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Levothyroxine Sodium
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroxine [CS] | CS | All 11 members |
| l-Thyroxine [EPC] | EPC | All 11 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 206163-001 | LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM | POWDER | LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM | Discontinued | AP | ||
| 206163-002 | LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM | POWDER | LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM | Discontinued | AP |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Approved | June 29, 2016 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250925). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Boxed Warning
openFDA Drug LabelingBOXED WARNING WARNING: NOT FOR TREATMENT OF OBESITY OR FOR WEIGHT LOSS Thyroid hormones, including Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss. ( 5.3 ) Larger doses may produce serious or even life threatening manifestations of toxicity. ( 6 ) WARNING: NOT FOR TREATMENT OF OBESITY OR FOR WEIGHT LOSS Thyroid hormones, including Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss. ( 5.3 ) Larger doses may produce serious or even life threatening manifestations of toxicity. ( 6 )
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection is indicated for the treatment of myxedema coma. Important Limitations of Use: The relative bioavailability between Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection and oral levothyroxine products has not been established. Caution should be used when switching patients from oral levothyroxine products to Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection as accurate dosing conversion has not been studied. Levothyroxine Sodium is an L-thyroxine product. Levothyroxine (T 4 ) Sodium for Injection is indicated for the treatment of myxedema coma. ( 1 ) Important Limitations of Use: The relative bioavailability of this drug has not been established. Use caution when converting patients from oral to intravenous levothyroxine.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 2.1 Dosage An initial intravenous loading dose of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection between 300 to 500 mcg, followed by once daily intravenous maintenance doses between 50 and 100 mcg, should be administered, as clinically indicated, until the patient can tolerate oral therapy. The age, general physical condition, cardiac risk factors, and clinical severity of myxedema and duration of myxedema symptoms should be considered when determining the starting and maintenance dosages of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection. Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection produces a gradual increase in the circulating concentrations of the hormone with an approximate half-life of 9 to 10 days in hypothyroid patients. Daily administration of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection should be maintained until the patient is capable of tolerating an oral dose and is clinically stable. For chronic treatment of hypothyroidism, an oral dosage form of levothyroxine should be used to maintain a euthyroid state. Relative bioavailability between Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection and oral levothyroxine products has not been established. Based on medical practice, the relative bioavailability between oral and intravenous administration of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection is estimated to be from 48 to 74%. Due to differences in absorption characteristics of patients and the oral levothyroxine product formulations, TSH and thyroid hormone levels should be measured a few weeks after initiating oral levothyroxine and dose adjusted accordingly. 2.2 Dosing in the Elderly and in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease Intravenous levothyroxine may be associated with cardiac toxicity-including arrhythmias, tachycardia, myocardial ischemia and infarction, or worsening of congestive heart failure and death-in the elderly and in those with underlying cardiovascular disease. Therefore, cautious use, including doses in the lower end of the recommended range, may be warranted in these populations. 2.3 Reconstitution Directions Reconstitute the lyophilized Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection by aseptically adding 5 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP only. Shake vial to ensure complete mixing. The resultant solution will have a final concentration of approximately 20 mcg per mL and 100 mcg per mL for the 100 mcg and 500 mcg vials, respectively. Reconstituted drug product is preservative free and is stable for 4 hours. Discard any unused portion. DO NOT ADD LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM FOR INJECTION TO OTHER IV FLUIDS. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. • An initial intravenous loading dose of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection between 300 to 500 mcg followed by once daily intravenous maintenance doses between 50 and 100 mcg should be administered, as clinically indicated, until the patient can tolerate oral therapy. ( 2.1 ) • Reconstitute the lyophilized Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection by aseptically adding 5 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Shake vial to ensure complete mixing. Reconstituted drug product is preservative free. Use immediately after reconstitution. Discard any unused portion. ( 2.3 ) • Do not add to other IV fluids. ( 2.3 )
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection is supplied as a lyophilized powder at two strengths in single dose amber-colored vials: 100 mcg and 500 mcg. Lyophilized powder for injection in single dose vials: 100 mcg and 500 mcg. ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None.
