Euthyrox 50 Mcg Tablet (100 Tab)

EUTHYROX 50 MCG TABLET (100 TAB) by MERCK LTD

Name

• Brand Name: EUTHYROX 50 MCG TABLET
• Common Name: Levothyroxine sodium

Composition

Each Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet contains 50 micrograms (mcg) of Levothyroxine sodium, which is a synthetic thyroid hormone identical to natural thyroxine (T4) produced by the thyroid gland. Inactive ingredients include mannitol, corn starch (or maize starch), gelatin, croscarmellose sodium, anhydrous citric acid, and magnesium stearate.

Uses

Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet is primarily used for the treatment of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland where the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone). It replaces or supplements the missing thyroid hormone to regulate metabolism, energy levels, and overall bodily functions.

It is also prescribed for:

• Treatment of benign euthyroid goitre (enlarged thyroid gland) in patients with normal thyroid function.
• Prophylaxis of relapse after surgery for euthyroid goitre.
• Concomitant therapy during anti-thyroid medicinal treatment of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
• As an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy in the management of well-differentiated thyroid cancer.
• Diagnostic use for thyroid suppression testing (typically 100 mcg and above).

Dosage and Administration

Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet is for oral use and should be taken as a single daily dose. It is best administered on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, preferably with a little liquid, such as half a glass of water. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed. For infants and children who cannot swallow intact tablets, it can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water (5-10 mL) and administered immediately. Dosage is individualized based on age, body weight, medical condition, and blood test results, particularly serum TSH levels.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Headache
• Nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness (insomnia)
• Diarrhea, increased appetite
• Muscle spasm, muscle weakness
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Feeling hot even in cool environments, increased sweating, heat intolerance
• Menstrual irregularities
• Skin rash, hives or welts
• Increased heart rate (palpitations), irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia)
• Hair loss (usually temporary during the first few months of treatment)

Serious side effects, often indicative of an overdose, can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, tremors, and swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue.

Precautions

• Euthyrox should not be used for weight loss.
• Inform your doctor if you have untreated adrenal insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, acute myocardial infarction, acute myocarditis, or acute pancarditis.
• Caution is advised in patients with underlying cardiac disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat), as overtreatment can cause increased heart rate and other cardiac issues.
• Patients with diabetes should closely monitor blood sugar levels, as Euthyrox may alter glycemic control and require adjustments to antidiabetic medication or insulin.
• Long-term use may affect bone health, potentially leading to osteoporosis; calcium or vitamin D supplements may be recommended.
• Drug-Food Interactions: Certain foods and supplements can interfere with absorption. Avoid taking Euthyrox within several hours of consuming soybean flour, cottonseed meal, cabbage, cauliflower, walnuts, dietary fiber, calcium, calcium-fortified juices, iron, or antacids.
• Drug Interactions: Euthyrox can interact with various medications, including oral anticoagulants, digitalis glycosides, antidiabetic agents, propylthiouracil, glucocorticoids, beta-sympatholytics, iodine-containing contrast media, amiodarone, sertraline, chloroquine/proguanil, sevelamer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, salicylates, dicumarol, high-dose furosemide, clofibrate, orlistat, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Consult your doctor about all medications you are taking.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Euthyrox is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but dose adjustments may be necessary. Levothyroxine passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant.

Storage

Store Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight and moisture, at temperatures not exceeding 30°C. Keep the container in the outer carton to protect from light. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Here are the frequently asked questions about Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet:

What is Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet used for?

Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet is primarily used to treat an underactive thyroid gland, a condition known as hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and as an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy for certain types of thyroid cancer. Additionally, it can be used as a concomitant therapy during anti-thyroid medicinal treatment of hyperthyroidism to balance hormone levels.

How does Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet work?

Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet contains levothyroxine sodium, which is a synthetic form of the natural thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). It works by replacing or supplementing the thyroid hormone in the body when natural production is insufficient. This synthetic hormone is converted to tri-iodo-thyronine (T3) in the body's peripheral organs, where it exerts its effects at T3-receptors, helping to regulate metabolism, energy levels, and overall bodily functions.

What is the usual dosage for Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet?

The dosage of Euthyrox 50 mcg is highly individualized and determined by your doctor based on clinical examinations and laboratory tests, particularly your TSH levels. It is typically taken once daily on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, with a full glass of water. For adults with hypothyroidism, an initial dose may range from 25-50 mcg daily, with adjustments made in 12.5 mcg to 25 mcg increments every 4 to 6 weeks until thyroid hormone levels are stable. Lower starting doses are often used for elderly patients or those with underlying heart conditions.

What are the possible side effects of Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet?

Most common side effects occur if the dose is too high, mimicking symptoms of an overactive thyroid. These can include chest pain, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, headache, leg cramps, muscle pain or weakness, tremors, nervousness, irritability, trouble sleeping (insomnia), increased appetite, feeling hot, weight loss, changes in menstrual periods, diarrhea, and skin rash or partial hair loss. Serious side effects, though rare, include allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat) or severe cardiovascular symptoms. Long-term use of high doses can also lead to decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis.

Is Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet is generally considered safe and important to continue taking throughout pregnancy. Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. Your doctor will likely need to monitor your TSH levels closely during each trimester and may adjust your dose. It is also considered safe during breastfeeding, as levothyroxine passes into breast milk in very small amounts that are not usually sufficient to harm a nursing infant.

Can Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet be taken with other medications?

Euthyrox can interact with many other medications, affecting its absorption or efficacy. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Some medications, such as antacids, iron salts, calcium salts, sucralfate, and certain cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam), should be taken at least 4 hours apart from Euthyrox as they can reduce its absorption. Euthyrox may also interact with antidiabetic drugs (requiring dose adjustments) and oral anticoagulants, potentially increasing their effects.

What precautions should be taken while taking Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet?

Do not use Euthyrox for weight loss, as it is not effective for this purpose in individuals with normal thyroid function and can cause serious side effects at high doses. Before starting treatment, inform your doctor if you have untreated adrenal insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, or certain heart conditions (like angina pectoris, heart failure, or high blood pressure). Regular monitoring of your thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T4) is essential to ensure you are on the correct dose and to avoid side effects.

What happens if a dose of Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Missing one dose typically does not cause major problems because levothyroxine stays in your body for several days, but consistent missed doses can lead to a return of hypothyroidism symptoms.

How should Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet be stored?

Euthyrox 50 mcg Tablet should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light and out of the reach of children and pets.