What Levothyroxine Sodium Is Used for?

Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism (condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone). It is also used with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy to treat thyroid cancer. Levothyroxine is in a class of medications called hormones.

What is the function of levothyroxine sodium?

Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery.

When should levothyroxine sodium be taken?

Typically, patients are advised to take their levothyroxine first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes but preferably an hour before eating, on an empty stomach and with only water. The goal is to achieve consistency in taking the medication to avoid fluctuations in thyroid levels and variable control of symptoms.