LEVOTHYROXINE

Why has my veterinarian prescribed Levothyroxine for my dog?

Levothyroxine is used to treat low thyroid levels. This medication belongs to the general group of medicines called hormones. It is used when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.

How do I give Levothyroxine to my dog?

• Give this medicine to your dog as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
• DO NOT give your dog more medicine than directed and DO NOT give the drug more often than directed.
• DO NOT stop giving this medication to your dog unless directed by your veterinarian. Call your veterinarian ahead of time if your dog needs a refill.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give your dog two doses at once.

How do I store Levothyroxine?

• Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
• Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature.
• Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?

• When administered at the appropriate dose, there should not be any adverse effects.
• Notify your veterinarian if the following symptoms are noted: fast heart rate, excessive ingestion of food, excitability, nervousness, excessive panting.
• Other side effects may occur. If your dog experiences anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

• Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your dog.
• Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• The following drugs can potentially interact with levothyroxine: epinephrine, norepinephrine, warfarin, insulin, estrogens, digoxin, and ketamine.
• Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

REMEMBER!  READ THE LABEL.

Based on material written by Rita Ozolins, B.Sc., Phm. and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc.