Thyroid medication

Thyroid medication

Thyroid is an important endocrine gland that produces thyroxine and is involved in the body's metabolic function. Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid medications that are either synthetic or of animal origin. Several available drugs are used as replacements for T3, T4, or their combination.

Armor Thyroid is the brand name of a desiccated thyroid that is not recommended for replacement therapy. Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid are brand names of the chemical compound levothyroxine sodium (T4). Cytomel is the brand name of the chemical liothyronine sodium (T3). Euthroid and Thyrolar are names for the chemical Liotrix (T3 and T4). Levothyroxine sodium is typically used as an alternative treatment when endogenous thyroid hormone production is reduced.

The dosage of medication required to maintain certain levels of thyroxine must be determined by the doctor. These medications are sold in different dosage strengths that vary by only 12 micrograms. Therefore, for both safety and efficiency, it is important that the active ingredient present in the tablet has a certain consistency.

When patients receive superpotent doses, angina pectoris, arrhytimia, or tachycardia may occur. Sometimes increased potency also leads to osteoporosis. It is also possible that the overdose occurs accidentally due to negligence. If an overdose is suspected, it is advisable to go to the emergency room immediately. If a lower dose is given, symptoms may not be relieved. The effectiveness of the drug is unstable as it can change in the presence of light, air, temperature and humidity.

An interval of at least four hours must be maintained between thyroid medications and the intake of calcium supplements, antacids, iron supplements and cholestyramine, as these have been found to affect absorption.

Cabbage, buckwheat, flax, lentils and milk and their products are some of the food products that affect the absorption of thyroid medications. It is therefore important that there is a gap of several hours between consumption.

Thyroid hormones are taken orally, except in atypical cases such as myxedema coma, in which the patient must be given intravenous medication. The dosage of medication varies depending on age and severity.

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