Levothyroxine Dosage

There is no standard levothyroxine dosage -- this is because people have varying degrees of hypothyroidism and other thyroid problems (as well as varying responses to the medication). In general, most adults end up taking levothyroxine 100 mcg to 125 mcg per day. It is rare to need a dose higher than levothyroxine 200 mcg per day.

 

Levothyroxine Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of levothyroxine sodium that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • How you respond to levothyroxine
  • The results of certain thyroid blood tests
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Any other medications you are taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Is There a "Standard" Levothyroxine Dosage?

Levothyroxine is not a "one-size-fits-all" medication, and there is no "standard" levothyroxine dosage. People have varying degrees of hypothyroidism and other thyroid problems (and varying responses to the medication), and, as a result, the levothyroxine dose must be individualized. It often takes several months to find the best dose, and your dose may need to be adjusted from time to time, even if you have been stable on a particular levothyroxine dosage for a while. It is important to understand that it can take a few weeks (or sometimes even a few months) for your body to adjust to any change in dose.
 
Some healthcare providers start at a higher levothyroxine dose and adjust as necessary, while others start at a low levothyroxine dose and slowly work up to the right dose. Either way, you will need frequent blood tests to monitor your thyroid function, and the results of these tests will guide your healthcare provider to make any necessary dosing adjustments. Even once you are stable on a dose, you will still need blood tests every once in a while, to make sure the dose is still right.
 
Elderly people and people who have heart problems are typically started on lower doses, due to the risk of heart problems. Generally, most adults end up taking levothyroxine 100 mcg to 125 mcg per day, although many people may need more or less. It is rare to need a dose higher than levothyroxine 200 mcg per day.
 
(Levothyroxine Dosage Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;