Product Name: Levothyroxine (L-thyroxine)(T4)
Synonyms 3,5, 3′, 5′-Tetraiodo-L-thyronine
CAS Number 51-48-9
Formula C15H11I4NO4
Molar mass 776.87 g·mol−1
Descriptions
Levothyroxine is a thyroid medicine that replaces a hormone normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body’s energy and metabolism. Levothyroxine is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.Levothyroxine treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). It is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer.
Characteristic Analysis
Levothyroxine sodium tablets, USP) contain synthetic crystalline L-3,3′,5,5′- tetraiodothyronine sodium salt [levothyroxine (T4 ) sodium]. Synthetic T4 is identical to that produced in the human thyroid gland. Levothyroxine (T4 ) sodium has an empirical formula of C15H10I4N NaO4 • H2O, molecular weight of 798.86 g/mol (anhydrous), and structural formula as shown:
Uses
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. Having enough thyroid hormone is important for maintaining normal mental and physical activity. In children, having enough thyroid hormone is important for normal mental and physical development.This medication is also used to treat other types of thyroid disorders (such as certain types of goiters, thyroid cancer).This medication should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels.