Levothyroxine (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

This medicine will need to be taken for the rest of your life or your child's life. Do not stop taking this medicine or change your dose without first checking with your doctor. It may take several weeks before you start to notice that your symptoms are better.

It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take it with a full glass of water at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before eating breakfast.

This medicine should be taken at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after these medicines: antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®, or Tums®), calcium supplements, cholestyramine (Prevalite®, Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®), iron supplements, orlistat (Alli®, Xenical®), simethicone (Gas-X®, Mylicon®), and sucralfate (Carafate®).

For infants and children who cannot swallow the tablet form, the tablet can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water (5 to 10 milliliters [mL] or 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls). You may use a spoon or dropper to give the mixture. Use the mixture right away and do not store it to use later.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablet):
  • For hypothyroidism:
    • Older adults—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is less than 1 microgram (mcg) per kilogram (kg) per day.
    • Adults and teenagers—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 1.7 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) per day.
    • Children older than 12 years of age—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mcg per kg per day.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 4 to 5 mcg per kg per day.
    • Children 1 to 5 years of age—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 5 to 6 mcg per kg per day.
    • Children 6 to 12 months of age—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 6 to 8 mcg per kg per day.
    • Children 3 to 6 months of age—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 8 to 10 mcg per kg per day.
    • Children 0 to 3 months of age—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 10 to 15 mcg per kg per day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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