-5%
Generic Name: Levothyroxine Sodium 50mcg
Manufacturer/Distributor: Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.Â
Indications
A medication called Thyrin 50 is used to treat an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). It replaces the hormone that your thyroid gland was not producing in sufficient amounts and aids in regulating your body’s energy and metabolism.
Pharmacology
Synthetic Levothyroxine, also known as Thyroxine or T4, is a component of Thyrin 25 tablets and is identical to the thyroid hormone T4 found in nature. About 30% of T4 is converted into the much more active triiodothyronine in peripheral tissues (T3). TBG is the main transporter of T4 (Thyroxine Binding Globulin). This binding gives T4 a longer half-life in circulation by shielding it from metabolism and excretion. Only 0.03 percent of the total T4 in plasma is unbound. In the body, T4 has a half-life of 6 to 7 days. In hyperthyroidism, the half-life is 3–4 days, whereas, in hypothyroidism, it can be 9–10 days.                     Â
Dosage & Administration
Adult dose:
- The initial starting dose of 25–50 meg/day, with dose increases as needed at intervals of 6–8 weeks. Until the patient with primary hypothyroidism is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH has normalized, the dose of levothyroxine sodium is typically increased by 12.5 to 25 meg.
- Until the TSH level is normalized, patients with severe hypothyroidism should receive an initial dose of 12.5–25 meg/day, followed by increases of 25 meg/day every 2-4 weeks, along with clinical and laboratory evaluation.
- in those with secondary or tertiary (pituitary) (hypothalamic)
Hypothyroidism:Â
- The serum free-T4 level should be raised to the upper half of the normal range and the dosage of Levothyroxine Sodium should be increased until the patient is clinically euthyroid.
- 1.7 meg/kg/day for patients who are older than 50 or younger than 50 with an underlying cardiac condition
Interaction
- Concomitant use of Thyroid hormones with any of the following drugs or substances may lead to the occurrence of clinically relevant interactions:
- Oral anticoagulants: Thyroid hormones may enhance the activity of oral anticoagulants.
- Antidiabetic drugs: Thyroid hormones may cause increases in insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drug requirements.
- Digitalis preparations: Thyroid hormones may alter the requirement for Digitalis preparations.
- Cholestyramine: The absorption of Thyroid hormones may be decreased by Cholestyramine; therefore, there should be an interval of at least 4 hours between administrations.
Contraindications
Untreated subclinical or overt Thyrotoxicosis of any etiology, Acute Myocardial Infarction, Uncorrected Adrenal failure.
Side Effects
Too high a dosage may lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as tachycardia, nervousness, tremor, headache, flushing, perspiration, and loss of weight. If necessary, treatment can be interrupted for a few days and then resumed at a lower dosage.
Pregnancy & Lactation
- Pregnancy – Category A. Pregnancy may increase Levothyroxine requirements.
- Nursing Mother – Although thyroid hormones are excreted only minimally in human milk, caution should be exercised when it is administered to a nursing woman. However, adequate replacement doses of Levothyroxine are generally needed to maintain normal lactation.
Precautions & Warnings
- In patients whose hypothyroidism is brought on by a decline in pituitary gland function, there may be adrenocortical insufficiency; this should be addressed with appropriate corticosteroid replacement before beginning levothyroxine therapy to prevent acute adrenal insufficiency.
- The initial dose and any subsequent dose increases in patients with cardiovascular disease and/or severe and long-term hypothyroidism should be carefully considered.
- A high starting dose or an abrupt increase in dosage, particularly in elderly patients, can cause or worsen angina, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, cardiac failure, or a rapid rise in blood pressure.
Storage Conditions
Protect from light and moisture by storing in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Keep out of children’s reach.
