Dosing of Levothyroxine Sodium for a Pediatric Patient with Hypothyroidism

The dose of levothyroxine sodium in a pediatric patient with hypothyroidism can be initially calculated based on age, weight, and growth status.

Age in Years	Growth Status	Daily Dose in µg/kg (Mean Dose)
0 to 0.25	NA	10 - 15 (12.5)
0.25 to 0.50	NA	8 - 10 (9)
0.50 - 1.0	NA	6 - 8 (7)
1 - 5 years	NA	5 - 6 (5.5)
6 - 12 years	NA	4 - 5 (4.5)
13 - 18 years	growth and puberty incomplete	2 - 3 (2.5)
13 - 18 years	growth and puberty complete	1.7

daily dose =

= (body weight in kilograms) * (daily dose per kilogram body weight)

where:

• With an increase in childhood obesity, one question is whether to use the actual or the lean body weight for the dose calculation.

The initial dose should be adjusted based on clinical and laboratory response.

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