Indications: hypothyroidism including myxoedema.

Cautions: angina, cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, adrenal insufficiency, thyrotoxicosis; diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, breast feeding.

Contra-indications: thyrotoxicosis, uncorrected adrenal insufficiency.

Side Effects: hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdose, headache, anxiety, irritability, emotional liability, insomnia, tremors, muscle weakness, palpitation, angina, heart failure, dyspnea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, hair loss, flushing, menstrual irregularities.

Dose: initially 50-100 mcg increasing by 25-50 mcg at 3-4 weeks intervals;

Maintenance dose, 100-200 mcg or more daily;

Infants, 10 mcg/kg daily to a max. of 50 mcg daily.

Up to 5 years, 100 mcg daily; Up to 12 years, adult dose.