Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

This medicine will need to be taken for the rest of your life or your child's life. Do not stop taking this medicine or change your dose without first checking with your doctor.

If you are taking cholestyramine (Questran®), take it at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (tablet):
    • For hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer:
      • Adults—At first, 30 milligrams (mg) once a day. Then, your doctor may increase your dose a little at a time up to the usual maintenance dose of 60 to 120 mg a day. A lower starting dose of 15 mg per day may be given to patients for certain conditions. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed or tolerated.
      • Children older than 12 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually more than 90 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed or tolerated.
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 60 to 90 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed or tolerated.
      • Children 1 to 5 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 45 to 60 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed or tolerated.
      • Children 6 to 12 months of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 30 to 45 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed or tolerated.
      • Children 0 to 6 months of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 15 to 30 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed or tolerated.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.