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 5.1 Risk of Cardiac Complications in Elderly and in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease Excessive bolus dosing of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection (greater than 500 mcg) are associated with cardiac complications, particularly in the elderly and in patients with an underlying cardiac condition. Adverse events that can potentially be related to the administration of large doses of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection include arrhythmias, tachycardia, myocardial ischemia and infarction, or worsening of congestive heart failure and death. Cautious use, including doses in the lower end of the recommended range, may be warranted in these populations. Close observation of the patient following the administration of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection is advised. 5.2 Need for Concomitant Glucocorticoids and Monitoring for Other Diseases in Patients with Endocrine Disorders Occasionally, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, which can lead to myxedema coma, may occur in association with other autoimmune disorders such as adrenal insufficiency, pernicious anemia, and insulin–dependent diabetes mellitus. Patients should be treated with replacement glucocorticoids prior to initiation of treatment with Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection, until adrenal function has been adequately assessed. Failure to do so may precipitate an acute adrenal crisis when thyroid hormone therapy is initiated, due to increased metabolic clearance of glucocorticoids by thyroid hormone. With initiation of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection, patients with myxedema coma should also be monitored for previously undiagnosed diabetes insipidus. 5.3 Not Indicated for Treatment of Obesity Thyroid hormones, including Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection, either alone or with other therapeutic agents, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss. In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Larger doses may produce serious or even life threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects [ See Adverse Reactions ( 6 ) and Overdosage ( 10 ) ]. • Excessive bolus doses of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection (> 500 mcg) are associated with cardiac complications, particularly in the elderly and in patients with an underlying cardiac condition. Initiate therapy with doses at the lower end of the recommended range. ( 5.1 ) • Close observation of the patient following the administration of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection is advised. ( 5.1 ) • Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection therapy for patients with previously undiagnosed endocrine disorders, including adrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism, and diabetes insipidus, may worsen symptoms of these endocrinopathies. ( 5.2 )
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Excessive doses of levothyroxine can predispose to signs and symptoms compatible with hyperthyroidism. The signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis include, but are not limited to: exophthalmic goiter, weight loss, increased appetite, palpitations, nervousness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, sweating, tachycardia, increased pulse and blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, angina pectoris, tremors, insomnia, heat intolerance, fever, and menstrual irregularities. Excessive doses of L-thyroxine can predispose to signs and symptoms compatible with hyperthyroidism. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Piramal Critical Care, Inc. at 1-888-822-8431 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Many drugs affect thyroid hormone pharmacokinetics and metabolism (e.g., synthesis, secretion, catabolism, protein binding, and target tissue response) and may alter the therapeutic response to Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection. In addition, thyroid hormones and thyroid status have varied effects on the pharmacokinetics and actions of other drugs ( See Section 12.3 ). 7.1 Antidiabetic Therapy Addition of levothyroxine to antidiabetic or insulin therapy may result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Careful monitoring of diabetic control is recommended, especially when thyroid therapy is started, changed, or discontinued. 7.2 Oral Anticoagulants Levothyroxine increases the response to oral anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, a decrease in the dose of anticoagulant may be warranted with correction of the hypothyroid state or when the Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection dose is increased. Prothrombin time should be closely monitored to permit appropriate and timely dosage adjustments. 7.3 Digitalis Glycosides The therapeutic effects of digitalis glycosides may be reduced by levothyroxine. Serum digitalis glycoside levels may be decreased when a hypothyroid patient becomes euthyroid, necessitating an increase in the dose of digitalis glycosides. 7.4 Antidepressant Therapy Concurrent use of tricyclic (e.g., amitriptyline) or tetracyclic (e.g., maprotiline) antidepressants and levothyroxine may increase the therapeutic and toxic effects of both drugs, possibly due to increased receptor sensitivity to catecholamines. Toxic effects may include increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and CNS stimulation; onset of action of tricyclics may be accelerated. Administration of sertraline in patients stabilized on levothyroxine may result in increased levothyroxine requirements. 7.5 Ketamine Concurrent use may produce marked hypertension and tachycardia; cautious administration to patients receiving thyroid hormone therapy is recommended. 7.6 Sympathomimetics Concurrent use may increase the effects of sympathomimetics or thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones may increase the risk of coronary insufficiency when sympathomimetic agents are administered to patients with coronary artery disease. 7.7 Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions Changes in thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) concentration must be considered when interpreting levothyroxine and triiodothyronine values, which necessitates measurement and evaluation of unbound (free) hormone and/or determination of the free levothyroxine index. Pregnancy, infectious hepatitis, estrogens, estrogen containing oral contraceptives, and acute intermittent porphyria increase TBG concentrations. Decreases in TBG concentrations are observed in nephrosis, severe hypoproteinemia, severe liver disease, acromegaly, and after androgen or corticosteroid therapy. Familial hyper or hypo thyroxine binding globulinemias have been described, with the incidence of TBG deficiency approximating 1 in 9,000. Many drugs affect thyroid hormone pharmacokinetics and metabolism (e.g., absorption, synthesis, secretion, catabolism, protein binding, and target tissue response) and may alter the therapeutic response to Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection. ( 7 , 12.3 )
