Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone prescribed to treat an underactive thyroid gland, hypothyroidism. It replaces the hormone thyroxine, which the thyroid naturally produces. While often available in tablet form, a liquid formulation has become an alternative option. This article explores liquid levothyroxine, its applications, and how it compares to traditional tablets.
What is Liquid Levothyroxine?
Liquid levothyroxine is a medication containing a synthetic version of thyroxine, a hormone naturally produced by the thyroid gland. It functions identically to the body’s own thyroxine, regulating metabolism and energy levels. It is prescribed for hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland does not produce enough of this hormone.
The medication helps restore normal metabolic activity by supplementing the body’s natural thyroid hormone levels, alleviating symptoms like fatigue and weight gain. Additionally, liquid levothyroxine finds use in the management of certain types of thyroid cancer. In these instances, the medication helps suppress the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is sometimes necessary for disease management. The first liquid levothyroxine formulation, Tirosint-Sol, received approval in 2016 and has since become available in pharmacies, offering a different option for patients. Other liquid forms, such as Eltroxin Oral Solution, are also available in various strengths.
Why Choose Liquid Levothyroxine?
Liquid levothyroxine presents several distinct advantages for specific patient populations. One primary reason for its selection is for individuals who experience difficulty swallowing tablets, which includes young children or adults with dysphagia. This form ensures easier and more comfortable administration, improving treatment adherence.
Another benefit is precise dosing, particularly for patients requiring very specific or small adjustments to their thyroid hormone levels. Liquid solutions, such as Eltroxin Oral Solution, are available in multiple strengths (e.g., 25mcg, 50mcg, and 100mcg), allowing for fine-tuning of dosages by adjusting the volume administered. This precision can be especially beneficial for children, whose dosing often depends on their age and weight, or for sensitive patients needing microgram increments.
Furthermore, liquid levothyroxine may offer advantages in terms of absorption. Tablet formulations can sometimes interact with certain foods, supplements, or other medications in the digestive tract, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Liquid forms may be less prone to these interactions or less affected by variations in gastric pH, which can sometimes interfere with tablet dissolution and absorption. This can potentially lead to more consistent absorption and steady thyroid hormone levels in some individuals.
How to Use and Store Liquid Levothyroxine
Liquid levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, typically 30 to 60 minutes before consuming food or other medications. Taking the medication at the same time each day helps maintain stable hormone levels.
When administering the liquid, use the specific dropper or measuring device provided to ensure an accurate dose. This precision helps avoid under- or over-dosing, which can affect thyroid levels. Patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the exact volume to be administered.
If a dose of liquid levothyroxine is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. It is important to never take a double dose to compensate for a forgotten one.
For proper storage, liquid levothyroxine should be kept at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom or freeze it. Keep the medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
Comparing Liquid and Tablet Forms
When comparing liquid and tablet forms of levothyroxine, effectiveness is a primary consideration. Some studies suggest that the liquid formulation can lead to a significantly higher number of hypothyroid patients maintaining a euthyroid state, meaning their thyroid hormone levels stay within the normal range. This improved stability may be attributed to the liquid form’s potentially more consistent absorption.
While liquid levothyroxine offers advantages such as ease of swallowing and precise dosing, particularly for children or those with absorption issues, tablet forms remain widely used and effective for many patients. The choice between formulations often comes down to individual patient needs and lifestyle considerations. For instance, handling liquid medications requires careful measurement, which might be a consideration for some.
The decision between a liquid or tablet formulation should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. They can assess individual health conditions, absorption patterns, and preferences to determine the most suitable and effective treatment approach.