What is Levothyroxine: Definition, Usage, and Side Effects

This article discussing about What is Levothyroxine: Definition, Usage, Warning, and Side Effects

What is Levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine is a drug used to treat hypothyroidism, which is the condition when the thyroid gland is only capable of producing fewer thyroid hormones. Low thyroid hormones can cause disruption of the body’s metabolic processes, heart and muscle work, and bone health. In children, thyroid hormones are essential for physical and brain growth. Levothyroxine can also be used to address several types of mumps and thyroid cancer.

Read also; Organic Brain Syndrome.

Levothyroxine (Thyroxine) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Levothyroxine is made through the iodonization mechanism of tyrosine (monoiodotyrosine) or coupling of iodotyrosine (Diiodotyrosine) in thyroglobulin. Levothyroxine is released from Thyroglobulin through the process of proteolysis and secreted into the blood. In the peripheral tissues, thyroxine will be in de-iodination into a form of triiodothyronin which can cause a stimulating effect of the duration of cell metabolism.

Levothyroxine is a hormone replacement therapy drug group. The drug works by providing thyroid hormones when the thyroid gland does not function normally.

Levothyroxine has several other names of thyroxine; L-thyroxine; or Sintroid.

The chemical name of levothyroxine is (2S)-2-amino-3-[4-(4-hydroxy-3.5-diiodophenoxy)-3.5-diiodophenyl] propanoic acid.

The drug containing levothyroxine is used as the first line to replace the hormones work produced by the thyroid gland after removal of the thyroid gland itself. The drug is also used as a therapeutic supplement if in congenital hypothyroid or, acquired due to various etiology, except the transient hypothyroid during the healing phase of the sub-acute thyroiditis.

Usage.

Levothyroxine is used in the treatment, control, prevention, & improvement of the following diseases:

• Less thyroid hormone production.

Read also: Causes of hormonal disorders.

Warning:

• Avoid levothyroxine if you are suffering from hyperthyroidism.
• Be careful to take levothyroxine if you are or have suffered from disorders of the adrenal and pituitary glands.
• Tell your doctor if you are or have suffered a heart disorder, impaired kidney and liver function, osteoporosis, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Tell the doctor if you are taking levothyroxine before surgery, including dental surgery.
• Levothyroxine should be used with caution in the elderly (over 50 years), as it may increase the risk of side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are using other medications, including, supplements and herbal products.
• If there is an allergic reaction or overdose, immediately meet the doctor.
• The use of thyroid hormones is not a way to treat obesity. And those with normal thyroid function should not take this medication. May cause serious side effects. Especially if used with amphetamine, although Levothyroxine it will treat the thyroid in the workplace less than usual. But it’s not curable.
• You should know it. You may need a few weeks to begin observing your symptoms. Women who use this drug for a long time may have a higher risk of osteoporosis. Because the drug can decrease bone density.
• You should tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
  
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart diseases such as arteriosclerosis.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Have chest pains.
  • Heartbeat.
  • Acute myocardial infarction.
  • Kidney.
  • Hepatitis.
  • The adrenal glands or the pituitary gland works less than normal.
  • Blood clotting disorders.

Levothyroxine side effects.

After knowing What is Levothyroxine Definition, Usage, and Warning, here are Levothyroxine side effects.

Here is a list of possible side effects that can occur with medications containing Levothyroxine. This is not a comprehensive list. These side effects allow, but are not always the case. Some of these side effects are rare but serious. Consult your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects, especially if side effects are not lost.

• Increased pressure around the brain in children.
• High temperature.
• Anxiety.
• Skull abnormalities in infants.
• Sweating.
• Heat intolerance.
• Headaches.
• Vomiting.
• Irregular menstruation.

If you notice any other side effects that are not above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You can also report side effects to your local food and Drug Administration authorities.

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