(lee voe thye ROKS een)
Oral:
Hypothyroidism: Replacement or supplemental therapy in congenital or acquired hypothyroidism of any etiology, except transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis. Specific indications include primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism. Primary hypothyroidism may result from functional deficiency, primary atrophy, partial or total congenital absence of the thyroid gland, or from the effects of surgery, radiation, or drugs, with or without the presence of goiter. Note: ATA/AACE guidelines recommend levothyroxine monotherapy as the preferred thyroid preparation for the treatment of hypothyroidism (ATA/AACE [Garber 2012]).
Pituitary thyrotropin-stimulating hormone suppression: Prevention or treatment of various types of euthyroid goiters, including thyroid nodules, subacute or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto thyroiditis), multinodular goiter and as an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy in the management of thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer.
Injectable:
US labeling: Treatment of myxedema coma
Canadian labeling: Refer to oral indications; IV may be substituted for oral when rapid repletion is required; IV or IM may be used when oral administration is not possible.
Hypersensitivity to levothyroxine sodium or any component of the formulation; acute MI; untreated subclinical (suppressed serum TSH level with normal T3 and T4 levels) or overt thyrotoxicosis of any etiology; uncorrected adrenal insufficiency.
Capsule: Additional contraindication: Inability to swallow capsules (eg, infants, small children)
Injection:
US labeling: There are no contraindications listed in the manufacturer 's labeling when used for labeled indication (treatment of myxedema coma); consider contraindications for oral therapy if using as a temporary substitute for oral treatment (off-label use) in patients with chronic hypothyroidism.
Canadian labeling: Hypersensitivity to levothyroxine sodium or any component of the formulation; acute MI; thyrotoxicosis of any etiology; uncorrected adrenal insufficiency.
Do not use thyroid hormones, including levothyroxine, either alone or with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss. In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.
Doses should be adjusted based on clinical response and laboratory parameters.
Hypothyroidism: Oral:
Adults, healthy adults <50 years of age, children in whom growth and puberty are complete, and older adults who have been recently treated for hyperthyroidism or who have been hypothyroid for only a few months:
~1.7 mcg/kg/day; usual doses are ≤200 mcg daily (range: 100 to 125 mcg daily [70 kg adult]); doses ≥300 mcg daily are rare (consider poor compliance, malabsorption, and/or drug interactions). Titrate dose every 6 weeks. The Canadian labeling includes detailed dosage titration information. Refer to manufacturer labeling for specific recommendations.
Alternate recommendations (off-label dose): Adults (healthy adults <50 years of age): ~1.6 mcg/kg/day. Full replacement doses should be considered when initiating therapy in young healthy adults with overt hypothyroidism and after planned (eg, in preparation for thyroid cancer imaging and therapy) or short-term inadvertent lapses in therapy. Patients presenting with subclinical hypothyroidism do not require full replacement doses (ATA/AACE [Garber 2012]).
Adults <50 years with cardiac disease: Initial: 25 to 50 mcg daily; adjust dose by 12.5 to 25 mcg increments at 6- to 8-week intervals as needed
Adults >50 years: Refer to geriatric dosing.
IM, IV: (Canadian labeling; off-label route [IM] and off-label use in US): 50% of the oral dose; alternatively, some clinicians administer up to 80% of the oral dose. Note: Bioavailability of the oral formulation is highly variable, but absorption has been measured to be ~80%, when the oral tablet formulation was administered in the recommended fasting state (Dickerson 2010; Fish 1987).
Severe hypothyroidism: Oral: Initial: 12.5 to 25 mcg daily; adjust dose by 25 mcg daily every 2 to 4 weeks as appropriate
Subclinical hypothyroidism (if treated): Oral: Manufacturer 's labeling: 1 mcg/kg/day. Alternate recommendations (off-label dose): 25 to 75 mcg daily, with higher doses usually required for those presenting with higher TSH values (ATA/AACE [Garber 2012])
TSH suppression: Oral:
Well-differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary and follicular): Highly individualized; Doses >2 mcg/kg/day may be needed to suppress TSH to <0.1 milliunits/L in intermediate- to high-risk tumors. Low-risk tumors may be maintained at or slightly below the lower limit of normal (0.1 to 0.5 milliunits/L) (Cooper 2009).
