Thyroxine / Levothyroxine Sodium

• For the treatment of Hypothyroidism (reduced levels of thyroid hormone).

When should one not use Thyroxine / Levothyroxine Sodium

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Increased appetite
• Hair loss
• Weight variations
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Changes in the menstrual cycle
• Fever
• Sensitivity to heat
• Pain
• Cramps
• Mood swings

Other General Warnings

• You are an elderly patient (more than 50 years of age) and have existing heart disorders.
• You have a hormone-related disorder called Panhypopituitarism.
• You come across heart-related disorders such as high blood pressure, angina, heart failure, irregular heart rhythm, etc.
• Care is required for patients with diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus and epilepsy or seizures.
• Children may experience hair loss after initiation of the therapy with Thyroxine / Levothyroxine which is usually reversible.
• Special care should be provided while giving Thyroxine / Levothyroxine to children with low birth weight and who are premature.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Certain medicines can interfere with the action of Thyroxine / Levothyroxine or Thyroxine / Levothyroxine itself can affect the action of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Always keep in touch with your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, that includes all prescribed or non-prescribed herbal medicines, dietary supplements as well as other treatment if you are going through for any disorder.
• In particular, if you are taking certain medications like antipsychotic medicines, anti-epileptic medicines like Phenytoin, oral contraceptives. etc.
• Dose adjustment of anti-diabetic medicines, blood thinners and medicines used for treating heart failure is required on the simultaneous use of Thyroxine / Levothyroxine. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines from this class.
• Antacids, anti-ulcer medicines, iron preparations and other preparations used to reduce cholesterol levels such as Cholestyramine should be used with a minimum gap of 4-5 hours with Thyroxine / Levothyroxine.

Overdose

• The symptoms of an overdose of Thyroxine / Levothyroxine include fever, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, headache, muscle cramps, anxiety, sweating, diarrhoea, sleeplessness, etc. If you think you have consumed too much of this medicine, contact your doctor as soon as possible or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose