncorrected adrenal failure; recent MI.

Special Precautions

Levothyroxine sodium should be taken on an empty stomach. (Take on an empty stomach ½-1 hr before meals.) Coronary insufficiency and ECG changes Pregnancy: Can be used Lactation: Can be used Elderly: Use with caution

Side Effects

Palpitation, osteoporosis, angina, tremors, thyrotoxicosis, allergic reaction, loss of weight, restlessness.

Drug Interactions

Reduced absorption with iron, colestyramine, colestipol, aluminium- and magnesium-containing antacids, calcium carbonate, simethicone, sucralfate. May alter requirements of antidiabetic drugs. Other drugs- Imatinib, amiodarone, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampicin, oestrogens. Potentially Fatal: Increased therapeutic and toxic effects of levothyroxine and TCAs.