A condition that occurs when your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones, hypothyroidism is a pretty common disease among the masses. The thyroid gland is that small and butterfly-shaped organ at the base of your neck, one that secretes hormones that do the work of regulating your metabolism (the process which affects how energy is used by your body) and other functions.
The body goes through hormonal changes on a daily basis, and but severe ebbs and flows can be a sign of danger, as the lack of thyroid hormone secretion causes functions of the body to slow down. Symptoms of hypothyroidism vary, but the ones seen in adults are:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Muscle weakness
- Thinning hair
- Heavy menstrual periods (in women)
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry skin
- Pain or swelling of the joints
- Constipation
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures
- High cholesterol levels
For infants, it is the following:
- Puffy face
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes)
- Constipation
- Frequent choking
In teens and children, it is:
- Dry, coarse, skin or hair
- Short stature or poor growth
- Delayed puberty
- Higher menstrual flow for girls
- Slow reaction time
- Weight gain
- Muscle cramps
- Delayed mental development
Medical advancements have ensured that some drugs can help prevent heart attacks and keep the body in a state where it is sure to avoid this deadly condition. One such medicine is Eltroxin, and we will talk of the same today.
| Nature: | Thyroid Drugs |
| Uses: | Hypothyroidism, Myxedema Coma, Thyroid Cancer |
| Composition: | Levothyroxine |
| Side Effects: | Headache, Nausea, and Vomiting Trembling of Arms, Sleeplessness, Excessive Sweating, Fever, Menstrual Changes, Hair loss, Irregular Heartbeat, Thyrotoxic crisis, Abdominal Cramps, Diarrhoea. |
| Precautions: | Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, Menopause, Thyroid Nodules, Infertility, Obesity |
Uses & Benefits of Eltroxin:
Eltroxin is a thyroid drug that is primarily used to cure thyroid dysfunction. It is used to treat:
- Hypothyroidism : It is a medical condition when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough amount of thyroid gland. The condition may disrupt body temperature, heart rate and other aspects of metabolism. Hypothyroidism is most prevalent in older women. Fatigue, unexplained weight gain, cold sensitivity and constipation are a few symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
- Myxedema Coma : The condition is a severe form of hypothyroidism when the underactive thyroid gland leads to decreased hypothermia, mental status. The condition is responsible for slowing the functioning of various organs, thereby leading to death.
- Thyroid Cancer : Abnormal growth in thyroid gland is termed as thyroid cancer. This abnormal growth and radiation therapy may result in an enlarged thyroid gland. Doctors may prescribe Eltroxin in such cases to treat or prevent an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre).
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Side Effects of Eltroxin:
Apart from the intended effects of the medicines, they are bound to show some side effects in some cases. These side effects may or may not be life-threatening, but in case patients experience any of the side effects after consuming the drug, they should rush to a doctor to seek medical attention. Some of the common side effects of Eltroxin are mentioned below:
- Increased sweating
- Sensitivity to heat
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Shaking (tremor)
- Headache
- Mental/mood changes (nervousness, mood swings)
- Shortness of breath
- Bone pain
- Anxiety and irregular menses
- Anxiety
- Vomiting
- Palpitations
- Weight loss
- Easily broken bones
- Tremor
- Loss of weight
- Pain in the chest
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Common Dosage of Eltroxin:
The patient should administer Eltroxin Tablet in accordance with the instructions prescribed by the doctor. The dosage may vary with the severity of the ailment to be treated. A few other factors that help in deciding the dosage are the BMI of the patient, the age of the patient, and other underlying health concerns.
- Missed Dosage: Patients should take the missed dose as soon as it is remembered. However, it is advisable not to take the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose.
- Overdose: Overdosage may show serious side effects or drug toxicity and thus one should refrain from taking an overdose. However, if an overdose is suspected, one must rush to a doctor to seek immediate medical attention.
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Composition and Nature of Eltroxin:
Eltroxin is a thyroid drug that is composed of synthetic thyroxin hormone called Levothyroxine. It works by replacing and replenishing the hormones produced by the underactive thyroid gland.
How Eltroxin works?
A synthetic version of a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, Eltroxin replaces those thyroid hormones which the thyroid gland is unable to produce and thus gets rid of the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
How to Use Eltroxin?
- Eltroxin should be consumed as per the prescription of the doctor or the patient should follow the directions prescribed on the label. One must not increase or decrease the dosage without consulting the doctor.
- It is advised to swallow the tablet as a whole, without chewing, crushing or breaking it.
- The tablet should be consumed in the morning, on an empty stomach; at least half an hour before having food.
- The patient should avoid eating anything 1 hour before and 2 hours after taking Eltroxin.
