Legal classification of medication
POM
Levothyroxine tablets can only be obtained in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner and therefore the legal status of the medication is prescription only medication (POM).
Levothyroxine comes in three different strengths; 25mcg, 50mcg, and 100mcg and be obtained in tablet or liquid formulations.
Class of drug
Levothyroxine is thyroid hormone.
Indications
How does it work?
The thyroid gland which is situated in the front of the neck below the skin and muscle layers, controls how quickly the body uses energy, makes protein, and how sensitive it is to other hormones; therefore the function of the thyroid gland is to regulate the metabolism of the body.
The thyroid gland achieves this process by producing two hormones; tri-iodotyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). When the thyroid gland becomes underactive it is unable to produce T4 this in turn decreases the levels of T3. Depletion of both hormones leads to hypothyroidism (under active thyroid gland). This will lead to symptoms such as weight gain, and intolerance to cold and tiredness.
Levothyroxine tablets are given to replace the normal T3 levels, hence replacing the T3 and T4 levels to normal.
How is it taken?
The beneficial effect of levothyroxine is not achieved for several weeks and there is a slow response to changes in dosages. It is therefore very important to take the tablets as directed by your doctor.
The dose of levothyroxine for the treatment of an underactive thyroid in an adult is 50-100mcg and maybe increased in increments of 25 to 50mcg every 4 weeks, until a maintenance dose is established. The adult maintenance dose is usually between and 100-200mcg. The doctor might give a different regime for elderly patients and those who have cardiovascular disorders such as angina, heart failure, and hypertension (high blood pressure).
The dose of levothyroxine should be taken in a single daily dose, best taken on an empty stomach before breakfast. Thyroxine tablets need to be taken for life, as your thyroid function is unlikely to return to normal without daily treatment. Only stop taking this medication on your doctor's advice.
Pregnancy and breast feeding
Levothyroxine is usually considered compatible in breast feeing and pregnant women.
Contra-indications
Levothyroxine should not be used in patients who suffer from overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).
Side-effects
Side-effects are generally associated with excessive dosage, they may include:
