Eltroxin (T4) 50 mcg

Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline

Pharmaceutical name: Levothyroxine Sodium

Pack: 120 pills (50 mcg)

Eltroxin contains Levothyroxine Sodium, which is a synthetic thyroid hormone and the levogyrate isomer of thyroxine (T4). Its effects mimic those of natural thyroid hormone, thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland. Once metabolized into liothyronine in the liver and kidneys, it enters body cells, where it has a regulatory impact on growth, tissue development, and metabolism. The metabolic effects arise from binding to genomic receptors, altering oxidative metabolism in mitochondria, and regulating the movement of substrates and cations in and out of cells.

 

In moderate doses, Eltroxin enhances growth and development, raises tissue oxygen demand, promotes the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and boosts the functional capabilities of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Higher doses of Eltroxin can suppress the hypothalamus's production of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and the pituitary's thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

 

The daily dosage of Eltroxin is determined on an individual basis, considering various factors such as indications, thyroid gland functionality, thyroid gland size, age, weight, and cardiovascular system condition. Eltroxin is generally taken once daily in the morning on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before eating, and the tablets should be swallowed with a small amount of water without chewing.

 

Adverse effects may include individual intolerance (particularly in those with a history of hypersensitivity to levothyroxine), untreated thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism) of any cause, severe coronary insufficiency, acute myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, significant atherosclerosis, acute myocarditis, severe arrhythmias, severe congestive heart failure, serious hypertension, uncontrolled adrenal insufficiency, untreated Addison’s disease, and in elderly patients (over 65 years old). For replacement therapy, hypersensitivity to levothyroxine is the sole absolute contraindication. 

 

Use of Eltroxin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Levothyroxine must be administered under medical supervision during pregnancy and lactation. Eltroxin is well studied, and there is no evidence to suggest it is toxic to the fetus or that it causes developmental defects. Pregnant women should continue taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism treatment. The combination of Eltroxin with thyreostatics is contraindicated, as it can lead to fetal hypothyroidism. Caution is advised when using Eltroxin during lactation.

 

Eltroxin is generally well tolerated, and side effects are infrequent. However, high doses of Eltroxin may result in symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which include tachycardia, arrhythmia, angina (chest pain), tremors, sleep disruptions, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, increased sweating, hyperhidrosis, weight loss (with some individuals experiencing temporary weight gain due to heightened appetite), vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperglycemia. In very rare instances, Eltroxin may lead to hair loss (alopecia), adrenal insufficiency, or impaired kidney function in children (especially at high initial doses).