Eltroxin (T4) 100 mcg

Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline

Pharmaceutical name: Levothyroxine Sodium

Pack: 120 pills (100 mcg)

Eltroxin contains Levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) - a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone; it is the levorotatory isomer of thyroxine (T4). The effects of Eltroxin are the same as those of the natural thyroid hormone, thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland. Once it undergoes biotransformation in the body to form liothyronine (in the liver and kidneys), it enters the cells and exerts a regulatory influence on growth, tissue development, and metabolism. The metabolic effects involve receptor interaction with the genome, alterations in mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, and the regulation of substrate and cation movement in and out of the cells.

 

In moderate doses, Eltroxin promotes growth and development, raises the oxygen requirements of tissues, enhances the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and boosts the functional activity of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. In higher doses, Eltroxin suppresses the secretion of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TTRG) from the hypothalamus and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland.

 

The daily dosage of Eltroxin is tailored to the individual's needs, considering indications, the functional state of the thyroid gland, its size, age, weight, and cardiovascular status. It is typically administered once daily in the morning on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before meals, with tablets swallowed with a small amount of water without chewing.

 

Side effects include individual intolerance (notably a history of hypersensitivity to levothyroxine), untreated thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism) of any cause, severe coronary insufficiency, recent myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, pronounced atherosclerosis, acute myocarditis, severe arrhythmias, significant congestive heart failure, severe hypertension, uncontrolled adrenal insufficiency, untreated Addison's disease, and elderly patients (aged over 65). For replacement therapy, hypersensitivity to levothyroxine is the only absolute contraindication.

 

Eltroxin usage during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires medical supervision. Levothyroxine is considered safe based on extensive research, and no evidence suggests toxic effects on the fetus or risk of defects. Pregnant individuals should continue their levothyroxine therapy for hypothyroidism. The concurrent use of Eltroxin with antithyroid medications is contraindicated due to the risk of inducing hypothyroidism in the fetus. Caution is advised when using Eltroxin during lactation (breastfeeding).

 

Eltroxin is generally well-tolerated, and side effects are rare. However, high dosages of Eltroxin can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including rapid heartbeat, arrhythmia, chest pain, tremors, sleep disturbances, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, increased sweating, weight loss (and in some cases, transient weight gain due to heightened appetite), nausea, diarrhea, and elevated blood sugar levels. Rarely, Eltroxin may cause hair loss (alopecia), adrenal insufficiency, or kidney function impairment in children (especially at high starting doses).