Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline, UK
Pharmaceutical name: Pack: 1 tab (50 mcg)
Eltroxin contains Levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) - a synthetic thyroid hormone; levogyrate isomer of thyroxine (T4).
The action of Eltroxin (levothyroxine) is identical to the action of natural thyroid hormone - thyroxine which is produced by the thyroid gland. After biotransformation in the body in liothyronine (in the liver and kidneys), it enteters the body cells and exert regulatory effect on the development, tissue growth and metabolism. Mechanisms of metabolic effects include receptor binding to the genome, changes in oxidative metabolism in mitochondria and regulation the flow of substrates and cations inside and outside the cells. In small doses Levothyroxine possesses an anabolic effect.
In medium doses Eltroxin (levothyroxine) stimulates growth and development, increases in oxygen demand of tissues, stimulates the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, increases the functional activity of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.
In large doses Eltroxin (levothyroxine) inhibits the production of thyrotropin-releasing hormone of the hypothalamus (TTRG) and pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
Substitution therapy is absolutely necessary for maintaining normal metabolism in all cases of thyroid function deficiency.
Suppressive therapy is performed after surgery on thyroid gland cancer and radioactive iodine treatment to prevent recurrence of the tumor, as well as in relapse of nodular goiter.
Dosage
Daily dose of Eltroxin is indicated individually in dependence of indications, functional condition of thyroid gland, the size of thyroid gland, age, weight, condition of cardiovascular system. Eltroxin (levothyroxine) is usually taken once daily in the morning on empty stomach 30 minutes before meal swallowing tablets with a small amount of water without chewing.
Contraindications
Individual intolerance (including history of hypersensitivity to levothyroxine)
Untreated thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism) of any origin
Severe coronary insufficiency, acute myocardial infarction, angina pectoris
Expressed atherosclerosis
Acute myocarditis
Severe arrhythmias
Severe congestive heart failure
Severe hypertension;
Uncontrolled adrenal insufficiency, untreated Addison's disease
Elderly patients (over 65).
For replacement therapy hypersensitivity to levothyroxine is the only absolute contraindication.
Application of Levothyroxine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
During pregnancy and lactation levothyroxine should be used under medical supervision. Levothyroxine is well researched and there is no reason to assume toxic effects on the fetus or the development of defects.
If you are pregnant, you should continue taking levothyroxine for the treatment of hypothyroidism.
The use of levothyroxine in combination with thyreostatics is contraindicated because it can cause hypothyroidism in the fetus. Levothyroxine should be used with caution during lactation (breastfeeding).
Side effects:
Levothyroxine is well tolerated and side effects are not common. The use of high-doses of levothyroxine may cause hyperthyroidism symptoms such as tachycardia, arrhythmia, angina (chest pain), tremors, sleep disturbances, insomnia, fatigue, sense of anxiety, increased sweating, hyperhidrosis, loss of body weight (in some cases - a transient increase in body weight due to increased appetite), vomiting, diarrhea, hyperglycemia;
In very rare cases Eltroxin may cause hair loss (alopecia), adrenal insufficiency, impairment of kidney function in children (at high initial doses).
