Overview
| Generic Names: | (-)-Thyroxine; 3,3',5,5'-Tetraiodo-L-thyronine; L-Thryoxin; L-Thyroxine; Laevothyroxinum; Levo-t; Levothyroxin; Levothyroxine Sodium; O-(4-Hydroxy-3,5-diidophenyl)-3,5-diiodo-L-tyrosine; T4 levothyroxine; THX; Tetraiodothyronine; Thyroxine iodine |
|---|---|
| Trade Names: | Eltroxin; Euthyrox; Laevoxin; Letter; Levaxin; Levolet; Levothroid; Levothyrox; Levoxine; Levoxyl; Novothyrox; Oroxine; Synthroid; Synthroid Sodium; Thyratabs; Thyrax; Thyreoideum; Thyro-tabs; Thyroxevan; Thyroxin; Thyroxinal; Unithroid |
| Brand Mixtures: | Liotrix (Levothyroxine + Liothyronine); Thyrolar (Levothyroxine + Liothyronine) |
| PharmGKB Accession Id: | PA450221 |
Description
The major hormone derived from the thyroid gland. Thyroxine is synthesized via the iodination of tyrosines (monoiodotyrosine) and the coupling of iodotyrosines (diiodotyrosine) in the thyroglobulin. Thyroxine is released from thyroglobulin by proteolysis and secreted into the blood. Thyroxine is peripherally deiodinated to form triiodothyronine which exerts a broad spectrum of stimulatory effects on cell metabolism. PubChem (source: Drug Bank)
Indication
For use alone or in combination with antithyroid agents to treat hypothyroidism, goiter, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, myxedema coma, and stupor. (source: Drug Bank)
ATC Therapeutic Category
- H03AA:Thyroid hormones
Pharmacology, Interactions, and Contraindications
Mechanism Of Action
Levothyroxine acts like the endogenous thyroid hormone thyroxine (T<sub>4</sub>, a tetra-iodinated tyrosine derivative). In the liver and kidney, T<sub>4</sub> is converted to T<sub>3</sub>, the active metabolite. In order to increase solubility, the thyroid hormones attach to thyroid hormone binding proteins, thyroxin-binding globulin, and thyroxin-binding prealbumin (transthyretin). Transport and binding to thyroid hormone receptors in the cytoplasm and nucleus then takes place. Thus by acting as a replacement for natural thyroxine, symptoms of thyroxine deficiency are relieved. (source: Drug Bank)
Pharmacology
Levothyroxine (T4) is a synthetically prepared levo isomer of thyroxine, the major hormone secreted from the thyroid gland. Thyroxine is released from thyroglobulin by proteolysis and secreted into the blood. Thyroxine is peripherally deiodinated to form triiodothyronine which exerts a broad spectrum of stimulatory effects on cell metabolism. Thyroid hormone increases the metabolic rate of cells of all tissues in the body. In the fetus and newborn, thyroid hormone is important for the growth and development of all tissues including bones and the brain. In adults, thyroid hormone helps to maintain brain function, food metabolism, and body temperature, among other effects. The symptoms of thyroid deficiency relieved by levothyroxine include slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin and unusual sensitivity to cold. (source: Drug Bank)
Food Interactions
Consistent administration in relation to meals is recommended.
No iron within 4 hours of taking this medication.
Take 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
(source:
Drug Bank)
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Elimination & Toxicity
Biotransformation
Hepatic (primarily via cytochrome P450 isozyme 3A4). (source: Drug Bank)
Protein Binding
> 99% (source: Drug Bank)
Absorption
Bioavailability varies from 48% to 80%. Human studies have confirmed the importance of an intact jejunum and ileum for levothyroxine absorption and have shown some absorption from the duodenum. (source: Drug Bank)
Toxicity
LD<sub>50</sub>=20 mg/kg (orally in rat). Hypermetabolic state indistinguishable from thyrotoxicosis of endogenous origin. Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis include weight loss, increased appetite, palpitations, nervousness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, sweating, tachycardia, increased pulse and blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, tremors, insomnia, heat intolerance, fever, and menstrual irregularities. (source: Drug Bank)
Isomeric SMILES Code:
C1=C(C=C(C(=C1I)OC2=CC(=C(C(=C2)I)O)I)I)C[C@@H](C(=O)O)N (source: Drug Bank)
The following genes are in curated knowledge about this drug.
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ABCB1 |
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CGA |
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CYP3A4 |
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DIO1 |
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DIO2 |
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DIO3 |
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SULT1A1 |
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THRA |
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THRB |
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TRH |
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TRHR |
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TSHB |
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UGT1A1 |
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UGT1A9 |
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UGT2B@ |
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A list of non-curated publications that mention this drug along with other genes is available.
Drug Targets
| Gene | Description | |
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| ALB |
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(source: Drug Bank) |
| CRYM |
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(source: Drug Bank) |
| SERPINA7 |
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(source: Drug Bank) |
| THRA |
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(source: Drug Bank) |
| THRB |
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(source: Drug Bank) |
| TTR |
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(source: Drug Bank) |
A list of non-curated publications that mention this drug along with other drugs is available.
Drug Interactions
| Drug | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| acenocoumarol |
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Thyroid hormones increase the anticoagulant effect (source: Drug Bank) |
| calcium |
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Calcium decreases absorption of levothyroxine (source: Drug Bank) |
| cholestyramine |
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The resin decreases the absorption of thyroid hormones (source: Drug Bank) |
| colestipol |
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The resin decreases the absorption of thyroid hormones (source: Drug Bank) |
| dicumarol |
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Thyroid hormones increase the anticoagulant effect (source: Drug Bank) |
| digoxin |
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The thyroid hormone decreases the effect of digoxin (source: Drug Bank) |
| iron |
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Iron decreases absorption of levothyroxine (source: Drug Bank) |
| raloxifene |
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Raloxifene decreases absorption of levothyroxine (source: Drug Bank) |
| sucralfate |
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Sucralfate decreases the effect of levothyroxine (source: Drug Bank) |
| warfarin |
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Thyroid hormones increase the anticoagulant effect (source: Drug Bank) |
Non-Curated Information
A list of non-curated publications that mention this drug along with other diseases is available.
LinkOuts
Common Searches
Search PubMed
Search Medline Plus
Search PubChem
Search CTD
Non-Curated Publications
A list of non-curated publications that mention this drug is available.