- If the patient is on any other medication, such as multivitamins, calcium, iron supplement or antacids, a minimum gap of 4 hours should be maintained between Eltroxin and the other medicine.
- To minimize the risk of side effects, Eltroxin should always be taken with at least 250ml of water.
When is Eltroxin Prescribed?
Eltroxin falls under the category of thyroid drugs. It is primarily used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). Doctors may also prescribe this medicine to treat other thyroid disorders such as Thyroid Cancer and Myxedema Coma. The medicine may also be prescribed to treat and prevent enlarged thyroid glands.
Related Warnings/Precautions: When to Avoid Eltroxin?
A few things that should be kept in mind before consuming Eltroxin are:
- There may be certain medical issues that might make a person more vulnerable to the side effects of Eltroxin. Therefore, an individual must ensure that the doctor has a complete medical record of the patient, along with the list of on-going medication.
- As the interaction between alcohol and Enteroquinol is not known,the patient should abstain from drinking alcohol during the duration of the drug.
- The doctor should be immediately informed if the patient experiences any side effect after administering Eltroxin.
- Mixing of the tablets with other over the counter medicines or any other nutritional supplement is strictly prohibited.
- Use of Eltroxin should be avoided in case the patient is hypersensitive to any constituent of the drug.
- If the patient is pregnant or planning to carry a baby, all the benefits and risks of the medicine should be consulted with the doctor.
- If the patient is breastfeeding, it is advisable to avoid the use of medicine, unless potential benefits outweigh the risks.
- This medicine is recommended for use in the patients suffering from:
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Acute Myocardial Infarction
- Adrenal Insufficiency
- Clotting Disorders
- Diabetes
Substitutes for Eltroxin:
Below is the list of a few drugs that have the same strength, composition, and form as that of Eltroxin, and hence, can be used as its substitute:
- Thyrocare 100mcg tablet – manufactured by Olcare Laboratories
- Thyroup 100 tablet – manufactured by Lupin Ltd
- Lethyrox 100mcg tablet – manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Thyrorich 100mcg tablet – manufactured by Primus Pharmaceuticals
- Thyrofit 100mcg tablet – manufactured by Eris Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
- Uthyrox 100mcg tablet – manufactured by Merck Ltd
- Thyrox 100mcg tablet – manufactured by Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Thyronorm 100mcg Tablet – manufactured by Abbott India Ltd
- Thyrogear 100mcg tablet – manufactured by Erinyle Pharma
- Thyroxinol 100mcg tablet – manufactured by Knoll Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Thyroactiv 100mcg tablet – manufactured by Leeford Healthcare Ltd
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Eltroxin Variants:
Variants of Eltroxin are:
- Eltroxin 100 mcg Tablet
- Eltroxin 50 mcg Tablet
- Eltroxin 25 mcg Tablet
- Eltroxin 75 mcg Tablet
- Eltroxin 125 mcg Tablet
- Eltroxin 88 mcg Tablet
Eltroxin Interactions:
Drug interactions could change the workings of any prior medication and can also up the risk of any serious side effects. It is best not to start, stop or change the dosage of any medication unless you have got approval from the doctor. Some products that could interact in a bay way with Eltroxin are “blood thinners” (like warfarin), sucroferric oxyhydroxide, and digoxin.
Interactions with drugs:
Mixing two or more medicines may change how the drug works and may increase the risk of side effects. A few drugs that may interact with Eltroxin are:
- Warfarin
- Ketamine
- Phenytoin
- Rifampicin
- Epinephrine
- Testosterone
- Carbamazepine
- Phenobarbital
- Amphetamine
- Ethinyl Estradiol
- Insulin and other anti-diabetic medicines
- Antacids containing calcium/magnesium/aluminum
Interaction with alcohol:
The interaction of Eltroxin with alcohol is not known. However, when taken along with alcohol, the medicine may not show the desired results. Hence, it is advisable to discontinue the consumption of alcohol during the course of this medicine.
Disease Interactions:
Eltroxin should not be consumed in case of:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Diseases
Food Interactions:
Certain food items may reduce the intended effects of Eltroxin. Hence, it is advised to maintain a minimum gap of 4 hours between the consumption of the following food items and the medicine:
- Soybean flour
- Cottonseed meal
- Walnuts
- Dietary fibre
- Food containing calcium
Medicines That Should Not be Taken with Eltroxin
Taking Eltroxin in combination with other over-the-counter medicines, herbal medicines, or vitamin supplements may increase the risk of side effects. A few drugs that should never be taken with Eltroxin are:
- Phenytoin
- Warfarin
- Ketamine
- Testosterone
- Carbamazepine
- Rifampicin
- Epinephrine
- Phenobarbital
- Amphetamine
- Ethinyl Estradiol
- Insulin and other anti-diabetic medicines
- Antacids containing calcium/magnesium/aluminum
How to Store Eltroxin:
It is advisable to store Eltroxin Tablets in a cool and dry place away from direct heat and sunlight. One must keep the medicine away from the reach of children and pets. The packaging of this medicine must be kept intact in order to maintain its effect when being administered.
