#1: levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl) | Treating Hypothyroidism and Thyrotropin-Dependent Cancers

This episode of Drug Cards Daily is on the drug levothyroxine. Levothyroxine has many brand names such as Synthroid, and Tirosint (to name a few) and is used as first-line in hypothyroidism. It is also used in the treatment of thyrotropin-stimulating hormone (TSH) dependent thyroid cancers. The main dosage form is tablets and it comes in a wide variety of strengths commonly dosed in micrograms (mcg). Dosing is individualized with a general standard of either approximately 1-1.6 mcg/kg/day or 50 mcg/day. From there adjustments are made in 12-25 mcg increments every 3-6 weeks until serum TSH and T4 is at a normal range for greater than 5-6 weeks. It is recommended to be taken in the morning 30-60 minutes before food. If needed it can be crushed but levothyroxine should not be administered within 4 hours of calcium or iron containing products. Go to DrugCardsDaily.com for episode show notes which consist of the drug summary, quiz, and link to the drug card for FREE! Please SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, and RATE on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever your favorite place to listen to podcasts are. The main goal is to go over the Top 200 Drugs with the occasional drug of interest. Also, if you’d like to say hello, suggest a drug, or leave some feedback I’d really appreciate hearing from you! Leave a voice message at anchor.fm/drugcardsdaily or find me on twitter @drugcardsdaily