Benign nodules and nontoxic multinodular goiter: Routine use of T4 for TSH suppression is not recommended in patients with benign thyroid nodules. In patients deemed appropriate candidates, treatment should never be fully suppressive (TSH <0.1 milliunits/L) (Cooper 2009; Gharib 2010). The Canadian labeling recommends an initial dose of 1.7 to 2 mcg/kg/day (target TSH: 0.1 to 0.3 milliunits/L). Avoid use if TSH is already suppressed.
Myxedema coma or stupor: IV: 300 to 500 mcg initially, followed by 50 to 100 mcg once daily until patient is able to tolerate oral administration; smaller doses should be considered in patients with cardiovascular disease
Alternate recommendations (off-label dose): Initial loading dose: 200 to 400 mcg; followed by a daily replacement dose of 1.2 mcg/kg/day (which is 75% of the 1.6 mcg/kg oral daily replacement dose reduced for IV administration); smaller doses should be considered for smaller or older patients and those with a history of coronary disease or arrhythmia; institute oral therapy after the patient improves clinically (ATA [Jonklaas 2014])
Cadaveric organ recovery (hormonal resuscitation) (off-label use): IV: Initial: 20 mcg bolus followed by a continuous infusion of 10 mcg/hour administered to the brain-dead donor who is hemodynamically unstable requiring significant vasopressor support; give concomitantly with methylprednisolone, dextrose, and regular insulin (Salim 2007).
Doses should be adjusted based on clinical response and laboratory parameters.
Hypothyroidism:
Adults >50 years without cardiac disease: Initial: 25 to 50 mcg daily; adjust dose by 12.5 to 25 mcg increments at 6- to 8-week intervals as needed
Adults >50 years with cardiac disease: Initial: 12.5 to 25 mcg daily; adjust dose by 12.5 to 25 mcg increments at 4- to 6-week intervals (many clinicians prefer to adjust at 6- to 8-week intervals)
Elderly patients may require <1 mcg/kg/day. Elderly patients often require 20% to 25% less per kilogram than younger patients due to decreased body mass (ATA/AACE [Garber 2012]): Refer to adult dosing.
Myxedema coma: Refer to adult dosing; lower doses may be needed.
Hypothyroidism: Infants and Children: Doses should be adjusted based on clinical response and laboratory parameters.
Oral: Daily dosage based on body weight and age as listed below:
1 to 3 months: 10 to 15 mcg/kg/day; if the infant is at risk for development of cardiac failure, use a lower starting dose of 25 mcg daily; if the initial serum T4 is very low (<5 mcg/dL) begin treatment at a higher dosage of approximately 50 mcg daily (12 to 17 mcg/kg/day) (AAP 2006; Selva 2002)
3 to 6 months: 8 to 10 mcg/kg/day
6 to 12 months: 6 to 8 mcg/kg/day
1 to 5 years: 5 to 6 mcg/kg/day
6 to 12 years: 4 to 5 mcg/kg/day
>12 years: 2 to 3 mcg/kg/day
Growth and puberty complete: 1.7 mcg/kg/day; refer to adult dosing (US labeling) or 1.6 to 1.7 mcg/kg/day (Canadian labeling).
Note: Hyperactivity in older children may be minimized by starting at 1/4 of the recommended dose and increasing each week by that amount until the full dose is achieved (4 weeks).
Children with severe or chronic hypothyroidism should be started at 25 mcg daily; adjust dose by 25 mcg every 2 to 4 weeks.
IM (off-label route in US), IV: Refer to adult dosing.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling.
Dilute vial for injection with 5 mL normal saline. Reconstituted concentrations for the 100 mcg, 200 mcg and 500 mcg vials are 20 mcg/mL, 40 mcg/mL ,and 100 mcg/mL, respectively. Shake well and use immediately after reconstitution (manufacturer labeling suggests reconstituted vial is stable for 4 hours); discard any unused portions.
Oral: Administer in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before food.
Capsule: Must be swallowed whole; do not cut, crush, or attempt to dissolve capsules in water to prepare a suspension.
