Levothyroxine 1618621 223214361 2008-07-03T02:21:52Z 65.80.207.55 /* Marketing and approvals in the United States */ {{mergeto|thyroxine|talk:thyroxine#Merger proposal|date=April 2008}} {{drugbox | | IUPAC_name = 3,5,3',5'-Tetraiodo-L-thyronine | image = Levothyroxine-2D-skeletal.png | CAS_number = 51-48-9 | ATC_prefix=H03 | ATC_suffix=AA01 | PubChem=853 | DrugBank=APRD00235 | C=15 | H=10 | I=4 | N=1 | Na=1 | O=4 | molecular_weight = 798.86 (anhydrous) | smiles = OC(=O)C(N)Cc1cc(I)c(Oc2cc(I)c(O)c(I)c2)c(I)c1 | bioavailability = ~100% | metabolism = Mainly in liver, kidneys, brain and muscles | elimination_half-life = ca. 7 days (in hyperthyroidism 3-4 days, in hypothyroidism 9-10 days) | excretion = Through feces and urine | pregnancy_AU = | pregnancy_US = A | pregnancy_category = | legal_status = RX | routes_of_administration = Oral, Intravenous }} '''Levothyroxine''', also known as <small>L</small>-thyroxine, synthetic [[thyroxine|T<sub>4</sub>]] or 3,5,3',5'-tetraiodo-L-thyronine, is a synthetic form of [[thyroxine]] (thyroid hormone). The natural hormone is chemically in the ''L''-form, as is the pharmaceutical agent. Dextrothyroxine (<small>D</small>-thyroxine) briefly saw research as an anticholesterol agent but was pulled due to cardiac side-effects. The [[EU]] has recently standardized on the use of the [[International Nonproprietary Name]] "levothyroxine" for the drug. Common [[brand names]] include "Thyrax", "Euthyrox", "Levaxin", "L-thyroxine" and "Eltroxin" in Europe, and "Levoxyl" and "Synthroid" in the United States. There are also numerous [[generic drug|generic]] versions approved by the [[Food and Drug Administration]]. == Uses == This medicine is a hormone replacement usually given to patients with thyroid problems, specifically, [[hypothyroidism]]. It is also given to people who have [[goitre]] or an enlarged thyroid gland. == Administration == It is recommended that levothyroxine be taken with an empty stomach approximately half an hour to an hour before meals to maximize its absorption. It is also recommended that the patient take the tablet with one glass of water to ease swallowing as well as to help the tablet dissolve for absorption. == Dosage, precautions and side effects == Dosages vary according the age groups and the individual condition of the patient, body weight and compliance to the medication and diet. Maximum dosage may reach 400 mcg per day but that is rare. Monitoring of the patients condition and adjustment of the dosage is periodical and necessary. There are also foods and other substances that can interfere with absorption of thyroxine replacement. Avoid taking [[calcium]] and [[iron]] supplements within 4 hours of the medication and avoid taking [[soy]] products within 3 hours of the medication as these can reduce absorption of the medication. Other substances that reduce absorption are [[aluminium]] and [[magnesium]] containing [[antacids]], [[simethicone]] or [[sucralfate]], [[Cholestyramine]], [[colestipol]], [[Kayexalate]]. Other substances cause other adverse effects that may be severe. Ketamine may cause [[hypertension]] and [[tachycardia]] and [[Tricyclic]] and [[Tetracyclic antidepressant|tetracyclic]] [[antidepressants]] increase its toxicity.On the other hand [[Lithium]] causes hyperthyroidism by affecting [[iodine]] metabolism of the thyroid itself and thus inhibits Synthetic levothyroxine as well. Synthetic levothyroxine may have adverse side effects like: [[palpitations]], [[nervousness]], [[headache]], difficulty sleeping, [[insomnia]], swelling of the legs and ankles, weight loss and/or increased appetite. Allergies to the medicine are unlikely, but if the patient develops a severe reaction to this drug such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or swelling of the face and tongue it is imperative that the patient immediately seek medical attention. Acute overdose may cause [[fever]], [[hypoglycemia]], [[heart failure]], [[coma]] and unrecognized adrenal insufficiency. Acute massive overdose may be life-threatening; treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Massive overdose may be a require [[beta-blockers]] for increased sympathomimetic activity. The side effects of overdosing appear 6 hours to 11 days after ingestion. ==Marketing and approvals in the United States== [[Image:Levothyroxine 25mcg Tablets.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Levothyroxine 25 µg tablets]] Synthroid is the most prescribed brand of T4 in the United States. Synthroid was marketed in 1955,<ref>[http://www.companyreports.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=105&STORY=/www/story/06-12-2001/0001512746 Company Report on Abbott]</ref> but was not FDA approved at that time as it was considered "generally regarded safe". In the 1990s, in response to debate as to whether Synthroid was more effective than other levothyroxine preparations, (which ended up concluding that there was little difference between Synthroid and generic brands<ref>[http://www.worstpills.org/public/page.cfm?op_id=46 WorstPills.org]</ref>) all levothyroxine preparations were required to undergo the formal [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]] approval process. Synthroid was approved by the FDA on [[2002-07-24]].<ref>[http://www.fda.gov/cder/approval/s.htm FDA approval]</ref> Levothyroxine is on the negative formulary of several states, due the FDA's review of all l-thyroxine preparations in the 1990s. In the state of Florida for instance, Synthroid was only recently removed from the negative formulary, allowing pharmacies to dispense levothyroxine without prior physician approval. ==References== <references/> ==External links== * [http://medlibrary.org/drugs/thyroid/euthyrox.html Detailed Euthyrox (Levothroid/Levothyroxine) Consumer Information: Uses, Precautions, Side Effects] * [http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/TOPIC800.HTM Overdose] Some useful information on thyroid hormones, on a webpage dealing with chronic or acute overdoses of such hormones. [[Category:Hormonal agents]] [[Category:Iodinated tyrosine derivatives]] {{pharma-stub}} {{Thyroid therapy}} [[es:Levotiroxina]] [[hu:Levotiroxin]] [[nl:Levothyroxine]]