Eltroxin 37.5

ELTROXIN 37.5 mcg Tablet

ELTROXIN 37.5 mcg Tablet, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited, is a thyroid hormone replacement medication.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Eltroxin 37.5 mcg Tablet
  • Common Name: Levothyroxine Sodium (or Thyroxine Sodium)

• Composition:

  • Each tablet contains 37.5 micrograms (mcg) of Thyroxine Sodium (Levothyroxine Sodium).

• Uses: ELTROXIN 37.5 mcg Tablet is primarily prescribed for the treatment of:

  • Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland that doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone.
  • Goitre Management: To reduce the size of an abnormally enlarged thyroid gland.
  • Thyroid Hormone Deficiency During Pregnancy: To ensure proper fetal development.
  • Post-Thyroidectomy Hormone Replacement: Following surgical removal of the thyroid gland.
  • Certain Thyroid Cancers: As part of a treatment plan to suppress TSH levels.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • The medicine should be taken orally as a single daily dose on an empty stomach, typically in the morning.
  • It is recommended to take it at least 30 to 60 minutes before food, milk, or other medications for optimal absorption.
  • Dosage is individualized based on blood test results (TSH levels) and clinical response.
  • For most individuals, ELTROXIN may be a lifelong medication.

• Side Effects: Side effects are often associated with doses higher than required. Common side effects may include:

  • Palpitations (irregular heartbeat), vomiting, anxiety, diarrhea
  • Weight loss, tremors, increased appetite, restlessness
  • Headache, sweating, muscle cramps, altered menstrual cycle
  • Temporary hair loss in children. Serious side effects, though rare, include very high temperature, fast or irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, yellowness in the eyes/skin, confusion, or fits.

• Precautions:

  • Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking, especially antacids, iron/calcium supplements, certain weight-reduction agents (like orlistat), anti-diabetic medicines, blood thinners, and proton pump inhibitors, as dose adjustments or staggered administration may be necessary.
  • Diabetic Patients: ELTROXIN may affect blood sugar levels, requiring adjustment of anti-diabetic medications.
  • Pregnancy: Increased dosage may be required during pregnancy, and thyroid levels should be closely monitored.
  • Elderly and Cardiac Patients: Lower initial doses and gradual increases are recommended for elderly patients and those with ischemic heart disease.
  • Bone Mineral Density: Long-term use, particularly in postmenopausal women, may affect bone mineral density.
  • ELTROXIN should not be used for weight reduction in individuals with normal thyroid function.

• Storage:

  • Store below 25°C.
  • Keep tablets in their original bottle, tightly closed, and protected from light and moisture.
  • Keep out of reach of children.

ELTROXIN 37.5: Frequently Asked Questions

What is ELTROXIN 37.5 used for?

ELTROXIN 37.5 is primarily used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. It helps restore normal hormone levels, improving metabolism, energy levels, mood, and other bodily functions. It can also be used for goiter management and as hormone replacement after thyroidectomy, and in some cases, for certain thyroid cancers.

How does ELTROXIN 37.5 work?

ELTROXIN 37.5 contains levothyroxine sodium, which is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring thyroid hormone, Thyroxine (T4). It works by replacing or supplementing the thyroid hormone that the body is unable to produce sufficiently on its own, thereby regulating the body's metabolism and energy. T4 is then converted to T3, the active hormone, in peripheral tissues.

What is the usual dosage of ELTROXIN 37.5?

The usual starting dose for adults is typically 50 to 100 micrograms daily, which can be increased by 25 to 50 micrograms at intervals of not less than four weeks, up to a maintenance dose of 100 to 200 micrograms daily. For elderly patients or those with ischemic heart disease, treatment usually begins with lower doses (25 or 50 micrograms/day) and is increased gradually. The exact dose is individualized by a doctor based on clinical response and blood tests, particularly TSH levels. It is best taken as a single daily dose on an empty stomach with water, at least 30 to 60 minutes before food or other medications.

What are the possible side effects of ELTROXIN 37.5?

Most side effects are associated with taking a higher dose than needed and usually resolve once the correct dose is established. Common side effects can include nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, headache, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, flushing, palpitations (irregular heartbeat), diarrhea, stomach cramps, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, and menstrual irregularities. Temporary hair loss, especially in children during the first month of treatment, can also occur.

Is ELTROXIN 37.5 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

ELTROXIN is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy, and it's important to continue treatment to ensure proper fetal development and prevent complications from maternal hypothyroidism. However, thyroid hormone levels need to be closely monitored, and the dosage may need to be increased during pregnancy.

Small amounts of levothyroxine are found in breast milk, but it is not likely to have a harmful effect on a baby, and it is generally considered safe to breastfeed while on this medication.

Can ELTROXIN 37.5 be taken with other medications?

ELTROXIN can interact with several medications, which may affect its absorption or effectiveness. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all medicines, including over-the-counter, herbal, and dietary supplements. Some common interactions include:

• Reduced absorption: Antacids, anti-ulcer medicines (like Esomeprazole), iron preparations, calcium supplements, cholestyramine, sucralfate, orlistat, and certain foods like grapefruit juice, soybean flour, high-fiber foods, and walnuts. These should be taken at least 4 hours apart from Eltroxin.
• Altered effectiveness of other drugs: Eltroxin may require dose adjustments for anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin), antidiabetic medicines (e.g., insulin), and certain heart medications.
• Other interactions: Antidepressants, antivirals, antimalarials, beta-blockers, oestrogen (e.g., in oral contraceptives), carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampicin, lithium, and sertraline.

What precautions should be taken with ELTROXIN 37.5?

• Do not switch between different brands of levothyroxine without consulting your doctor, as dose adjustments may be needed.
• Regular monitoring of thyroid function tests (especially TSH levels) is essential to ensure the correct dosage and effectiveness of the medicine.
• Use with caution in elderly patients and those with pre-existing heart conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), diabetes mellitus, or adrenal insufficiency.
• Inform your doctor if you have any allergies or other medical conditions.
• This medicine is not for weight reduction in individuals with normal thyroid function.
• Long-term use, especially in postmenopausal women, may be associated with decreased bone mineral density; your doctor may monitor bone health and recommend supplements.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of ELTROXIN, 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. Due to the long half-life of levothyroxine, missing a single dose usually doesn't cause major problems.

How should ELTROXIN 37.5 be stored?

ELTROXIN should be stored below 25°C, protected from light, and kept in its original packaging with the bottle tightly closed. Do not store it in a bathroom, near a sink, in a car, or on windowsills, as heat and dampness can degrade the medication. Keep it out of reach of children. Do not take the tablets if their color has changed.