General
Description & Use
Used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland
does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Without this hormone,
the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow
speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin,
and increased sensitivity to cold. When taken correctly, levothyroxine
reverses these symptoms. Levothyroxine also is used to treat congenital
hypothyroidism (cretinism) and goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).
Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
It replaces the hormone that is normally produced by the thyroid
gland. Low thyroid levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid
gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery.
It is important to have adequate levels of thyroid hormone in
your bloodstream to maintain normal mental and physical activity.
In children, adequate levels of thyroid hormone are important
for normal mental and physical growth and development.
This medication is used to treat other types of thyroid disorders
as well (e.g., certain types of goiters, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis,
thyroid cancer).
How to use Thyrox Oral
Take this medication by mouth usually once a day on an empty stomach,
1/2 to 1 hour before breakfast, or as directed by your doctor.
To prevent difficulty swallowing the tablet, take it with a full
glass of water unless otherwise directed by your doctor. For children
who cannot swallow whole tablets, crush the tablet and mix in
1 or 2 teaspoons (5 or 10 milliliters) of water, and give using
a spoon or dropper as soon as possible after preparation. Do not
store the mixture for later use. Do not mix crushed tablets in
soybean infant formula. Consult your pharmacist for more information.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit
from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Your doctor
may need to adjust your dosage based on your medical condition,
your response to therapy, and your laboratory test results.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting with your
doctor. Replacement therapy is usually taken for life. It may
take up to 4-6 weeks before the full benefits of this medication
take effect. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or
worsens.
Also
see Eltroxin Levothyroxine
