The vast majority of doctors prescribe the synthetic drug known as levothyroxine for thyroid hormone replacement. The most commonly known brand of levothyroxine is Synthroid.

Levothyroxine provides a synthetic version of one hormone, thyroxine, known as T4. Some people with hypothyroidism find that levothyroxine therapy is sufficient treatment for their hypothyroidism.

Eltroxin (Synthroid) alleviates signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism and maintains normal TSH(Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) levels in the body.

Thyroid hormones are essential to enhance the consumption of oxygen by most body tissues. It also increases the basal metabolic rate and the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Thyroid hormones have a dramatic effect on the central nervous and all of the major organs.

Eltroxin (Synthroid), since it is needed to replace a hormone normally produced naturally by the Thyroid Gland, will probably be taken as a lifetime medication. The only exception is in the treatment of a temporary hypothyroid condition.

Pharmaceutical names

Thyroxine, l-thyroxine, thyroxine sodium, levothyroxine sodium.

Hormone content

T4 only

Uses

By itself, with the expectation that some of the synthetic T4 will convert to T3 in combination with synthetic T3.

Directions

The dosage required varies with each person. This is due to factors that include an individuals weight, cardiovascular condition, the severity and duration of the hypothyroid problem. It is necessary to consult a doctor for the proper amount to be taken. Eltroxin (Synthroid) is to be taken once a day, every day. If a pill is not taken for one day, do not take two the next day. Eltroxin (Synthroid) will take several weeks to work properly within the human body.

Dietary considerations

All brands except Levoxyl contain lactose.

Additional Information

Each brand has different fillers; with a variety of brands to choose from, patients can try different brands if they react to the fillers in one brand. Also, some patients do better on one brand than on another. Other disadvantages Although lab results may not indicate a problem, clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism can remain after treatment with T4 alone or sometimes even a combination of synthetic T4 and T3.

Except via a grandfather clause, not all synthetic T4 medications are FDA approved.

In some countries Eltroxin (Synthroid) is also known as:
Berlthyrox ; Droxine ; Eferox ; Elthyrone ; Eltroxin ; Euthyrox ; Eutirox ; Letrox ; Levaxin ; Levotirox ; Levothyrox ; Levotiroxina ; Oroxine ; T4KP ; Thevier ; Thyradin S ; Thyrax ; Thyrax Duotab ; Thyrex ; Thyro-4 ; Thyrosit ; Thyroxin ; Thyroxin-Natrium ; Tiroidine