Eltroxin Price in India:
| Variant | Price (in INR) | Quantity |
| Eltroxin 100 mcg Tablet | 125.1 | 100Tablets |
| Eltroxin 50 mcg Tablet | 78.2 | 100 Tablets |
| Eltroxin 25 mcg Tablet | 80.88 | 60 Tablets |
| Eltroxin 75 mcg Tablet | 81.98 | 60 Tablets |
| Eltroxin 88 mcg Tablet | 84.29 | 60 Tablets |
| Eltroxin 125 mcg Tablet | 96.52 | 60 Tablets |
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FAQs:
Ans: No, Eltroxin is not a beta-blocker. It is a hormone that is prepared by the thyroid gland, which is present in the neck area. It ensures normal growth and development, along with body temperature and energy levels.
Ans: No, Eltroxin is not a blood thinner, rather it is a hormone used for treating hypothyroidism (deficit thyroid hormone). Blood thinners are drugs that prevent the abnormal formation of clots.
Ans: Yes, Eltroxin can have a side effect that results in weight loss, which normally happens because of an excessive dose. However, it is not to be used for treating obesity.
Ans: Eltroxin is an artificial form of thyroxin hormone, known as levothyroxine. It is primarily used to treat an overactive thyroid gland. Doctors may also use this medicine in the treatment of thyroid cancer and myxedema coma.
Ans: Eltroxin is a thyroid drug that may cause a number of side effects. A few common side effects include – headache, nausea, and vomiting, trembling of arms, sleeplessness, excessive sweating, fever, menstrual changes, hair loss, irregular heartbeat, thyrotoxic crisis, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea.
Ans: Eltroxin is an artificial form of thyroxin hormone that is used to treat thyroid dysfunctions such as hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, and myxedema coma.
Ans: Eltroxin should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning. Also, one should avoid eating anything 1 hour before and 2 hours after taking this medicine. However, it’s better to consult a doctor for the correct usage of Eltroxin.
Ans: Eltroxin tablets should be stored in a cool and dry place away from direct heat and sunlight. You must keep Eltroxin away from the reach of children and pets. Also, the packaging of this medicine must be kept intact in order to maintain its effect when being administered.
Ans: A few food items that should be avoided while consuming Eltroxin are:
soybean flour
cottonseed meal
walnuts
dietary fibre
food containing calcium
Ans: Yes, Eltroxin is a safe drug to consume during pregnancy. However, one should consult a doctor for case-specific recommendations.
Ans: Yes, you may consume Eltroxin during the lactation period; no adverse effects have been reported. However, one should consult a doctor for case-specific recommendations.
Ans: Eltroxin generally doesn’t affect one’s focusing ability and hence, you may drive or operate heavy machinery after consuming Eltroxin. However, in case you experience dizziness or drowsiness, you should refrain from doing such activities.
Ans: No. You should continue taking Eltroxin Tablets for the specific time for which the doctor has prescribed the medicine. However, if your symptoms are relieved, you may consult a doctor before discontinuing it.
Ans: Ideally, one should never miss a dose of Eltroxin. However, if accidentally missed, you should take the missed dose as soon as it is remembered. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.
Ans: Ideally, one should never take an overdose of Eltroxin as it may result in drug toxicity or other side effects. However, if accidentally consumed, you should rush to a doctor immediately to seek medical attention.
Ans: No. Alcohol might affect the working of Eltroxin and may not show the desired results. Hence, it is advised to discontinue the use of alcohol while using Eltroxin.
Ans: Usually, it takes 7 to 10 days for levothyroxine to enter the cells in the body. In certain cases, patients may see the improvement within two weeks of starting the medicine. However, in certain cases, it may take several weeks or even 2 months to see the improvement. Also, it should be noted that only some of the symptoms will improve in the beginning.
Ans: No. Eltroxin doesn’t show habit forming tendency. However, one should talk to a doctor to know more about the nature of this medicine.
Ans: Eltroxin should be avoided by patients suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Ans: The use of Gelusil with Eltroxin should be avoided as drug interactions between these two have been reported. However, if necessary, a minimum gap of 4 hours should be maintained between these two medicines.
