What Is Levothox Used For?

Levothox contains levothyroxine sodium, a thyroid hormone used as replacement therapy when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones naturally.

Primary Uses

Levothox treats thyroid hormone deficiency (hypothyroidism), a condition where your thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough levothyroxine hormone. It’s also used to treat TSH-responsive tumors of the thyroid gland.

How It Works

Levothyroxine is important for controlling your metabolism. Levothox replaces the shortage of thyroid hormones in your body, helping to restore normal thyroid function.

How to Take Levothox

Your doctor will calculate the right dose for you based on your individual needs. Take Levothox exactly as prescribed and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Dosage Instructions

The usual starting dose for adults is 50 to 100 micrograms daily. The dose may be increased over time, with the average adult maintenance dose being 100 to 200 micrograms. Lower doses are used for elderly patients and children. Take tablets first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes and preferably 60 minutes before any food or other medications. Swallow tablets with a glass of water.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss your dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take your dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Take Levothox regularly at the same time each day for best results.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Muscle weakness and cramps
• Inability to sleep
• Tremor
• Headache
• Lack of concentration
• Heat intolerance
• Excessive sweating
• Weight loss
• Hair loss
• Irritability
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Irregular heartbeats
• Chest pain
• Skin rash
• Menstrual irregularities
• Decreased libido

Important Warnings

Before taking Levothox, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications to ensure safe use.

Who Should Not Take Levothox

Do not take Levothox if you are allergic to levothyroxine sodium, thyroid hormones, or any ingredients in the tablets. Do not take tablets if their color has changed, or if the packaging is damaged or expired.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have: overactive thyroid gland, adrenal gland problems, hyperthyroidism, heart problems or cardiovascular disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, long-standing hypothyroidism, problems absorbing nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract, or allergies to other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Levothyroxine levels need careful monitoring during pregnancy, and your dosage may need to be increased. Although small amounts pass into breast milk, women who are breastfeeding should continue treatment with Levothox as directed by their doctor.

Drug Interactions

Many medications can interfere with Levothox and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners like warfarin)
• Antidepressants (lithium, SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants)
• Antivirals for HIV/AIDS (ritonavir)
• Antimalarials (chloroquine, proguanil)
• Diabetes medications (insulin)
• Beta-blockers (propranolol)
• Cholesterol medications (colestyramine)
• Corticosteroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone)
• Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy
• Epilepsy medications (phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• Heart failure medications (digoxin)
• Iron supplements
• Calcium, magnesium, and aluminum supplements
• Antibiotics (rifampicin, ciprofloxacin)
• Soybean flour products
• Antacids and proton pump inhibitors
• Heart rhythm medications (amiodarone)
• Oral contrast agents for X-rays
• Thyroid medications (propylthiouracil)
• NSAIDs (pain and anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Weight loss drugs (orlistat)

Alcohol & Driving

Be cautious with activities requiring alertness until you know how Levothox affects you, and inform your doctor about alcohol consumption.

Alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as this information is important for your treatment plan.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools where alertness is required, until you know how Levothox affects you.

Storage

Store Levothox in the original package in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Protect from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children. Do not take tablets if their color has changed.

Overdose Information

If you think you have taken too much Levothox, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Overdose symptoms may include restlessness, vomiting, flushing, breathing difficulties, chest pain, convulsions, or paralysis. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.

Frequently Asked Questions