Some experts recommend not prescribing levothyroxine to treat subclinical hypothyroidism because of the high risk of serious side effects ( 8). This condition is called subclinical hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine treats several different types of hypothyroidism including ( 3):īlood work can detect hypothyroidism even when symptoms are not present. Thyroid hormones influence several biochemical reactions in the body, including metabolic rate. Summary: Taken by mouth, levothyroxine is absorbed in the small intestine and then converted to the biologically active thyroid hormone T3. Thyroid-related blood work such as TSH levels will also return to normal ( 9). This means a reduction in symptoms such as fatigue, cold, weight gain, hair loss and impaired memory. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may reduce after several weeks of usage. Thyroid hormones increase basal metabolic rate and influence DNA transcription, protein synthesis and metabolism ( 7). Once in the body, levothyroxine (T4) is converted to triiodothyronine (T3), the most active thyroid hormone ( 6). Levothyroxine is taken by mouth and then absorbed in the small intestine ( 5). Summary: Levothyroxine is a synthetic prohormone that is used to treat hypothyroidism. Some of the trade names for levothyroxine sodium include ( 4): Typically just referred to as Levothyroxine, it’s a synthetic drug that is biologically identical to T4, a prohormone produced by the thyroid ( 2, 3). Levothyroxine sodium is an oral medication used to treat - not cure - hypothyroidism ( 2). Summary: In hypothyroidism, the level of active thyroid hormones is lower than what is needed to maintain good health. Left untreated it can cause many health issues including fatigue, hair loss, poor memory and weight gain. It can result from insufficient thyroid hormone production or because thyroid hormones are inactivated before they have time to work ( 1). Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid. Drug and Food Interactions with Levothyroxine.Reduce dose or temporarily discontinue therapy normal hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis will return to normal in 6-8 weeks serum T4 levels do not correlate well with toxicity. Report chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, increased nervousness, agitation, or lethargy.Chronic overdose is treated by withdrawal of the drug massive overdose may require beta-blockers for increased sympathomimetic activity.Ĭhronic overdose may cause hyperthyroidism, weight loss, nervousness, sweating, tachycardia, insomnia, heat intolerance, menstrual irregularities, palpitations, psychosis, fever acute overdose may cause fever, hypoglycemia, CHF, unrecognized adrenal insufficiency. Do not change brands and do not discontinue without consulting prescriber.Ĭonsult prescriber if drastically increasing or decreasing intake of goitrogenic food (eg, asparagus, cabbage, peas, turnip greens, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, soybeans). Take as directed, in the morning before breakfast. Thyroid replacement therapy is generally for life. Consult your doctor in case you face any problems. The peak effect from a specific dose can take up to six weeks to occur. This medicine works best on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast. This medicine can be taken by mouth or given by injection into a vein. You are advised to use precautionary measures before taking this medicine if: If you are allergic to any of the ingredients present in this drug, do not use it. Thyonorm 50Mcg Tablet is a medication that treats thyroid hormone deficiency including its severe form known as myxoedema coma. Thyonorm 50Mcg Tablet is used as a replacement or supplemental therapy in hypothyroidism some clinicians suggest levothyroxine is the drug of choice for replacement therapy.
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