Levothyroxine is an artificial thyroid hormone used to
- Treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t manufacture enough thyroid hormone.
Mechanism Of Action
- Levothyroxine acts just like the endogenous thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4, a tetra-iodinated tyrosine derivative). in the liver and kidney, T4 is converted to T3, the active matter. so as to increase solubility, the thyroid gland attaches to thyroid hormone binding proteins, thyroxin-binding globulin, and thyroxine-binding prealbumin (transthyretin). Transport and binding to thyroid hormone receptors within the cytoplasm and nucleus then takes place. so by acting as a replacement for natural thyroxine, symptoms of thyroxine deficiency are alleviated.
Side effects
- The additional common side effects of levothyroxine will include: tiredness,weight loss, augmented appetite,excessive sweating, heat sensitivity,hyperactivity, headache,irritability, nervousness,mood swings, anxiety, sleep disorder (trouble sleeping),muscle weakness,tremors,hair loss (usually temporary), menstrual irregularities,vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps whereas Serious side effects embrace the following: heart attack and heart failure.
Caution
- Before taking levothyroxine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re allergic to it; or if you have got any other allergies. This product might contain inactive ingredients, which might cause sensitivity or different issues. Also Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical record, particularly of: decreased adrenal gland function, increased thyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis), diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart illness (such as coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat).
Pregnancy
- Research shows that it’s safe to take levothyroxine throughout pregnancy, although it’s possible your doctor can change your dose of levothyroxine throughout your pregnancy.Still, It’s better To ask your doctor if you’re pregnant, might become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before taking levothyroxine.
Dose
- For adult hypothyroidism, levothyroxine is started at 12.5-125 mcg/day administered orally. starting doses and dose changes might differ with individual patients based mostly upon age, the presence of cardiovascular illness, the development of tolerance.
- Levothyroxine tablets, capsules, and dry powder ought to be kept at a temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F) in a very light-resistant, tight container.