Levothyroxine tablets and hypothyroidism and their relationship with hair loss

Levothyroxine is a class of medical drugs and is used as an alternative hormone and in cases where a person has thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism or when the thyroid gland is surgically removed, etc.

The thyroid gland produces important hormones such as calcitonin, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) that circulate throughout the bloodstream. Almost all cells in the body metabolize and work on these hormones. The thyroid gland is the only producer of T4 hormone in the body and also secretes 10 to 20% of T3 hormone.

The two hormones T3 and T4 have very important functions in the body such as regulating metabolism and body temperature, weight regulation, sleep, digestive system, sexual system and hundreds of other important functions.

In patients with hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland cannot produce enough T3 or T4 hormone, and levothyroxine tablets are a substitute for this deficiency.

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Hypothyroidism can lead to complications such as stunted growth, depression, loss of energy, obesity, hair loss, dry skin, constipation, cold sensitivity and so on.

Levothyroxine can help reduce and control the symptoms mentioned in people with hypothyroidism. Of course, levothyroxine usually has no effect on reducing hair loss, and some people even experience exacerbation of hair loss.

According to various statistics, more than 90% of levothyroxine users are satisfied with the reduction of symptoms of hypothyroidism, and only about 10% of people still experience problems such as weight gain, lack of energy and hair loss. The drug does not have a good therapeutic effect on them.

History of levothyroxine tablets:

Levothyroxine tablets were first mass-produced in the United States in 1950 and approved in 2000 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of thyroid problems.

In 2007, the Thyroid Association in the UK confirmed that the only medical treatment for hypothyroidism was levothyroxine tablets.

Levothyroxine is produced and supplied by various laboratories under various brands such as Levothroid, Levoxyil, Levo-T, Unithroid, etc.

In most countries, levothyroxine is prescribed by doctors as the first option for the treatment of hypothyroidism. For example, in 2015, more than 36,000,000 copies of levothyroxine were sold in the United States.

In our country, Iran, this drug is selected by doctors as the first option for hypothyroidism.


What is the composition of levothyroxine tablets and how does it work?

As mentioned, thyroxine is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body by the thyroid gland. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of this hormone. Thyroxine helps increase intracellular metabolism and energy production when this hormone is sufficient. If not produced, it slows down many of the body's vital activities, leading to fatigue, weight gain, depression, and other symptoms.

Levothyroxine tablets are prescribed to compensate for the deficiency of the hormone thyroxine in people whose thyroid gland is not able to produce as much of this hormone. People with hypothyroidism usually need to take levothyroxine tablets for life.


Dosage of levothyroxine:

Levothyroxine tablets are produced in doses of 50 and 100 micrograms, the amount and method of which is determined by a specialist doctor based on the results of blood tests and the condition of the thyroid gland.

Before taking levothyroxine tablets, pay attention to the following points:

If you have a history of allergies to levothyroxine tablets or compounds of lactose, magnesium stearate, stearic acid and corn starch, be sure to consult your doctor before taking this medicine. You should also not use levothyroxine tablets in the following cases without consulting your doctor:

If you have hyperthyroidism.

If you have adrenal problems, whether overactive or underactive, it is recommended to check the condition of these glands through blood tests DHEAS, Cortisol, Salvia, Testosterone.

If you have cardiovascular problems, angina, coronary artery disease or high blood pressure.

If you have diabetes and are taking medication to control your blood sugar (levothyroxine tablets can cause high blood sugar, and your doctor may need to increase your insulin dose in people with type 1 diabetes).

If your tradition is over 50 years.

If you are taking anticoagulants such as aspirin, warfarin, Plavix, etc.

Also, if you are aware that your body is allergic to certain types of sugar, such as lactose, and you are unable to tolerate it, tell your doctor before taking levothyroxine.


Drug interactions:

Many drugs affect the function of levothyroxine and vice versa. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking or intend to take any type of medicine, whether of chemical or herbal origin, dietary supplements such as vitamins and minerals, etc.

 The following drugs affect the function of levothyroxine:

Antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, primidone and barbiturates

Sertraline tablets used to treat depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders.

Antacids used to treat indigestion and digestive problems.

Medications and dietary supplements containing calcium salts.

Cimetidine: This drug is prescribed to reduce acid and gastric reflux.

Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole: These drugs also reduce gastric acid secretion.

Sucralfate: This drug is used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Cholestyramine and cholestipol: These two lipid-lowering drugs are prescribed for people with high blood fats, cholesterol and triglycerides.

Polystyrene sulfonate: It is prescribed in people who have high levels of potassium in the blood and reduces it.

Iron: Medication or dietary supplements containing the element iron

Rifampin: An antibiotic used to kill bacteria and infections, and in some cases to treat acne.

Imatinib: It is one of the medicinal compounds used in chemotherapy to treat cancer.

