Levothyroxine is a synthetic medication that mimics the hormone thyroxine, and it is a thyroid medication that substitutes for this hormone and treats an underactive thyroid gland. This medication is taken orally and should be taken on an empty stomach. It is recommended that 30 minutes pass before the person eats anything (Eghtedari & Correa, 2022). A systematic approach to this medication is necessary to achieve a stable thyroid level in the body, so it is essential to consider potential contradictions.
This medication is used to treat patients with thyrotoxicosis and cardiac infarction. In addition, patients with disorders related to the heart and people aged 60 and older are more likely to have problems, such as side effects with the medication. There are no black box warnings, such as severe side effects and lethal consequences, associated with levothyroxine use; however, permission from a doctor is required (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.). This medication is well-absorbed, with a bioavailability rate of 50% to 80%. It is metabolized in the kidneys and liver, and then excreted in the urine.
This medication has some adverse effects and can have a harmful impact on the patient, such as nausea, fainting, severe headache, and menstrual changes. The most common ones are restlessness, tachycardia, insomnia, headache, and diarrhea (Medical News Today, n.d.). In some cases, allergic reactions may occur. In this case, a medical examination is needed if any of these symptoms are noted. Additionally, patients should adhere to the prescribed dosage to minimize potential side effects of the medication.
Patients who take this medication should be regularly monitored to avoid the negative consequences of the medication. In this case, specific tests are necessary to determine thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. Hence, medical personnel can effectively prescribe the amount of medication needed.
Lastly, changes in patients conditions should be carefully observed to note the negative effects of the medication implementation. The symptoms may include weight loss, breathing issues, or other related symptoms that can occur. Thyroxine is excreted in the kidneys, and multiple dosages are available based on the age and health status of the patient. Therefore, this medication should be prescribed by doctors, and any significant changes resulting from the medication should be closely monitored.
References
Eghtedari, B., & Correa, R. (2022). Levothyroxine. StatPearls.
Medical News Today. (n.d.). Levothyroxine.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Highlights of Prescribing Information: LEVO-T® (levothyroxine sodium) tablets (Initial U.S. Approval: 2002). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.