Levothyroxine (Thyroxine) 50 mcg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid gland, including after thyroid surgery or radio-iodine; Hashimoto's thyroiditis with low thyroid hormone.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.52 to ₹1.11 per tablet across 6 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thyroxine Sodium Tablets IP 50mcgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 100 | ₹51.57 | ₹0.52 | 19 October 2026 |
| Eltroxin 50 | Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 120 | ₹114.77 | ₹0.96 | 19 October 2026 |
| Thyrofit 50 | Eris Lifesciences Ltd | 120 | ₹115.91 | ₹0.97 | 19 October 2026 |
| Lethyrox 50 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 120 | ₹132.30 | ₹1.10 | 19 October 2026 |
| Thyronorm 50 | Abbott | 120 | ₹132.87 | ₹1.11 | 19 October 2026 |
| Thyrox 50 | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 120 | ₹132.87 | ₹1.11 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid gland, including after thyroid surgery or radio-iodine.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis with low thyroid hormone.
- Goitre and some thyroid nodules, to reduce TSH, as decided by a doctor.
- Hypothyroidism during pregnancy, where the dose often needs increasing.
How to take it
Take one tablet every morning on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, tea or coffee, with plain water. Do not take iron, calcium, antacids or multivitamins within 4 hours of it. Take it at the same time daily. Your doctor adjusts the dose by checking TSH every 6 to 8 weeks initially, then once or twice a year. Do not change brands or doses on your own.
Side effects
Common
- Side effects usually mean the dose is too high: palpitations, sweating, heat intolerance.
- Weight loss, increased appetite.
- Nervousness, trouble sleeping.
- Headache.
- Diarrhoea.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Chest pain, very fast or irregular heartbeat – contact a doctor urgently.
- Signs of too much thyroid hormone over months – bone thinning, atrial fibrillation.
- Severe allergic reaction (rare).
- In children, too much can affect growth and behaviour.
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction, but heavy alcohol use can affect thyroid function and how reliably you take the medicine. Keep it moderate.
Pregnancy
Levothyroxine is safe and essential in pregnancy if you have hypothyroidism. Tell your doctor as soon as you are pregnant – the dose usually needs to go up by 25 to 30 percent, and TSH is checked each trimester. Safe in breastfeeding.
Kidney problems
No dose change needed for kidney disease.
Liver problems
No dose change usually needed; tell your doctor about liver disease.
Children
Used in children, including newborns with congenital hypothyroidism, in weight-based doses set by a paediatrician.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember the same day on an empty stomach. If you only remember the next day, take the two tablets together that morning – this is acceptable for levothyroxine – then continue normally. Do not make a habit of it.
Interactions
- Iron, calcium, antacids, sucralfate and soya products – reduce absorption; keep a 4-hour gap.
- Proton pump inhibitors (Pan, Omez) – can reduce absorption over time; TSH may need checking.
- Warfarin – effect increases; INR may need adjusting.
- Diabetes medicines – thyroid correction can change blood sugar.
- Carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin – speed up levothyroxine breakdown.
- Oestrogen pills and HRT – may increase the dose you need.
- Coffee and tea taken with the tablet reduce absorption.
Frequently asked questions
Thyronorm 50 empty stomach – why?
Food, tea, coffee and milk reduce how much thyroxine your body absorbs. Taking it 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast with plain water gives a steady, predictable dose.
Can I take Thyronorm 50 at night?
Yes, taking it at bedtime at least 3 hours after your last meal is an accepted alternative if mornings are difficult. Pick one routine and keep to it so TSH stays stable.
Can I take Thyronorm with alcohol?
There is no direct interaction. Keep alcohol moderate, and avoid alcohol around the time you take the tablet.
Thyronorm 50 vs Eltroxin 50 – which is better?
Both contain levothyroxine 50 mcg. Doctors advise sticking to one brand because small differences in absorption between brands can change your TSH; if you switch, get TSH rechecked in 6 to 8 weeks.
Is Thyronorm 50 safe in pregnancy?
Yes, and it is important to continue. Hypothyroidism needs tighter control in pregnancy; the dose often needs increasing. See your doctor as soon as you know you are pregnant.
Can I stop Thyronorm once my TSH is normal?
No. A normal TSH means the dose is right, not that the thyroid has recovered. Most people need it lifelong. Only your doctor should change the dose.
How long does Thyronorm take to work?
You may feel better within 1 to 2 weeks, but TSH takes 6 to 8 weeks to settle after any dose change – that is why tests are repeated then.
Does Thyronorm cause weight loss?
It restores normal thyroid function, which can reverse weight gained because of hypothyroidism. It should never be used for weight loss in people with a normal thyroid – that causes serious harm.
Does Thyronorm need a prescription?
Yes. Levothyroxine is a Schedule H medicine in India and the dose must be guided by TSH tests.
Sources
- NHS – Levothyroxine (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Levothyroxine (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms