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Levothroid |
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What is Levothroid and why is it prescribed? Levothroid is a synthetic thyroid hormone that may be given in any of the following cases: (1) If your own thyroid gland is not making enough hormone, (2) If you have an enlarged thyroid (a goiter) or are at risk for developing a goiter, (3) If you have certain cancers of the thyroid, or (4) If your thyroid production is low due to surgery, radiation, certain drugs, or disease of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain. If you are taking Levothroid to make up for a lack of natural hormone, it is important to take it regularly at the same time every day. How should you take Levothroid? Follow your doctors directions for taking Levothroid. Take Levothroid as a single dose, preferably on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast. Levothroid is absorbed better on an empty stomach. If an infant or child cannot swallow whole tablets, you may crush a Levothroid tablet and mix it into 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls of water. While taking Levothroid, your doctor will perform periodic blood tests to determine whether you are getting the right amount. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. If you miss two or more doses in a row, consult your doctor. Keep Levothroid in a tightly closed container. Store it at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Are there any Levothroid side effects? Levothroid side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Side effects from Levothroid, other than overdose symptoms, are rare. People who are treated with Levothroid may initially lose some hair, but this effect is usually temporary. You may have an allergic reaction such as a rash or hives. Children may have an increase in pressure within the skull. Excessive dosage or a too rapid increase in dosage may lead to overstimulation of the thyroid gland. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms. Symptoms of overstimulation include abdominal cramps, anxiety, changes in appetite, change in menstrual periods, chest pain, diarrhea, emotional instability, fatigue, fever, flushing, hair loss, headache, heart attack or failure, heat intolerance, hyperactivity, increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, irritability, muscle weakness, nausea, nervousness, palpitations, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, sweating, tremors, vomiting, and weight loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Levothroid? If Levothroid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It's advisable to check with your doctor before taking any other drug, but you should be especially wary of the following: Amiodarone (Cordarone), Androgens (male hormones), Antacids and anti-gas medications, Antidepressants (such as Elavil, Ludiomil, and Zoloft), Blood pressure drugs (such as beta blockers, nitroprusside, and thiazide diuretics), Blood-thinning drugs (such as Coumadin and heparin), Chloral hydrate (a sedative), Diabetes drugs (such as insulin and Micronase), Digitalis-type drugs (such as Lanoxin), Estrogen products and oral contraceptives, Furosemide (Lasix), Growth hormones, Hormone inhibitors (such as Cytadren and Tapazole), Iodide, Iron supplements, Kayexalate, Ketamine (Ketalar), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Methadone and heroin, Metoclopramide (Reglan), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as phenylbutazone and aspirin), Parkinson's drugs (such as Sinemet), Propylthiouracil (a thyroid inhibitor), Seizure medications (such as Dilantin, Tegretol, and phenobarbital), Steroids (such as dexamethasone and hydrocortisone), Stimulants such as epinephrine (EpiPen), Sucralfate (Carafate), The cancer drugs (5-fluorouracil, 6-mercaptopurine, mitotane, and tamoxifen), The cholesterol-lowering drugs (Colestid, Mevacor, and Questran), The immune-system drugs (interferon and interleukin), The tranquilizers (Trilafon and Valium), The tuberculosis drugs (aminosalicylate, rifampin, and ethionamide), or Theophylline (Theo-Dur). A high-fiber diet, soy-containing supplements, and walnuts can also interfere with Levothroid effects. Are there any special warnings about Levothroid? Levothroid has profound effects on the body. Make sure your doctor is aware of all your medical problems, especially heart disease, clotting disorders, diabetes, and disorders of the adrenal or pituitary glands. The doctor will also need to know about any allergies you may have to food or medicine, and will ask for the names of any medications you take, whether prescription or over-the-counter. You should receive low doses of Levothroid, under very close supervision, if you are an older person, or if you suffer from high blood pressure, angina, or other types of heart disease. If you develop chest pain or additional circulatory problems, your dosage may have to be reduced. If you have diabetes, or if your body makes insufficient adrenal corticosteroid hormone, Levothroid will tend to make your symptoms worse. If you take medication for any of these disorders, the dosage will probably have to be adjusted once you begin taking Levothroid. If diabetes is the problem, you should immediately report to your doctor any change in your glucose readings. Postmenopausal women on long-term Levothroid therapy may suffer a loss of bone density, increasing the danger of osteoporosis. To minimize the loss, the doctor will prescribe the lowest dosage needed to control symptoms of thyroid deficiency. Levothroid may cause seizures at the beginning of treatment, although this is rare. You may also notice some hair loss at first, but this is temporary. It may take a few weeks for Levothroid to begin working, and you may not see any change in your symptoms until then. Tell your doctor or dentist you are taking Levothroid before you have surgery of any kind. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while you are taking Levothroid. Your dose may need to be increased. Excessive doses of Levothroid in infants may cause the top of the skull to close too early. In children, overtreatment can stunt growth. |
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