Correct dosage of thyroxine for hypothyroidism

MAINZ. people who suffer from hypothyroidism often have to take hormone replacement preparations in the form of medication over a longer period of time in order to replace the missing endogenous hormones. Synthetically produced L-thyroxine is predominantly used for this purpose. It corresponds to the body’s own hormone T4. The dosage varies from person to person. ‘The dosage is determined on the basis of the TSH value and is checked again and again during therapy. We usually start with a low dose to get the body used to the hormone therapy,’ says Prof Dr Christian Wüster, endocrinologist from Mainz.

Thyroxine overdose: massive side effects

Special care should be taken with:

• Patients of advanced age,
• Patients with cardiovascular diseases and
• Patients who have suffered from hypothyroidism for a long time,
• Very slim people.

The side effects of a thyroxine overdose can be severe – they correspond to the symptoms of hyperthyroidism:

• Sweating,
• Palpitations,
• Cardiac arrhythmia,
• Inner restlessness,
• Insomnia,
• Trembling.

In addition to incorrect dosing, medications such as colestyramine, colestipol or gastric acid-binding agents can reduce or even inhibit the absorption of L-thyroxine. Beta-blockers ensure that L-thyroxine is less easily metabolised. If these medications are taken together, thyroid function must be checked regularly in the laboratory.

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