Thyroxine 50 mcg Tablets contain levothyroxine sodium, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. They are used to treat hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) by replacing the hormone the body is not producing enough of. They belong to the thyroid hormone replacement medicine class.
Each tablet contains 50 micrograms of levothyroxine sodium. Levothyroxine is identical in action to thyroxine (T4), one of the main hormones made by the thyroid gland.
Thyroid hormones help regulate the body's metabolism, including energy use, heart rate, and body temperature. This medicine is generally used as ongoing replacement therapy rather than a short-term treatment. It is available in several strengths so the dose can be adjusted to individual needs.
Thyroxine 50 mcg Tablets may be prescribed to:
Treat hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) in adults
Treat congenital hypothyroidism in infants and acquired hypothyroidism in children, under specialist supervision
Treat juvenile myxoedema, a form of hypothyroidism in children
Approved uses may vary between countries. The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional.
In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine replaces the missing hormone and is converted in the body to triiodothyronine (T3), helping restore normal thyroid hormone activity.
The effect develops gradually. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your symptoms and thyroid blood tests, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Take Thyroxine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
It is usually taken once daily, preferably before breakfast or the first meal of the day.
Take it at about the same time each day. Doses are often started low and increased gradually.
Some medicines and supplements, including antacids, calcium, iron, sucralfate, and cholestyramine, can reduce absorption. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to separate these from thyroxine.
Regular blood tests are usually needed to check your thyroid levels and guide your dose.
Do not stop, change your dose, or switch products without advice from your healthcare professional. Treatment is often long-term.
Whole tablets are not recommended for children under 5 years of age. Follow your healthcare professional's advice about suitable formulations.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your full medical history and about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you use.
Thyroxine should not be used if you are allergic to levothyroxine or any ingredient in the tablet, or if you have thyrotoxicosis (an overactive thyroid) or an untreated adrenal gland disorder. Treatment should not be started during an acute heart attack or acute inflammation of the heart.
Caution and closer monitoring may be needed if you have:
Heart disease, angina, high blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat
Long-standing hypothyroidism, or are over 50 years old, where treatment is usually started slowly
Diabetes, as diabetes treatment may need adjusting
Epilepsy
Pituitary or adrenal problems
Reduced bone density or osteoporosis risk, as too high a dose may affect bone health
Thyroxine should not be used for weight loss. Taking more than prescribed can cause serious side effects.
Medicines and products that may interact with thyroxine include:
Antacids, calcium, iron, and other products that reduce absorption
Medicines for diabetes
Blood thinners such as warfarin
Some medicines used to treat epilepsy
Some medicines that affect thyroid hormone levels or metabolism
Oestrogen-containing medicines, including some contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy
Biotin supplements, which may affect some thyroid blood tests
This is not a full list. Check possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.
Untreated hypothyroidism can carry risks in pregnancy, so the possible risks of treatment are weighed against the risks of leaving it untreated. Do not stop thyroxine if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, and speak with your doctor, who may monitor your thyroid levels more closely.
Small amounts of levothyroxine pass into breast milk. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about breastfeeding while taking this medicine. Recommendations may vary between countries.
Like all medicines, Thyroxine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Side effects are usually a sign that the dose is too high and often settle once the dose is adjusted by a healthcare professional.
Main side effects include:
Palpitations or a fast heartbeat
Tremor, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping
Headache
Sweating or flushing
Diarrhoea
Weight loss
Muscle cramps or weakness
Irregular periods
Temporary hair loss, especially in children at the start of treatment
Seek prompt medical attention for chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, fever, severe agitation or confusion, seizures, or signs of an allergic reaction.
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Store Thyroxine according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging. Storage conditions can differ between manufacturers and pack types.
Keep the tablets in their original packaging.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.
It is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) by replacing the missing thyroid hormone. Approved uses may vary by country.
It works gradually. Doses are usually adjusted every few weeks based on symptoms and blood tests, so the time to feel the full benefit varies between people.
It is preferably taken before breakfast or the first meal of the day. Some medicines and supplements, such as calcium and iron, can reduce absorption, so ask your pharmacist about timing.
Take it at about the same time each day, preferably before the first meal. Your healthcare professional can advise on the best routine for you.
Yes. Levothyroxine is the generic name for the thyroid hormone replacement medicine commonly called thyroxine. Different products may contain different inactive ingredients, so speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you notice changes after switching products.
No. Normal results usually mean the dose is working, and treatment is often long-term. Do not stop or change your dose without advice from your healthcare professional.
No. It does not cause weight loss in people with normal thyroid function, and taking more than prescribed can cause serious side effects.
