Levothyroxine Sodium
Levothyroxine Sodium is a medication taken by people who have hypothyroidism, or an underactive thryroid. Levothryoxine Sodium is a man made form of thyroid hormone that replaces the hormone that the body is not able make. It can also be used to decrease the size of a thyroid gland that is too big (called a goiter).
Levothyroxine Sodium comes in two forms. The tablet form is taken by mouth every day. The IV or intravenous form of this medicine is only given in hospitals in an emergency situation.
Instructions
Children should take the tablet with water on an empty stomach. The tablet can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of formula or water when given to a small child or infant. Do not mix the crushed tablet with an entire bottle of formula. Older children usually take the medicine an hour before or two hours after breakfast.
There are some foods that might not allow all of the medicine to be absorbed. These foods include: soy protein, asparagus, spinach, peas, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and lettuce.
Antacids, iron, and calcium supplements, should be taken four hours before or after the thyroid medication.
Do not change brands of thyroid medication without talking to your child's healthcare provider. If the health insurance company or pharmacist wants to change brands, please tell your child's Endocrine healthcare provider.
Side Effects
There are not many side effects with thyroid medication, but you should call your child's healthcare provider if a skin rash or hives develop while taking the medication.
If your child experiences the following symptoms he/she may need to have the healthcare provider change the dose:
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling tired
- Trouble concentrating
- Loose stools
- Constipation
Warning Signs
Call your child's healthcare provider right away if he/she has:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heart beat
- General weakness
- Shakiness or tremors
These symptoms may be a sign of too much or too little medicine and should be corrected as soon as possible.
Rev. 9/08
