Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism

This leaflet is about the use of levothyroxine for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).

Information Standard quality markThis leaflet has been written specifically about the use of this medicine in children. The information may differ from that provided by the manufacturer. Please read this leaflet carefully. Keep it somewhere safe so that you can read it again.

Name of drug

Levothyroxine sodium
Brand names: Eltroxin®, Evotrox®

Why is it important to take this medicine?

Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland is not active enough and does not make enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone helps to control energy levels and growth. Levothyroxine is used to replace the missing thyroid hormone.


What is levothyroxine available as?

  • Tablets: 25 micrograms, 50 micrograms, 100 micrograms; these may contain lactose and sucrose
  • Liquid medicine: 25, 50 or 100 micrograms in 5 mL

When should I give levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine is usually given once each day. This is usually in the morning before breakfast but you can choose another time if this is more convenient.

Give the medicine at about the same time each day so that this becomes part of your child’s daily routine, which will help you to remember.

How much should I give?

Your doctor will work out the amount of levothyroxine (the dose) that is right for your child. The dose will be shown on the medicine label. 

It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions about how much to give.

How should I give it?

Tablets
Tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water, milk or juice. Your child should not chew the tablet.


Liquid medicine
Liquid medicine: Shake the bottle thoroughly and measure out the right amount using an oral syringe or medicine spoon. You can get these from your pharmacist. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount.

When should the medicine start working?

The medicine will start working straight away but it may be several weeks before your child’s symptoms start to improve. However, you may not see much difference in your child if they didn’t have any obvious symptoms of hypothyroidism.

What if my child is sick (vomits)?

  • If your child is sick less than 30 minutes after having a dose of levothyroxine, give them the same dose again. 
  • If your child is sick more than 30 minutes after having a dose of levothyroxine you do not need to give them another dose. Wait until the next normal dose.

What if I forget to give it?

Give the missed dose when you remember, as long as this is at least 12 hours before the next dose is due. You do not need to wake up a sleeping child to give a missed dose.

What if I give too much?

You are unlikely to do harm if you give your child an extra dose of levothyroxine by mistake. If you think you may have given too much, contact your doctor or NHS Direct (0845 4647 in England and Wales; 08454 24 24 24 in Scotland). Have the medicine or packing with you if you telephone for advice.

Are there any possible side-effects? 

We use medicines to make our children better, but sometimes they have other effects that we don’t want (side-effects). 
Your child is unlikely to get side-effects if the dose of levothyroxine is right.

Side effects you must do something about

If your child gets diarrhoea, vomiting (being sick), tremor, has difficulty sleeping or loses weight, the dose of levothyroxine may be too high. Contact your doctor straight away if your child develops any of these symptoms. 

If your child develops a rash or becomes itchy within 14 days of starting levothyroxine, they may be allergic to the medicine. Contact your doctor straight away.

If your child has chest pain or a fast heart beat (they may say that their heart feels fluttery or is racing), contact your doctor straight away or take your child to hospital.

Can other medicines be given at the same time as levothyroxine?

  • You can give your child medicines that contain paracetamol or ibuprofen, unless your doctor has told you not to.
  • Levothyroxine should not be taken with some medicines that you get on prescription. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other medicines your child is taking before giving levothyroxine. 
  • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving any other medicines to your child. This includes herbal or complementary medicines.

Is there anything else I need to know about this medicine?

Your doctor will do regular blood tests to measure the levels of thyroid hormone, to make sure that your child is on the right dose of levothyroxine.

General advice about medicines

  • Try to give medicines at about the same times each day, to help you remember.
  • Only give this medicine to your child. Never give it to anyone else, even if their condition appears to be the same, as this could do harm. 
  • If you think someone else may have taken the medicine by accident, contact your doctor straight away.
  • Make sure that you always have enough medicine. Order a new prescription at least 2 weeks before you will run out.
  • Make sure that the medicine you have at home has not reached the ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date on the packaging. Give old medicines to your pharmacist to dispose of.

Where I should keep this medicine? 

  • Keep the medicine in a cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight. It does not need to be kept in the fridge.
  • Make sure that children cannot see or reach the medicine.
  • Keep the medicine in the container it came in.

Who to contact for more information 

Your doctor, pharmacist or specialist nurse will be able to give you more information about levothyroxine and about other medicines used to treat hypothyroidism.


You can also get useful information from:


Publication Date

12/9/2011

Copyright Disclaimer

Version 1.2, June 2011. © NPPG, RCPCH and WellChild 2011, all rights reserved. Reviewed by: June 2013. 

The primary source for the information in this leaflet is the British National Formulary for Children. For details on any other sources used for this leaflet, please contact us through our website, www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk.

We take great care to make sure that the information in this leaflet is correct and up-to-date. However, medicines can be used in different ways for different patients. It is important that you ask the advice of your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about something. This leaflet is about the use of these medicines in the UK, and may not apply to other countries. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group (NPPG), WellChild and the contributors and editors cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information, omissions of information, or any actions that may be taken as a consequence of reading this leaflet.