Thyroxine / Levothyroxine Sodium
Description
Thyroxine / Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism. It is a synthetic fo
rm of the naturally occurring hormone Thyroxine / Levothyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. It is characterised by symptoms such as lethargy, fatigue, weight gain, constipation, muscle pain, hair loss, increased sensitivity to cold, low mood, and irregular menstrual cycles. This medication should be used with caution in elderly patients, as well as in those with heart disease or disorders related to the adrenal gland disorders. The dose and duration should be strictly followed as prescribed by the doctor. In the event of any allergic reactions or severe side effects, please contact your doctor immediately.
Uses
- For the treatment of Hypothyroidism (reduced levels of thyroid hormone).
Contraindications
When should one not use Thyroxine / Levothyroxine Sodium
If you are allergic to Thyroxine / Levothyroxine.
If you have any disorders that are related to the adrenal glands.
If you have a condition of Thyrotoxicosis (excess of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream)....
Side effects
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
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Thyroxine / Levothyroxine during pregnancy?
A:
Thyroxine / Levothyroxine can be taken during pregnancy. A pregnant woman might require a higher dose of this particular medicine. If hypothyroidism is detected in between pregnancy, it is important to immediately start the treatment with Thyroxine / Levothyroxine after consulting your doctor.
Low levels of thyroid hormone in the mother can lead to birth defects in the baby or can even cause miscarriage. Regular monitoring of TSH levels is recommended.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Thyroxine / Levothyroxine while breastfeeding?
A:
Thyroxine / Levothyroxine is safe to be used in a lactating women. Milk production in women with hypothyroidism sometimes gets affected due to low levels of Thyroxine / Levothyroxine as Thyroxine / Levothyroxine plays a crucial role in the production of milk and breast development.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Thyroxine / Levothyroxine?
A:
You can drive after consuming Thyroxine / Levothyroxine. It does not impair your driving abilities.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Thyroxine / Levothyroxine?
A:
Alcohol consumption may alter the effect of the medicine. Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Thyroxine / Levothyroxine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- 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.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Thyroid hormone plays a crucial role in metabolism and much physiological activity such as digestion, brain development, heart and muscle function. In Hypothyroidism, your body is unable to produce sufficient thyroid hormone and maintain optimal physiological functions. LevoThyroxine / Levothyroxine provides an adequate amount of thyroid hormone by acting as a substitute for the naturally produced thyroid hormone....
Interactions
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....
Dosage
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
If you have missed taking any dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is time for your next dose, skip the dose that has been missed and continue with your regular schedule. Do not consume a double dose of this medicine to compensate for the missed one....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: I am a diabetic patient. Can I take Thyroxine / Levothyroxine?
A: Yes, this medicine can be taken in a diabetic condition. It is mandatory to consult and inform your doctor about diabetes as there are chances that Thyroxine / Levothyroxine can affect the blood-glucose-lowering action of anti-diabetic medicines and dose adjustment may be required.
Q: Can I take Thyroxine / Levothyroxine to lose weight?
- No, this medicine is not a weight loss medication. This medicine should strictly be used if it is prescribed by a physician for thyroid-related disorders. Do not self-medicate or use it for any other ailments other than what it is prescribed for....
Q: Can Thyroxine / Levothyroxine and Esomoprazole be taken together?
- No, Esomeprazole may affect the absorption of Thyroxine / Levothyroxine. Thus, it should never be taken at the same time. Maintain a gap of 4 hours between the consumption of Esomeprazole and Thyroxine / Levothyroxine....
Q: Can I take Thyroxine / Levothyroxine after breakfast?
- Thyroxine / Levothyroxine should preferably be taken one hour before your first meal or breakfast.
References
View All
- Eltroxin 100mcg tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2025 [cited 17 September 2025]
- Eltroxin 100mcg tablets - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2025 [cited 17 September 2025]
- LEVO-T [Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2025 [cited 17 September 2025]
- LevoThyroxine / Levothyroxine [Internet]. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2025 [cited 17 September 2025]
- Eghtedari B, Correa R. LevoThyroxine / Levothyroxine. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; [cited 10 Mar 2025].
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. LevoThyroxine / Levothyroxine Sodium [Internet]. 2002.[cited 10 Mar 2025].
- Kahaly GJ. Therapeutic Use of LevoThyroxine / Levothyroxine: A Historical Perspective. 2021 Mar 12. In: Kahaly GJ, editor. 70 Years of LevoThyroxine / Levothyroxine [Internet]. Cham (CH): Springer; 2021 [cited 10 Mar 2025].
Share This With Your Friends
Recent articles
Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
Medicines containing Thyroxine / Levothyroxine Sodium
+ View More Medicines
