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In this Article

• What is levothyroxine (Levothroid)?
• What are the possible side effects of levothyroxine (Levothroid)?
• What is the most important information I should know about levothyroxine (Levothroid)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking levothyroxine (Levothroid)?
• How should I take levothyroxine (Levothroid)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Levothroid)?
• What happens if I overdose (Levothroid)?
• What should I avoid while taking levothyroxine (Levothroid)?
• What other drugs will affect levothyroxine (Levothroid)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Levothroid)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Levothroid)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, pounding heartbeat, tremor, shortness of breath, leg cramps, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures.

What should I avoid while taking levothyroxine (Levothroid)?

Do not change brands or change to a generic levothyroxine drug product without first asking your doctor. Different brands of levothyroxine may not work the same. If you get a prescription refill and your new pills look different, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.

Avoid the following food products, which can make your body absorb less levothyroxine: infant soy formula, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods.

What other drugs will affect levothyroxine (Levothroid)?

The following drugs may cause medical problems if you use them with levothyroxine: lithium, amiodarone, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor if you have recently received radiation therapy with iodine (such as I-131).

This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with levothyroxine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Certain medicines can be continued, but they may make levothyroxine less effective if taken at the same time. If you use any of the following drugs, use them at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take levothyroxine:

• calcium carbonate (Caltrate, Citracal, Oystercal, and others);
• ferrous sulfate iron supplement;
• sucralfate (Carafate);
• sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate, Kionex, and others);
• antacids that contain aluminum (Amphojel, Gaviscon, Maalox, Mylanta, Riopan, Rulox, Tums, and others); and
• cholesterol-lowering drugs cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol (Colestid).

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about levothyroxine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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