Drug name: Levothoid (levothyroxine sodium)

Therapeutic effects:

Levothyroxine sodium is a laevogyratory isomer of thyroid hormone (thyroxine). After partial biotransformation in the liver and kidneys, levothyroxine exerts anabolic action on the growth and development of tissues, metabolism. Mechanisms of metabolic effects include receptive binding to genome, changes of oxidative metabolism in mitochondria, regulation the flow of substrates in the cells. In average doses Levothyroxine stimulates growth and development, increases the demand of tissues in oxygen, stimulates lipid, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, increases functional activity of cardiovascular and central nervous system.

In high doses levothyroxine inhibits the production and release of thyrotropin- releasing hormone of pituitary gland. Therapeutic effect is observed in 7-12 days. Clinical effects occur in 3-5 days.

Indications:

Levothroid is indicated in the following conditions:

• Primary and secondary hypothyroidism (hormonal replacement therapy)
• Mixed euthyroid goiter
• Complex treatment of toxic goiter and autoimmune thyroiditis
• Euthyroid hyperplasia

Adverse Reactions:

The medication is generally well tolerated and does not cause any side effects. Side effects of Levothyroxine sodium are possible in cases of overdose. The following adverse effects may occur during the treatment:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Hair loss
• Emotional changes
• Tachycardia
• Hot flashes
• Heart failure
• Diarrhea
• Seizures

Drug interactions:

If you take any prescription or over-the-counter medication, make sure to let your doctor know. The medication may cause the following side effects:

• Antacids
• Antidepressants
• Estrogens
• Weight loss medication (Xenical)
• Estrogens and birth control pills
• Blood thinners
• Xanthines (theophylline)
• Sucralfate
• Rifampin
• Osteoporosis treatment (raloxifene)
• Calcium medications
• Iron medications
• Seizures medications (carbamazepine, phenytoin)
• Cholesterol medications (Cholestyramine)
• Diabetes medications
• Cardiac glycosides (digoxin)

Cautions and restrictions:

• Hyperactivity of thyroid gland
• Acute heart attack
• Untreated thyrotoxicosis
• Acute myocarditis
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Hypersensitivity to levothyroxine sodium

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you can take Levothyroxine only under supervision of your health care provider. The use of Levothyroxine with thyrostatic drugs is contraindicated during pregnancy because of high risk of toxic effects.

Levothyroxine passes through the breast milk and may cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Additional information:

Levothroid tablets should be stored at dry and protected from light place out of reach of children. Do not use the medication after expiration date.