How Do You Spell LEVOTHYROXINE?

Pronunciation: [lˈɛvəθˌɪɹəksˌa͡ɪn] (IPA)

Levothyroxine is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat thyroid disorders. The spelling of this word may seem complex, but it can be broken down using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "lev" is pronounced as "lɛv," and the "o" is pronounced as "oʊ." The "thy" in "thyroxine" is pronounced as "θaɪ," and the final syllable "roxine" is pronounced as "rɒksin." When spoken altogether, the word is pronounced as "lɛvoʊθaɪrɒksin." It is essential to understand the correct spelling and pronunciation of medications to avoid any errors.

LEVOTHYROXINE Meaning and Definition

1. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone medication used medically to treat individuals with an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). It is considered a synthetic form of thyroxine, the primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Levothyroxine is also commonly known by its brand name, Synthroid.

   The main purpose of levothyroxine is to supplement and regulate the insufficient production of thyroid hormones in the body. It mimics the natural thyroid hormone and works by increasing the levels of thyroxine in the bloodstream. This helps in restoring normal thyroid hormone balance and eases the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and hair loss.

   Levothyroxine is typically taken orally as a tablet once a day, preferably on an empty stomach, with a full glass of water. The dosage is determined by the individual's specific thyroid hormone needs, which are assessed through blood tests and consultation with a healthcare professional.

   While levothyroxine is generally well-tolerated, improper dosage or interactions with other medications can lead to potential side effects such as increased heart rate, tremors, anxiety, or even chest pain. Therefore, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and inform healthcare professionals about any other medications being taken to prevent complications.

   In conclusion, levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone medication prescribed to individuals with hypothyroidism to increase and regulate the levels of thyroxine in the body, helping to restore normal thyroid function and alleviate associated symptoms.

Common Misspellings for LEVOTHYROXINE

• levothyroxuine

Etymology of LEVOTHYROXINE

The word "levothyroxine" has a scientific etymology rooted in the Latin and Greek languages.

"Levo-" is derived from the Latin word "levus", meaning "left", and is used as a prefix in chemistry to indicate the "left-handed" version of a molecule. This is based on the fact that some molecules can exist in two mirror-image forms, known as enantiomers, and the prefix "levo-" specifically refers to the left-handed enantiomer.

"Thyroxine" is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. The word "thyroxine" is derived from the Greek words "thyro", meaning "shield", and "oxys", meaning "sharp" or "pointed". This is because the thyroid gland, where thyroxine is primarily produced, is shaped like a shield or shield-like structure.