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category A – There are no reported cases of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection used to treat myxedema coma in patients who were pregnant or lactating. Studies in pregnant women treated with oral levothyroxine to maintain a euthyroid state have not shown an increased risk of fetal abnormalities. Therefore, pregnant patients who develop myxedema should be treated with Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection as the risk of nontreatment is associated with a high probability of significant morbidity or mortality to the maternal patient and the fetus. 8.2 Labor and Delivery Patients in labor who develop myxedema have not been reported in the literature. However, patients should be treated with Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection as the risk of nontreatment is associated with a high probability of significant morbidity or mortality to the maternal patient and the fetus. 8.3 Nursing Mothers Adequate replacement doses of thyroid hormones are required to maintain normal lactation. There are no reported cases of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection used to treat myxedema coma in patients who are lactating. However, such patients should be treated with Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection as the risk of nontreatment is associated with a high probability of significant morbidity or mortality to the nursing patient. 8.4 Pediatric Use Myxedema coma is a disease of the elderly. An approved, oral dosage form of levothyroxine should be used in the pediatric patient population for maintaining a euthyroid state in non-complicated hypothyroidism. 8.5 Geriatric Use and Patients with Underlying Cardiovascular Disease See Section 2, Dosage and Administration, for full prescribing information in the geriatric patient population. Because of the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the elderly, cautious use of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection in the elderly and in patients with known cardiac risk factors is advised. Atrial fibrillation is a common side effect associated with levothyroxine treatment in the elderly [ See Dosage and Administration ( 2 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5 ) ]. • Elderly and those with underlying cardiovascular disease should receive doses at the lower end of the recommended range. ( 8.5 ) Revised 05/2022
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection con-tains synthetic crystalline levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) sodium salt. Levothyroxine sodium has an empirical formula of C 15 H 10 I 4 NNaO 4 , a molecular weight of 798.85 g/mol (anhydrous), and the following structural formula: Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection is a sterile, preservative-free lyophilized powder consisting of the active ingredient, levothyroxine sodium, and the excipients dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, USP; mannitol, USP; and sodium hydroxide, NF in single-use amber glass vials. Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection is available at two dosage strengths: 100 mcg per vial and 500 mcg per vial. levo structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE In general, the signs and symptoms of overdosage with levothyroxine are those of hyperthyroidism [ See Warnings and Precautions ( 5 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6 )]. In addition, confusion and disorientation may occur. Cerebral embolism, shock, coma, and death have been reported. Excessive doses of Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection (greater than 500 mcg) are associated with cardiac complications in patients with underlying cardiac disease. Treatment of Overdosage Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection should be reduced in dose or temporarily discontinued if signs or symptoms of overdosage occur. To obtain up-to-date information about the treatment of overdose, a good resource is the certified Regional Poison Control Center. In managing overdosage, consider the possibility of multiple drug overdoses, interaction among drugs, and unusual drug kinetics in the patient. In the event of an overdose, appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated as dictated by the patient’s medical status.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Levothyroxine Sodium for Injection is available in two dosage strengths. Strength Reconstitution Concentration NDC No. 100 mcg/vial 20 mcg/mL 66794-200-02 500 mcg/vial 100 mcg/mL 66794-201-02 16.2 Storage and Handling Protect from light and store dry product at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Reconstituted drug product is preservative free. Discard any unused portion. This container closure is not made with natural rubber latex. Distributed by: Piramal Critical Care, Inc. Bethlehem, PA 18017, USA Issued: 05/2022
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM ANHYDROUS. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66794-200-02 | 66794-200 | Piramal Critical Care, Inc. | 5 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE (66794-200-02) | October 1, 2022 |
| 66794-201-02 | 66794-201 | Piramal Critical Care, Inc. | 5 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE (66794-201-02) | October 1, 2022 |
| 66794-200 | 66794-200 | Piramal Critical Care, Inc. | — | October 1, 2022 |
| 66794-201 | 66794-201 | Piramal Critical Care, Inc. | — | October 1, 2022 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.