Tablet: May be crushed and suspended in 5 to 10 mL of water; suspension should be used immediately. Levoxyl should be administered with a full glass of water to prevent gagging (due to tablet swelling). Note: The Canadian labeling suggests that crushed tablets may also be suspended in breast milk or non-soybean based formula or sprinkled over a small amount of food (eg, apple sauce); avoid the use of foods with high content of iron, fiber, or soybean.
Nasogastric tube: Bioavailability of levothyroxine is reduced if administered with enteral tube feeds. Since holding feedings for at least 1 hour before and after levothyroxine administration may not completely resolve the interaction, an increase in dose (eg, additional 25 mcg) may be necessary (Dickerson 2010).
Parenteral: May be administered by IV injection; may also be administered IM when oral administration is not feasible (Canadian labeling; off-label route in US).
Cadaveric organ recovery (hormonal resuscitation) (off-label use): After IV bolus administration, may administer as a continuous infusion (Salim 2007).
Capsules and tablets: Store at 25 � �C (77 � �F); excursions are permitted between 15 � �C and 30 � �C (59 � �F and 86 � �F). Protect from light and moisture.
Injection: Store at 20 � �C to 25 � �C (68 � �F to 77 � �F). Protect from light.
Additional stability data:
Stability in polypropylene syringes (100 mcg/mL in NS) at 5 � �C � � 1 � �C is 7 days (Gupta 2000).
Stability in latex-free, PVC minibags protected from light and stored at 15 � �C to 30 � �C (59 � �F to 86 � �F) was 12 hours for a 2 mcg/mL concentration or 18 hours for a 0.4 mcg/mL concentration in NS. May be exposed to light; however, stability time is significantly reduced, especially for the 2 mcg/mL concentration (Strong 2010).
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Capsule, Oral, as sodium:
Tirosint: 13 mcg, 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75 mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg
Solution Reconstituted, Intravenous, as sodium [preservative free]:
Generic: 100 mcg (1 ea); 200 mcg (1 ea); 500 mcg (1 ea)
Tablet, Oral, as sodium:
Levothroid: 25 mcg [DSC] [contains fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Levothroid: 50 mcg [DSC]
Levothroid: 75 mcg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake]
Levothroid: 88 mcg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Levothroid: 100 mcg [DSC] [contains fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Levothroid: 112 mcg [DSC]
Levothroid: 125 mcg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Levothroid: 137 mcg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake]
Levothroid: 150 mcg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]
Levothroid: 175 mcg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake]
Levothroid: 200 mcg [DSC] [contains fd&c red #40 aluminum lake]
Levothroid: 300 mcg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 (quinoline yellow), fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Levoxyl: 25 mcg [scored; contains fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Levoxyl: 50 mcg [scored]
Levoxyl: 75 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake]
Levoxyl: 88 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Levoxyl: 100 mcg [scored; contains fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Levoxyl: 112 mcg [scored; contains fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Levoxyl: 125 mcg [scored; contains fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake]
Levoxyl: 137 mcg, 150 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake]
Levoxyl: 175 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake]
Levoxyl: 200 mcg [scored; contains fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake]
Synthroid: 25 mcg [scored; contains fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Synthroid: 50 mcg [scored]
Synthroid: 75 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake]
Synthroid: 88 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Synthroid: 100 mcg [scored; contains fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Synthroid: 112 mcg [scored]
Synthroid: 125 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Synthroid: 137 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake]
Synthroid: 150 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]
Synthroid: 175 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake]
Synthroid: 200 mcg [scored; contains fd&c red #40 aluminum lake]
Synthroid: 300 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 25 mcg [contains fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 25 mcg [DSC] [scored; contains fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 50 mcg
Unithroid: 50 mcg [DSC], 75 mcg [DSC] [scored]
Unithroid: 75 mcg [contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 88 mcg [DSC] [scored]
Unithroid: 88 mcg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 100 mcg [contains fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 100 mcg [DSC] [scored; contains fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 112 mcg
Unithroid: 112 mcg [DSC] [scored]
Unithroid: 125 mcg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 125 mcg [DSC] [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 137 mcg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 150 mcg [contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 150 mcg [DSC] [scored; contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 175 mcg [DSC] [scored]
Unithroid: 175 mcg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 200 mcg [DSC] [scored]
Unithroid: 200 mcg [contains fd&c red #40 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 300 mcg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 (quinoline yellow), fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid: 300 mcg [DSC] [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid Direct: 25 mcg [scored; contains fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid Direct: 50 mcg [scored]
Unithroid Direct: 75 mcg, 88 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid Direct: 100 mcg [scored; contains fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid Direct: 112 mcg [scored]
Unithroid Direct: 125 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Unithroid Direct: 150 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #2 aluminum lake]
Unithroid Direct: 175 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake]
Unithroid Direct: 200 mcg [scored; contains fd&c red #40 aluminum lake]
Unithroid Direct: 300 mcg [scored; contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]
Generic: 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75 mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg, 175 mcg, 200 mcg, 300 mcg
A 25 mcg/mL oral suspension may be made with tablets and 40 mL glycerol. Crush twenty-five 0.1 mg levothyroxine tablets in a mortar and reduce to a fine powder. Add small portions of glycerol and mix to a uniform suspension. Transfer to a calibrated 100 mL amber bottle; rinse the mortar with about 10 mL of glycerol and pour into the bottle; repeat until all 40 mL of glycerol is used. Add quantity of water sufficient to make 100 mL. Label shake well" and "refrigerate". Stable for 8 days refrigerated.
Boulton DW, Fawcett JP, and Woods DJ, "Stability of an Extemporaneously Compounded Levothyroxine Sodium Oral Liquid," Am J Health Syst Pharm, 1996, 53(10):1157-61.[PMID: 8734676]Do not mix with other IV infusion solutions.
Aluminum Hydroxide: May decrease the serum concentration of Levothyroxine. Management: Separate administration of oral levothyroxine and aluminum hydroxide by at least 4 hours. Consider therapy modification
Bile Acid Sequestrants: May decrease the serum concentration of Thyroid Products. Management: Administer oral thyroid products at least 4 h prior to colesevelam, and at least 1 h before or 4-6 h after cholestyramine. Specific recommendations for colestipol are not available. Monitor for decreased concentrations/effects of the thyroid product. Consider therapy modification
Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate: May decrease the serum concentration of Thyroid Products. Management: To minimize risk of interaction, separate dosing of oral calcium polystyrene sulfonate and thyroid products (eg, levothyroxine) or administer calcium polystyrene sulfonate rectally. Monitor for signs/symptoms of hypothyroidism with concomitant use (oral). Consider therapy modification
Calcium Salts: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Thyroid Products. Management: Separate the doses of the thyroid product and the oral calcium supplement by at least 4 hours. Consider therapy modification
CarBAMazepine: May decrease the serum concentration of Thyroid Products. Monitor therapy
Ciprofloxacin (Systemic): May decrease the serum concentration of Thyroid Products. Monitor therapy
Estrogen Derivatives: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Thyroid Products. Monitor therapy
Fosphenytoin: May decrease the serum concentration of Thyroid Products. Phenytoin may also displace thyroid hormones from protein binding sites. Monitor therapy
Iron Salts: May decrease the serum concentration of Levothyroxine. Management: Separate oral administration of iron salts and levothyroxine by at least 4 hours. Separation of doses is not required with parenterally administered iron salts or levothyroxine. Exceptions: Ferric Carboxymaltose; Ferric Gluconate; Ferric Hydroxide Polymaltose Complex; Ferric Pyrophosphate Citrate; Ferumoxytol; Iron Dextran Complex; Iron Sucrose. Consider therapy modification
Lanthanum: May decrease the serum concentration of Thyroid Products. Management: Administer oral thyroid products at least two hours before or after lanthanum. Consider therapy modification
Magnesium Salts: May decrease the serum concentration of Levothyroxine. Management: Separate administration of oral levothyroxine and oral magnesium salts by at least 4 hours. Consider therapy modification
Multivitamins/Minerals (with ADEK, Folate, Iron): May decrease the serum concentration of Levothyroxine. Management: Separate oral administration of iron-containing multivitamins and levothyroxine by at least 4 hours. Consider therapy modification
Orlistat: May decrease the serum concentration of Levothyroxine. Management: Separate administration of oral levothyroxine and orlistat by a least 4 hours. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. Consider therapy modification
Phenytoin: May decrease the serum concentration of Thyroid Products. Phenytoin may also displace thyroid hormones from protein binding sites. Monitor therapy
Piracetam: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Thyroid Products. Specifically, symptoms including confusion, irritability, and sleep disorder have been described during concomitant use. Monitor therapy
Polaprezinc: May decrease the serum concentration of Levothyroxine. Consider therapy modification
Raloxifene: May decrease the absorption of Levothyroxine. Consider therapy modification
RifAMPin: May decrease the serum concentration of Thyroid Products. Monitor therapy
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Thyroid Products. Thyroid product dose requirements may be increased. Monitor therapy
Sevelamer: May decrease the serum concentration of Levothyroxine. Management: Consider separating administration of sevelamer and levothyroxine by at least several hours whenever possible in order to decrease the risk of a significant interaction. Consider therapy modification
Sodium Iodide I131: Thyroid Products may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sodium Iodide I131. Avoid combination
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate: May decrease the serum concentration of Thyroid Products. Management: To minimize risk of interaction, separate dosing of oral sodium polystyrene sulfonate and thyroid products (e.g., levothyroxine) or administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate rectally. Monitor for signs/symptoms of hypothyroidism with concomitant use (oral). Consider therapy modification
Sucralfate: May decrease the serum concentration of Levothyroxine. Monitor therapy
Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide: May decrease the serum concentration of Levothyroxine. Management: Avoid the use of oral/enteral levothyroxine and sucroferric oxyhydroxide in combination. No interaction is anticipated with parenteral levothyroxine administration. Avoid combination
Theophylline Derivatives: Thyroid Products may increase the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Exceptions: Dyphylline. Monitor therapy
Tricyclic Antidepressants: Thyroid Products may enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Thyroid Products may enhance the stimulatory effect of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Monitor therapy
Vitamin K Antagonists (eg, warfarin): Thyroid Products may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Vitamin K Antagonists. Monitor therapy
Thyroid function test (serum thyroxine, thyrotropin concentrations), resin triiodothyronine uptake (rT3U), free thyroxine index (FTI), T4, TSH, heart rate, blood pressure, clinical signs of hypo- and hyperthyroidism; TSH is the most reliable guide for evaluating adequacy of thyroid replacement dosage. TSH may be elevated during the first few months of thyroid replacement despite patients being clinically euthyroid. In cases where T4 remains low and TSH is within normal limits, an evaluation of "free " � (unbound) T4 is needed to evaluate further increase in dosage
Infants: Monitor closely for cardiac overload, arrhythmias, and aspiration from avid suckling
Infants/children: Monitor closely for under/overtreatment. Undertreatment may decrease intellectual development and linear growth, and lead to poor school performance due to impaired concentration and slowed mentation. Overtreatment may adversely affect brain maturation, accelerate bone age (leading to premature closure of the epiphyses and reduced adult height); craniosynostosis has been reported in infants. Treated children may experience a period of catch-up growth. Monitor TSH and total or free T4 at 2 and 4 weeks after starting treatment; every 1 to 2 months for first year of life; every 2 to 3 months during years 1 to 3; every 3 to 12 months until growth completed. Perform routine clinical examinations at regular intervals (to assess mental and physical growth and development).
Adults:
Manufacturer 's labeling: Monitor TSH every 6 to 8 weeks until normalized; 8 to 12 weeks after dosage changes; every 6 to 12 months throughout therapy
Alternate recommendations: Monitor TSH 4 to 8 weeks after treatment initiation or dose changes, 6 months after adequate replacement dose determined, followed by every 12 months thereafter (or more frequently depending on clinical situation) (ATA/AACE [Garber 2012]).
