Eltroxin Tablets (Generic Synthroid) - Active Ingredient And Chemical structure
The active ingredient contained in Eltroxin Tablets is Levothyroxine Sodium . The structure is shown below
Eltroxin (Generic Synthroid) - Uses
Generic Synthroid in the form of Eltroxin Tablets is used as replacement or supplemental therapy in congenital or acquired hypothyroidism of any etiology, except transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis.
Eltroxin is also used in the treatment or prevention of various types of euthyroid goiters, including thyroid nodules.
Generic Forms and Brand names of Synthroid
Eltroxin Tablets manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, India is a hormone replacement medication usually given to patients with hypothyroidism and is also used to treat goiter. Synthroid which has the active ingredient Levothyroxine Sodium is also sold as Thyrax, Euthyrox, Levaxin, L-thyroxine, Eltroxin, Thyrax, Duotab, Thyrox, Eutirox, Tirosint, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid and under various other brand names.
Eltroxin (Generic Synthroid) - Preparations
Eltroxin (Generic Synthroid) is available as tablets of 50 mcg and 100 mcg. Eltroxin (levothyroxine sodium tablets) contains synthetic crystalline levothyroxine (T4) sodium. Synthetic T4 is identical to that produced in the human thyroid gland.
Eltroxin (Generic Synthroid) - Storage Requirements
Eltroxin Tablets are to be stored at room temperature (15°C to 30°C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light.
Eltroxin Tablets - Dosage
Eltroxin is administered as a single daily dose, preferably one-half to one hour before breakfast. Eltroxin tablets should be swallowed whole, and taken with a full glass of water. Eltroxin tablets should not be split.
Eltroxin tablets should preferably be taken on an empty stomach. Eltroxin should be taken at least 4 hours apart from drugs that are known to interfere with its absorption. The average full replacement dose of levothyroxine sodium is approximately 1.7 mcg/kg/day (e.g., 100-125 mcg/day for a 70 kg adult). Older patients may require less than 1 mcg/kg/day. Please consult your doctor for exact dosing instructions. Dosage are individualized as per requirement of each patient.
Side Effects Of Eltroxin (Generic Synthroid)
The adverse effects of levothyroxine therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage. The most common side effects are listed below:
General: fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating;
Central nervous system: headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia;
Musculoskeletal: tremors, muscle weakness;
Cardiovascular: palpitations, tachycardia, arrythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure, heart failure, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest;
Respiratory: dyspnea;
Gastrointestinal: diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and elevations in liver function tests;
Dermatologic: hair loss, flushing;
Endocrine: decreased bone mineral density;
Reproductive: menstrual irregularities, impaired fertility.
Pseudotumor cerebri and slipped capital femoral epiphysis have been reported in children receiving levothyroxine therapy. Overtreatment may result in craniosynostosis in infants and premature closure of the epiphyses in children with resultant compromised adult height.
Seizures have been reported rarely with the institution of levothyroxine therapy.
Inadequate levothyroxine dosage will produce or fail to ameliorate the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Hypersensitivity Reactions:Hypersensitivity reactions to inactive ingredients have occurred in patients treated with thyroid hormone products. These include urticaria, pruritus, skin rash, flushing, angioedema, various GI symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea), fever, arthralgia, serum sickness and wheezing. Hypersensitivity to levothyroxine itself is not known to occur.
Eltroxin Tablets - Contraidications
Eltroxin (Levothyroxine Sodium) is contraindicated in patients with untreated subclinical (suppressed serum TSH level with normal T3 and T4 levels) or overt thyrotoxicosis of any etiology and in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Eltroxin (Levothyroxine Sodium) is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency since thyroid hormones may precipitate an acute adrenal crisis by increasing the metabolic clearance of glucocorticoids. Eltroxin is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Levothyroxine Sodium or any of the inactive ingredients in Eltroxin tablets.
Eltroxin Tablets - Overdosage And Overdose Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of overdosage Eltroxin Tablets of are those of hyperthyroidism . In addition, confusion and disorientation may occur. Cerebral embolism, shock, coma, and death have been reported. Seizures have occurred in a child ingesting approximately 18 mg of levothyroxine. Symptoms may not necessarily be evident or may not appear until several days after ingestion of levothyroxine sodium.
