Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine Sodium, also known as L-thyroxine, synthetic T4 or simply 3,5,3',5'-tetraiodo-L-thyronine, is a synthetic form of thyroxine (thyroid hormone). As the hormone is chemically in the L-form (instead of D, see chirality), it is metabolised much slower than physiological thyroid hormone, which has a shorter half-life.

The EU has recently standardised the use of the name "levothyroxine" for the drug. Common brand names include "Thyrax", "Euthyrox", "Levaxin" and "Eltroxin" in Europe, and "Levoxyl" and "Synthroid" in the US.

This medicine essentially, a hormone replacement is usually given to patients with thyroid problems specifically, hypothyroidism. It is also given to people who have goiter ( or an enlarged thryoid gland ).

It is recommended that levothyroxine be taken half an hour or an hour before meals to maximise its absorption. It is also recommended that the patient take the tablet with one glass of water because the tablet tends to be dry and may cause choking problems.

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. Some may be allergic to the medicine. If the patient develops a severe reaction to this drug like: difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, swelling of the face and tongue it is imperative that the patient immediately seek medical intervention.

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