Thyroxine Sodium
About
Thyroxine Sodium belongs to 'thyroid agents', primarily used to treat underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Hypothyroidism is a chronic disorder, which happens when the thyroid gland (located in the front lower part of the neck), is unable to make enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is responsible for releasing hormones, which are composed of tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which helps the body to regulate and use energy. The thyroid controls functions of the heart and digestive system, without the right amount of these hormones, the body is unable to function properly. Early symptoms of this disease are fatigue and weight gain. While other symptoms include feeling cold even in warm weather, dry skin or too much or too few menses (in women), easy fatigueness, constipation, weight gain, or even lack of energy. Right diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroid are important to restore normal physical and mental activity.
Thyroxine Sodium contains 'Thyroxine sodium' which replaces or provides more thyroid hormone in the body when the body is unable to naturally produce enough thyroid hormone (Thyroxine) to meet the requirements of the body. In this way, Thyroxine Sodium helps to replace missing thyroid hormone for proper digestion, muscle functioning, brain development, and maintenance of bones.
Take Thyroxine Sodium exactly in the same way as suggested by the doctor. Usually, Thyroxine Sodium does not cause any undesirable effects in the body. Still, its overdose may cause diarrhoea, muscle spasm, weight loss, feeling hot even in cool environments, headache, nervousness, sleeplessness, irritability, menstrual irregularities (in women), and skin rash. Thus, it is better to take Thyroxine Sodium is the same dose, and if you by chance, miss it then do not double the dose for the sake of getting results fast. If a person experiences any of these signs, then their doctor may suggest them to undertake a blood test called 'thyroid function test' which checks three hormones related to thyroid - TSH, T3, T4 to check if the thyroid gland is functioning normally or not.
Thyroxine Sodium can not be given via mouth in patients dealing with myxedema coma. Your doctor may suggest calcium or vitamin D supplements with Thyroxine Sodium to improve bone density associated with thyroid hormone overreplacement. Consult with your doctor if the symptoms of low thyroid hormone-like weight gain, slow heartbeat, or sensitivity to cold, tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, worsens or persists after a couple of days of taking this drug. If Thyroxine Sodium is taken by persons having diabetes mellitus, then it may worsen glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Thus it is important to carefully monitor the blood glucose level while starting, changing, or stopping thyroid hormone with Thyroxine Sodium. The doctor decides the right dose of Thyroxine Sodium after checking the body weight and thyroid function test report. Regular monitoring of thyroid function is important to check the effectiveness of the medicine.
Uses of Thyroxine Sodium
Medicinal Benefits
Thyroxine Sodium is a synthetic thyroid hormone that is prescribed for the treatment of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Thyroxine is the important hormone released by the thyroid gland into the bloodstream. It plays an important role in the functioning of the heart, digestion, muscles, and brain development. Thyroxine Sodium acts in the same manner as natural Thyroxine does, as it replaces the natural hormone produced by the thyroid gland so that body has enough thyroxine hormone to regulate the body's needs and metabolism. In this way, it helps to replace missing thyroid hormone and/or to relieve stress on the thyroid gland.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Thyroxine Sodium
- Heat intolerance
- Menstrual irregularities
- Muscle weakness
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss
- Diarrhoea
- Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Muscle spasm
- Headache,
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Sleeplessness
- Tremors
- Skin rash
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Take Thyroxine Sodium in the same dosing strength as suggested by the doctor without increasing or decreasing it, as doses beyond the range may produce serious or even life-threatening reactions in the body. A person should consult with their doctor if they have heart diseases, diabetes, clotting disorders, adrenaline, or pituitary gland problem, as the dose needs to be adjusted in this case. If a person has diabetes then this medicine may affect their blood sugar levels and can worsen glycaemic control so it is advised to go for regular blood sugar checkups. Taking Thyroxine Sodium on regular basis can reduce bone mineral density, particularly in post-menopausal women. Hence, it is best to talk to the doctor who might prescribe you the dose according to your bone health. Regular thyroid function tests are important while taking this medicine on an empty stomach after overnight (6-8 hrs) fasting. Thyroxine Sodium is not allowed to use in persons with acute myocardial infarction and high blood pressure. Taking this medicine for a long duration may affect bone health leading to osteoporosis which can increase the risk of bone fractures. Hence, a person should consult with their doctor as their doctor may prescribe calcium or vitamin D supplements alongside Thyroxine Sodium for improving bone health.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Certain medications that interact with Thyroxine Sodium include anti-diabetic drug (metformin), neuro-related medicine (amphetamine), and acidity medicine (cimetidine, esomeprazole).
Drug-Food Interaction: Thyroxine Sodium may interact with certain foods like soybean flour, cottonseed meal, walnuts, dietary fibre, calcium, and calcium-fortified juices.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Thyroxine Sodium should not be used in conditions that include untreated or uncontrolled adrenal gland disorder, a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or any recent or current symptoms of a heart attack.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionA person should limit the consumption of alcohol along with Thyroxine Sodium to avoid bothersome side-effects.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedThyroxine Sodium is safe to use for a pregnant woman if suggested by the doctor. The need for Thyroxine may increase during pregnancy due to improved blood levels of estrogen (female sex hormone) hence, monitoring of thyroid function should be done regularly both throughout and after pregnancy. In this case, the thyroid hormone dose can be modified by your doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionThyroxine Sodium can only be given to nursing mothers if suggested by the doctor. However, even during high dose thyroxine therapy, the amount of Thyroxine Sodium passing into the breast milk during lactation is very low and therefore harmless.