Beta-blocking drugs (beta-blockers) such as atenolol and sotalol: These drugs are prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart problems.

Androgen-containing drugs: prescribed to compensate for male hormone deficiency.

Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and prednisolone: ​​These drugs are used to treat inflammation.

Amiodarone: This drug is prescribed for irregular heartbeat.

Levothyroxine tablets affect the performance of the following drugs:

Anticoagulants used to prevent blood clots, such as warfarin

Medications prescribed to treat and control diabetes, such as insulin and metformin

Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, imipramine and dosulpin

Drugs that stimulate and strengthen the sympathetic nervous system such as adrenaline, epinephrine (used to treat severe allergic reactions) and phenylephrine

Digoxin: This drug is used for heart problems.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin

Propranolol: Used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

Ketamine: An anesthetic, if you plan to have surgery, be sure to tell your doctor and anesthesiologist that you are taking levothyroxine.

How to use:

Usually, people with thyroid problems should take levothyroxine for life. Always continue to take this medicine as directed by your doctor.

Swallow levothyroxine tablets with enough water and avoid chewing. It is recommended to take levothyroxine before breakfast or the first meal of the day.

adults:

The usual dose for adults is 50 to 100 micrograms per day, and then every 3 to 4 weeks the doctor increases the dose by 50 micrograms until the level of thyroxine in the blood serum reaches normal and then to maintain The amount of this hormone prescribes a fixed dose for the patient, which can be 25 to 100 micrograms per day.

Patients over 50 years of age:

Usually, the starting dose in this group of people is not more than 50 micrograms per day due to their age, and if necessary, the doctor will increase the dose slowly and over time.

People over the age of 50 with heart disease:

The starting dose is 25 micrograms per day or 50 micrograms per day, and your doctor may increase the dose by 25 micrograms every 4 weeks until thyroxine levels return to normal in the blood and then, like other patients, set a fixed dose. he does.

How to take levothyroxine in children:

The dose and method of administration in children depends on factors such as age, weight and condition of their thyroid gland. Usually, the doctor starts treatment with a very low dose and regularly checks the thyroid status and thyroid hormone levels through blood tests to a fixed dose and Identify and determine the appropriate for the child.

Important points: You should give levothyroxine tablets to the child at least half an hour before breakfast, if necessary, you can dissolve it in 10 to 15 cc of water, after dissolving the tablet in water, give it to the child immediately and no The title should not be kept or given to the child at intervals.

How to take levothyroxine in infants with congenital hypothyroidism:

When a baby is born with an underactive thyroid gland, it is called congenital hypothyroidism. The dose of levothyroxine for these infants is 10 to 15 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day for the first 3 months of treatment. The process of recovery and the baby's response to treatment is determined by the doctor.

Pregnancy and lactation:

If you are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking or continuing to take levothyroxine tablets. In some cases, your doctor may advise you not to take or change the dose of this medicine. To know.

Related thyroid test with blood test:

Your doctor will usually check your T3, T4, TSH and thyroid antibodies for blood tests every 3 to 6 months to change the way and dose of levothyroxine if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What if someone accidentally takes too many levothyroxine pills?

Take him to the nearest hospital as soon as possible and refer to the emergency department or poisoning. Symptoms of overdose include: fever, chest pain, palpitations or increased heart rate, muscle cramps, headache, restlessness, Hot flashes, sweating and diarrhea, these symptoms can last up to 5 days.

What should you do if you forget to take a medicine on time?

Take it as soon as you are reminded, unless a long time has passed since you took it and you are close to the next meal, in which case you do not need to take it and you should never take 2 tablets at the same time to make up for a forgotten meal.

Other points:

This medicine is for long-term use and as your symptoms improve, you should never stop taking it without a doctor's advice.

Side effects of levothyroxine:

If you experience any of the following side effects while taking this medicine, go to the hospital as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, tongue, lips, throat, difficulty breathing, severe itching of the skin, joint pain, sensitivity to light, especially sunlight, severe malaise and unhealthiness, fever, increased heart rate, hypotension Blood, heart failure, jaundice and confusion.

Other side effects of levothyroxine tablets are similar to those of hyperthyroidism due to overdose and usually resolve with dose reduction or discontinuation.

Symptoms that you should reduce the dose of the drug include hot flashes, headaches, excessive sweating, muscle weakness, menstrual irregularities, heat intolerance and hair loss.

Of course, you should not change the dose of levothyroxine without consulting your doctor, and you should inform your doctor only by observing the mentioned symptoms.

How to store the medicine:

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and keep it below 25 ° C in the original packaging of the product and do not use it after the expiration date.

Other information about levothyroxine tablets:

The active ingredient in levothyroxine tablets, which works in the body, is sodium levothyroxine. Other ingredients include lactose, magnesium stearate, cornstarch, and stearic acid.

The appearance of levothyroxine tablets is white, round and without coating.