6.2.1 Thyroid hormones

General guidance

• Levothyroxine sodium (thyroxine sodium) is the treatment of choice for maintenance therapy. The initial dose should not exceed 100 micrograms preferably before breakfast, less in the elderly or those with cardiac disease.

Shared Care ESCA Liothyronine

Recommended drugs

Levothyroxine Sodium

Drug Traffic Light Key:

Green – On Formulary

Amber – Restricted use, see local guidelines      

Purple – Specialist use/initiation

Red – Non Formulary

Relative Costs Key (where indicated):

£££££ - high

£££ - moderate

£ - low