Driving
safe if prescribedThyroxine Sodium works in a similar manner as natural hormone so it does not interfere with the ability to drive.
Liver
safe if prescribedThyroxine Sodium works in the same way natural hormone of the body so it does not have any reported interaction hence, in case you experience any difficulty discuss with your doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedThyroxine Sodium works in the same way natural hormone of the body so it does not have any reported interaction hence, in case you experience any difficulty discuss with your doctor. However, patients with adrenal gland disorders should consult a doctor before its consumption.
Children
safe if prescribedThyroxine Sodium can be given to the children with inborn thyroid hormone deficiency. To achieve normal mental and physical development. The doctor would adjust the dose individually according to the thyroid hormone level and TSH values measured in blood.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- The thyroid gland requires iodine for making its hormone so one should include iodized table salt in their diet. However eating too much can also lead to hyperthyroidism, so take it at a limited level, not too much or not too low.
- A person should eat the right nutrients and a regular dose of Thyroxine Sodium, which may be linked with hypothyroidism, eat a wide variety of vegetables in your diet.
- People dealing with hypothyroidism, usually notice the loss of calcium (hypocalcemia) and Vitamin D in their body so it is better to include calcium-enriched foods in your diet.
- Persons dealing with hypothyroidism usually have a slower metabolism so eating more amount of protein like eggs, milk, pulses, may help boost the metabolism.
- A person should engage in daily yoga and aerobics exercises that keep a person relaxed and boost their metabolism.
- Persons dealing with hypothyroidism should prefer to take more vegetables, fruits, and lean meats as these foods are low in calories and may help prevent weight gain.
- A person should not take Goitrogens (agents that interfere with the normal function of the thyroid gland) like soy foods (tofu), cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, spinach, cassava, peaches, strawberries, millet, pine nuts, sweet potatoes, peanuts, etc.
Special Advise
- Regular thyroid function tests (T3, T4 and TSH) is required if you are taking Thyroxine Sodium.
- Thyroxine Sodium is not indicated for the treatment of obesity or weight loss.
- Regular monitoring of blood sugars may be advised by your doctor, as Thyroxine Sodium causes fluctuation in blood sugar levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypothyroidism: It is a chronic condition in which the thyroid gland of the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones to fulfil the needs of the body. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that is present at the front of your neck and is responsible for releasing hormones (tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)) that is required for the proper functioning of the body. Without enough amount of thyroid hormone, the body’s metabolism slows down, and a person feels less energetic. Early symptoms of hypothyroidism are fatigue, and weight gain and other symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, sensitive face, depression, constipation, feeling cold, decreased sweating, slowed heart rate, elevated blood cholesterol, dry skin, thinning hair, impaired memory, menstrual changes, muscle weakness, muscle stiffness, and hoarseness of voice. It may be possible that there is a loss of Calcium and Vitamin D in some cases of hypothyroidism.
FAQs
The use of Thyroxine Sodium is not suggested in persons who are already dealing with certain medical conditions like thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, untreated or uncontrolled adrenal gland disorder. With it, this medicine can not be used to treat obesity or weight problems. Even before using this medicine, a person should tell their doctor if they have a thyroid nodule, heart disease, a blood clot, or a blood-clotting disorder, diabetes, kidney disease and anemia (lack of red blood cells), osteoporosis, problems with your pituitary gland or any other food or drug allergies.
It is advised to keep taking this Thyroxine Sodium in pregnancy, and don't stop or start it without asking the doctor. If a pregnant woman has low thyroid hormone levels then it could harm both mother and baby so the doctor will change the dose according to the needs of pregnancy.
Every person requires a different amount of thyroid hormone and it varies according to age, sex, and condition (like pregnancy, chronic condition, or complication). Such as, a 30-year-old woman should have a normal TSH of 4.2 mU/L, while a 90-year-old man has a TSH of 8.9 mU/L at their upper limits. Apart from this, Levels of TSH fluctuate due to stress, diet, and medications, and menses period.
The possible symptoms of hypothyroidism are constipation, puffy face, muscle weakness, sudden weight gain, fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, dry skin, nervousness, or voice hoarseness. If a person notices any such symptoms then they should consult with an Endocrinologist/Physician for further treatment.
This medicine works best when taken without food on an empty stomach at least half an hour before tea/coffee/breakfast in the morning. Ask your doctor before about the right time of taking Thyroxine Sodium.
Yes, Thyroxine Sodium can be advised to children however the dose needs to be adjusted according to the change of weight. If the child loses or gains weight then their doctor will change the dose accordingly.
A Thyroid profile test is suggested by the doctor to check if this medicine is working effectively in the body by checking the levels of T3, T4, and TSH on monthly basis. You will observe a decrease in your TSH level after regular intake of Thyroxine Sodium as prescribed by your doctor.
Thyroxine Sodium is not suggested to use for weight loss purposes as it is only indicated for hypothyroidism.
It is advised to never change or stop taking Thyroxine Sodium as hypothyroidism is usually a lifelong condition. Stopping the medicine on your own can cause an imbalance in the body leading to very serious conditions affecting your metabolism. Consult your doctor for further advice.
If a woman becomes pregnant while taking Thyroxine Sodium, their doctor may make slight changes in dose after doing a thyroid profile test. The doctor may increase the dose of Thyroxine Sodium to meet the high-level thyroid hormone requirement in pregnancy. Treatment of underactive thyroid is vital during pregnancy, as low levels of thyroid hormone in the mother may harm both mother and baby.
It is advised to limit salt intake to less than 2300 mg daily as too much salt intake may increase their blood pressure especially in persons who have an underactive thyroid.