T4-binding globulin (TBG): Factors that alter binding in serum (ATA/AACE [Garber 2012]):
Note: T4 is ~99.97% protein bound. Factors that alter protein binding will affect serum total T4 levels; however, measurement of serum free T4 (the metabolically active moiety) has largely replaced serum total T4 for thyroid status assessment.
Conditions/states that increase TBG binding: Pregnancy, hepatitis, porphyria, neonatal state
Medications that increase TBG binding: Estrogens, 5-fluorouracil, heroin, methadone, mitotane, perphenazine, selective estrogen receptor modulators (eg, tamoxifen, raloxifene)
Conditions/states that decrease TBG binding: Hepatic failure, nephrosis, severe illness.
Medications that decrease TBG binding: Androgens, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, L-asparaginase, nicotinic acid
Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3): Serum binding inhibitors (ATA/AACE [Garber 2012]):
Medications that inhibit T4 and T3 binding: Carbamazepine, furosemide, free fatty acids, heparin, NSAIDS (variable, transient), phenytoin, salicylates
Thyroid gland hormone: Interference with production and secretion (ATA/AACE [Garber 2012]):
Medications affecting iodine uptake: Amiodarone, iodinated contrast agents, iodine, ethionamide
Medications affecting hormone production: Amiodarone, ethionamide, iodinated contrast agents, iodine, sulfonylureas, sulfonamides, thionamides (carbimazole, methimazole, propylthiouracil),
Medications affecting secretion: Amiodarone, iodinated contrast agents, iodine, lithium
Medications inducing thyroiditis: Alemtuzumab, amiodarone, antiangiogenic agents (lenalidomide, thalidomide), denileukin diftitoxin, interferon alpha, interleukins, lithium, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sunitinib, sorafenib)
Medications potentially causing the development of Graves ': Alemtuzumab, interferon alpha, highly active antiretroviral therapy
Medications potentially ameliorating thyroiditis (if autoimmune) or Graves ': Glucocorticoids
Hypothalamic-pituitary axis and TSH: Interference with secretion (ATA/AACE [Garber 2012]):
Medications decreasing TSH secretion: Bexarotene, dopamine, dopaminergic agonists (bromocriptine, cabergoline), glucocorticoids, interleukin-6, metformin, opiates, somatostatin analogues (octreotide, lanreotide), thyroid hormone analogues
Medications increasing TSH secretion: Amphetamine, interleukin 2, metoclopramide, ritonavir, St Johns wort
Medications potentially causing hypophysitis: Ipilimumab
Frequency not defined.
Cardiovascular: Angina pectoris, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, flushing, hypertension, increased pulse, myocardial infarction, palpitations, tachycardia
Central nervous system: Anxiety, choking sensation (Levoxyl), emotional lability, fatigue, headache, heat intolerance, hyperactivity, insomnia, irritability, myasthenia, nervousness, pseudotumor cerebri (children), seizure (rare)
Dermatologic: Alopecia, diaphoresis
Endocrine & metabolic: Menstrual disease, weight loss
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dysphagia (Levoxyl), gag reflex (Levoxyl), increased appetite, vomiting
Genitourinary: Infertility
Hepatic: Increased liver enzymes
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity (to inactive ingredients; symptoms include urticaria, pruritus, rash, flushing, angioedema, GI symptoms, fever, arthralgia, serum sickness, wheezing)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Decreased bone mineral density, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (children), tremor
Respiratory: Dyspnea
Miscellaneous: Fever
Disease-related concerns:
- Adrenal insufficiency: Use with caution in patients with adrenal insufficiency; symptoms may be exaggerated or aggravated. Use is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency. Treatment with glucocorticoids should precede levothyroxine therapy in patients with adrenal insufficiency (ATA/AACE [Garber 2012]).
- Benign thyroid nodules: Appropriate use: Routine use of T4 for TSH suppression is not recommended in patients with benign thyroid nodules. Treatment should never be fully suppressive (TSH <0.1 milliunits/L) (Cooper 2009; Gharib 2010).
- Use of T4 is often physician-dependent and may be considered in select patients, including patients who reside in iodine-deficient areas, young patients with small thyroid nodules, and patients with nonfunctioning nodular goiters (Gharib 2010).
