Standard Medication and Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a syndrome caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones, and is displayed

largely by a reversible slowing down of all body functions. There is prominent retardation of
growth and development that results in dwarfism and irreparable mental retardation in infants
and children. Hypothyroidism can occur with or without thyroid enlargement. The laboratory
diagnosis of hypothyroidism in the adult is easily made by the combination of a low free
thyroxine and elevated serum TSH. The most common cause of hypothyroidism currently is
perhaps Hashimotos thyroiditis, an immunologic disorder in genetically predisposed
individuals. In this condition, there is evidence of humoral immunity in the presence of
antithyroid antibodies and lymphocyte sensitization to thyroid antigens. Certain medications
can also cause hypothyroidism.

Treatment of Hypothyroidism
Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone
levothyroxine, administered as either a branded or generic preparation. This oral medication
restores adequate hormone levels, reversing the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Infants and children require more thyroxine per kilogram of body weight than adults. The
average dosage for an infant 16 months of age is 1015 microgram per kilogram per day,
whereas the average dosage for an adult is about 1.7 microgram per kilogram per day. Older
adults less than 65 years of age may require less thyroxine for replacement. There is some
variability in the absorption of thyroxine, so this dosage will vary from patient to patient.

Thyroid Drugs
Levothyroxine (T4) (generic, Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levo-T, Levothroid, Levolet, Novothyrox,
Tirosint, Unithroid) - is a synthetic thyroid hormone that is chemically identical to thyroxine
(T4), which is naturally secreted by the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. Levothyroxine is
typically used to treat hypothyroidism in patients who require lifelong thyroid hormone
therapy. It may also be used to treat goiter via its ability to lower thyroid-stimulating

hormone (TSH), a hormone that is considered goiter-inducing. Levothyroxine is also used as

interventional therapy in people with nodular thyroid disease or thyroid cancer to suppress
thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion. Synthroid is in the top ten of most commonly
prescribed medications.
Liothyronine (T3) (generic, Cytomel) - is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone (T3) used to
treat hypothyroidism and myxedema coma. It is also used as an augmentation strategy in
treating major depressive disorder when used in combination with antidepressants.
Liothyronine is the most potent form of thyroid hormone. As a salt of triiodothyronine (T3), it is
chemically similar and pharmacologically equivalent to T3. As such, it acts on the body to
increase the basal metabolic rate, affect protein synthesis and increase the body's sensitivity to
catecholamines by permissiveness. The shorter half-life of this drug compared to levothyroxine
can inform the patients if they have been dosed properly.

Liotrix (a 4:1 ratio of T4: T3) (Thyrolar) - is used to replenish thyroid hormones in thyroid
deficiency and hypothyroidism.

This drug can also be used for other purposes such as:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, congenital hypothyroidism, Goiter treatment with thyroid stimulating

hormone suppression, management of thyroid cancer, and as an agent in a differential
diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and thyroid gland autonomy.
Thyroid desiccated [USP] (generic, Armour, Nature-Throid, Westhroid) - are prescription
medications made from the thyroid glands of pigs. It is the only thyroid medication that
contains all four thyroid hormones that our bodies make; T4, T3, T2, and T1. In addition its
iodine, thyroglobulin protein and glandular tissue content that have useful functions in the
body.