TIROSINT ® Levothyroxine

TIROSINT ® a drug based on levothyroxine sodium

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Thyroid preparations

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications TIROSINT ® Levothyroxine

TIROSINT ® used in all those pathological conditions characterized by reduced thyroid function such as goiter, relapse prophylaxis after surgery, thyroid hypofunction, inflammatory processes and neoplastic diseases.

Mechanism of action TIROSINT ® Levothyroxine

TIROSINT ® is a drug based on pure levogyric thyroxine, normally used for replacement therapies in case of reduced thyroid function.

Taken orally, levothyroxine contained in TIROSINT ® is rapidly absorbed at the gastro-intestinal level, conveyed to plasma proteins such as thyroglobulin, prealbumin and to a small extent also to albumin and distributed throughout the body.

Once reached the peripheral tissues it is deprived of an iodine atom by specific iodases, forming the triiodothyronine, a much more active metabolite, capable of binding specific nuclear receptors inducing their activation.

From the functional point of view this hormone allows to modulate various metabolic aspects ranging from thermogenesis to lipid metabolism, from cardiovascular to nerve functions, from muscular development to skeletal function, thus justifying the important symptomatology that occurs during hypothyroidism and essential need to resort to drug therapy.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. LEVOTIROXINE AND WEIGHT LOSS: GREASE OR WATER?

Very interesting study that analytically evaluates weight loss in patients treated with levothyroxine. Although the treatment can guarantee a significant reduction in weight, a more careful analysis of body composition shows that the fat mass remains almost unchanged, justifying the weight loss with the loss of fluids retained by the myxedema.

2. LEVOTIROXINE AND THYROID NODULES

The administration of levothyroxine at low doses was found to be particularly effective in reducing the growth of thyroid nodules, without causing serious side effects. The efficacy of this therapy appears to be associated with the inhibitory action on TSH secretion, involved in the pathogenesis and development of thyroid nodules.

3. LEVOTIROXINE AND DEPRESSION

The addition of levothyroxine to serotonergic antidepressants used in the treatment of major depression, seems to be able to increase the therapeutic effect by reducing the degree of depression measured through specific tests. Although this improvement seems important for the depressed patient, it is necessary to consider the side effects resulting from this combination therapy.

Method of use and dosage

TIROSINT ® 50/100 mcg levothyroxine sodium tablets:

although a therapeutic range of between 50 and 200 mcg per day can be defined of levothyroxine, the specific dosage can vary significantly from patient to patient based on its therapeutic needs, the severity of the clinical picture and its physio-pathological conditions.

Consequently it is up to the doctor alone to establish the correct dosage, after a careful evaluation of the patient's health status.

Warnings TIROSINT ® Levothyroxine

Treatment with TIROSINT ® should be preceded by a careful evaluation of the physio-pathological and clinical picture of the patient, in order to manage the therapy in the best way and establish the appropriate dosage.

In fact, it is important to remember how high doses or the abuse of thyroid preparations can determine the onset of even serious side reactions.

Consequently, periodic monitoring of the serum levels of TSH and transaminases is required to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy, the absence of side effects on the liver and possibly to adjust the dosage used.

Headache, drowsiness and other alterations affecting the nervous system, described following the intake of levothyroxine, could alter the normal perceptive and reactive capacities of the patient, making it dangerous to carry out activities that require a cognitive commitment.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Although levothyroxine may be excreted in breast milk and cross the placental barrier, treatment of hypothyroidism in pregnancy with thyroxine-based levogyra drugs has not caused any serious side effects for the health of the unborn child, if used at therapeutic doses.

It is clear that the whole therapeutic process must be monitored and supervised by your doctor.

Interactions

The crucial role of thyroid hormones in controlling metabolism exposes TIROSINT ® to numerous possible interactions with different active ingredients.

The concomitant intake of levothyroxine and hypoglycemic agents could reduce the therapeutic effect of these last ones, preventing the realization of a good glycemic control, while the inhibiting action of the thyroxine on the coumarin derivatives could expose the patient to also serious hemorrhages.

On the contrary, the simultaneous intake of cholestyramine, drugs containing aluminum, iron and calcium, salicylates, dicumarol, furosemide, clofibrate, phenytoin, glucoriticoids, beta-sympatholithics, amiodarone and iodinated contrast agents, estrogens, barbiturates, proguanil, antiepiliectics and compounds containing soy could cause a reduction in the therapeutic effects of TIROSINT ®, thus requiring an adjustment of the dosage used.

Contraindications TIROSINT ® Levothyroxine

TIROSINT ® contraindicated in case of untreated adrenal insufficiency, untreated hypophysial insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, acute myocardial infarction, acute myocarditis and pancarditis and hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or its excipients.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Despite treatment with levothyroxine, if properly set, there are no particularly serious side effects, the widespread abuse of these drugs exposes the patient to clinically relevant adverse reactions.

Cardiovascular disorders of various kinds, behavioral alterations and state of consciousness, dermatological reactions of various degrees, gastro-intestinal diseases and osteoporosis define the recurrent symptomatic range in case of abuse of thyroid hormone-based products.