- Use should be avoided in postmenopausal women, men >60 years of age, patients with cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, or systemic illness, and patients with large thyroid nodules or long-standing goiters, or low-normal TSH levels (Gharib 2010).
- Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution and reduce dosage in patients with cardiovascular disease; patients with developing or worsening cardiac symptoms should have their dose reduced or therapy withheld for 7 days and then resumed at a reduced dose. Chronic hypothyroidism predisposes patients to coronary artery disease; monitor patients closely for development of cardiac ischemia. Similarly, patients with heart failure and hypothyroidism should be closely followed.
- Diabetes: Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus and insipidus; symptoms may be exaggerated or aggravated.
- Myxedema: Use with caution in patients with myxedema; symptoms may be exaggerated or aggravated.
- Osteoporosis: Long-term therapy can decrease bone mineral density. Postmenopausal women and women using suppressive doses should receive the lowest dose necessary for clinical response.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
Special populations:
- Elderly: Use with caution; suppressed TSH levels may increase risk of atrial fibrillation and mortality secondary to cardiovascular disease (Gharib 2010; Parle 2001). Increase dose slowly and monitor for signs/symptoms of angina (ATA/AACE [Garber 2012]).
Dosage form specific issues:
- Levoxyl: Product may rapidly swell and disintegrate, causing choking or gagging (should be administered with a full glass of water); use caution in patients with dysphagia or other swallowing disorders.
Other warnings/precautions:
- Weight reduction (off-label use): [US Boxed Warning]: Thyroid supplements are ineffective and potentially toxic when used for the treatment of obesity or for weight reduction, especially in euthyroid patients. High doses may produce serious or even life-threatening toxic effects, particularly when used with some anorectic drugs (eg, sympathomimetic amines). Levothyroxine, either alone or with other concomitant therapeutic agents, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss.
A
Endogenous thyroid hormones minimally cross the placenta; the fetal thyroid becomes active around the end of the first trimester. Levothyroxine has not been shown to increase the risk of congenital abnormalities.
Uncontrolled maternal hypothyroidism may result in adverse neonatal outcomes (eg, premature birth, low birth weight, and respiratory distress) and adverse maternal outcomes (eg, spontaneous abortion, pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, and premature delivery). To prevent adverse events, normal maternal thyroid function should be maintained prior to conception and throughout pregnancy. TSH concentrations should be monitored every 4 weeks during the first half of pregnancy, at least once between weeks 26 and 32, and ~6 weeks postpartum. Levothyroxine is considered the treatment of choice for the control of hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Due to alterations of endogenous maternal thyroid hormones, the levothyroxine dose may need to be increased during pregnancy and the dose usually needs to be decreased after delivery (Stagnaro-Green 2011).
Levothyroxine (T4) is a synthetic form of thyroxine, an endogenous hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. T4 is converted to its active metabolite, L-triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) then bind to thyroid receptor proteins in the cell nucleus and exert metabolic effects through control of DNA transcription and protein synthesis; involved in normal metabolism, growth, and development; promotes gluconeogenesis, increases utilization and mobilization of glycogen stores, and stimulates protein synthesis, increases basal metabolic rate
Oral: Erratic (40% to 80% [per manufacturer]); may be decreased by age and specific foods and drugs
Hepatic to triiodothyronine (T3; active); ~80% thyroxine ( T4) deiodinated in kidney and periphery; glucuronidation/conjugation also occurs; undergoes enterohepatic recirculation
Urine (major route of elimination; decreases with age); feces (~20%)
Oral: 3 to 5 days; IV: Within 6 to 8 hours
Serum: 2 to 4 hours
Euthyroid: 6 to 8 days; Hypothyroid: 9 to 10 days; Hyperthyroid: 3 to 4 days
>99% bound to plasma proteins including thyroxine-binding globulin, thyroxine-binding prealbumin, and albumin
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience hair loss. Have patient report immediately to prescriber angina, tachycardia, abnormal heartbeat, headache, shortness of breath, lack of appetite, increased appetite, excessive weight gain or loss, lump on the neck, swelling of arms or legs, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, temperature sensitivity, sweating a lot, leg cramps, muscle weakness, or menstrual irregularities (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.