Tertiary hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is a very rare condition. Thyroid Medication Levothyroxine is available as Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid and Levothroid, and it can either be prescribed alone or in conjunction with other medications as part of a combination therapy for hypothyroidism.

According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), more than 12% of the American population will develop some form of thyroid condition during their lifetime. In fact, 20 million adults are already suffering from thyroid disease with up to 60% of people unaware of their condition.

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common thyroid conditions and it happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones to sustain the body’s requirements. Patients suffering from this medical condition usually experience symptoms related to slow metabolism.

50% of this T4 is converted to T3 after which these thyroid hormones bind with thyroid receptor proteins within the cell’s nucleus.

Thyroid hormones work by influencing DNA transcription that also triggers body metabolism. So, when one of these processes are interrupted, hypothyroidism occurs. This condition is then treated with thyroid medication Levothyroxine, which mimic’s the body’s thyroid production of T4.

The capsule should be swallowed whole while the tablet may be crushed into a 5 to 10ML water to be consumed immediately. Levothyroxine solution should also be administered directly into the mouth undiluted or diluted in water.

If a patient is admitted in the hospital, he could be prescribed intravenous Levothyroxine along with a regular monitoring of vital signs. Some patients may also be prescribed suppository Levothyroxine, especially those who cannot tolerate oral administration due to an underlying complication or medical problem.

The usual initial Levothyroxine dose for adults is 1.6 mcg/kg/day with a 12.5 to 25 mcg/day dose adjustment every 6 to 8 weeks depending on the doctor’s evaluation. Patients suffering from severe hypothyroidism or myxedema coma (IV) are given an initial dose of 200 to 400 mcg followed by a daily dose of 1.2 mcg/kg/day except for older patients or those suffering from arrhythmia or cardiac disease.

When symptoms are addressed, these patients are usually prescribed oral Levothyroxine of 8 mcg/kg/day. Levothyroxine is also used for organ recovery from a cadaver where 20 mcg IV bolus is given to the donor along with dextrose, insulin and methylprednisolone followed by 10 mcg/ hour of continuous infusion.

What are the common side effects of thyroid medication Levothyroxine?

Like any other medication, thyroid medication Levothyroxine also has some common side effects including weight loss, excessive sweating, increased appetite, headache, anxiety and heat sensitivity.

It may also cause an adverse reaction when used with some types of medications. This is why it’s very important to consult a doctor first so proper prescription that includes the right dose and administration could be given to the patient.

Contact Family Heights Pharmacy located in Dearborn Heights Michigan at (313) 724-1111.

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