Your doctor has prescribed levothyroxine to manage your under-active thyroid. These medications
are effective in controlling your symptoms, providing you use them correctly.
So you will need to know... • How and when should you take my levothyroxine?
• How long will I need to take my medication? • Are there any side effects?
This week, we will be answering the most frequent questions about your medication.
My name is Dr Hart-Pinto. In this series, we aim to answer the important questions about
your medications. At JHP medical we make weekly information
videos. So, if you find this video helpful, subscribe, click the notification bell and
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What is Levothyroxine?
Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism. More commonly known as an
underactive thyroid. In this condition, individuals produce adequate amounts of the hormone thyroxine.
Levothyroxine, therefore, acts to replace the missing hormone, thyroxine.
Levothyroxine is not available over the counter and can only be obtained via a prescription
from your doctor. A variety of medicinal preparations such as
tablets and liquids. This medication is safe to use in pregnancy and in breastfeeding mothers.
Amongst hypothyroid children, smaller doses guided by a paediatrician can be used.
Who should not take levothyroxine?
You should avoid taking this medication if: • You have had a previous allergic reaction
to this type of medication. • You have an overactive thyroid, where
your thyroid already produces too much thyroid hormone
• Patients with conditions of the adrenal glands.
Importantly, levothyroxine is not a suitable weight-loss treatment. If abused this medication
have serious and even life-threatening consequences. If you are seeking support with weight loss,
please consult with your regular family doctor.
Is it safe to take omeprazole with my current medications?
Certain medications should not be taken at the same time as your levothyroxine.
• You should take the following medications at least 4 hours after taking your levothyroxine:
o calcium salts or iron supplements o Cholesterol-lowering medications such as:
 Cholestyramine  Colestipol
 Colesevelam • Sucralfate
• Antacids • And … Orlistat
Additionally, some prescribed medications may influence the effectiveness of your levothyroxine.
In some cases, increased doses of levothyroxine are required. These medications include:
• Antiepileptic Medication • Oestrogen supplements
• Rifampicin • Amiodarone
Levothyroxine itself can influence how the effectiveness of other drugs. Therefore, you
may require dose adjustments if you are taking: • Medications to control your diabetes
• Blood-thinning medications including; warfarin
This is not an exhaustive list. For further info please see the drug information leaflet
that comes with your medication.
What is the correct dose of levothyroxine?
Newly diagnosed patients start with a small dose of levothyroxine, which increased slowly,
to achieve the desired effect. This dose is determined by your doctor, most commonly between
50-100 micrograms once daily. Usually, 3 months after starting your medications,
you will require a repeat blood test to assess your hormone levels. Based on this your doctor
may make dose adjustments. You may require several blood tests and dose adjustments to
get to the correct dosage. Once your thyroid hormone levels are stable,
you will only need monitoring on an annual basis.
How long does Levothyroxine take to work?
Your medication will start working straight away, however, it may take time for you to
notice an improvement in your symptoms.
How to take Levothyroxine
Take your Levothyroxine once daily, normally in the morning, on an empty stomach. Aim to
take your medication on its own, with a full glass of water, 1 hour before food or other
morning medications. Capsules should be taken whole; it is not
advisable to crush them. If you have trouble swallowing your tablets, consult your prescribing
doctor or pharmacist about liquid preparations.
Are there any foods I should avoid?
Some foods and drinks can influence how well your levothyroxine works particularly:
• grapefruit juice • calcium-rich foods, such as milk, cheese,
yoghurt • soy, walnuts, and cottonseed meal
• Foods high in dietary fibre •
Additionally, Kelp contains the chemical iodine, which may worsen your symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Can I Drink Alcohol with this medication?
It is safe to take Alcohol with Levothyroxine.
I have missed my dose what should I do?
If you forget to take your medication, please take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. You should be
ok to take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a
missed one.
I have accidentally taken too much medication.
If you have taken too much of this medication you should speak with an emergency doctor.
Overdose of this Levothyroxine can cause symptoms of:
• Chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath
• Agitation, confusion, Shaking, and excessive sweating
• loss of consciousness and even seizures.
How long will I need to take my medication?
Hypothyroidism is a lifelong condition. Therefore, individuals with this condition will need
to take levothyroxine for life. Stopping your medication will mean the return of your hypothyroid
symptoms.
Are there any side effects?
The vast majority of those taking Levothyroxine will not experience any side effects.
The more frequently reported side effects are:
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea • Headaches, flushing, agitation and insomnia
• Muscle cramps, tremors, and increased sweating
Rare but concerning side effects can occur. If they do, please seek immediate medical
assessment. • Chest pains
• Palpitations • Allergic reactions – particularly anaphylaxis
I hope this video has supplied the answers you were looking for.
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purposes only. Do not consider this as a substitute for professional
medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please do not ignore professional medical
advice in seeking treatment because of something you have heard here.
If you believe you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or ambulance
service.