Thyroid
- Atc Codes:V09F
Table of contents
- Brand Names
- Pharmacologic Category
- Mechanism of Action
- Therapeutic Use
- Pregnancy and Lactation Implications
- Contraindications
- Warnings and Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Toxicological Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Dosage
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Special Considerations
Brand Names
North America
Canada: Thyroid; USA: Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid NT, Westhroid.
Latin America
Mexico: Amet.
Asia
Japan: Thyradin.
Drug combinations
Chemistry
Pharmacologic Category
Thyroid Agents. (ATC-Code: V09F).
Mechanism of action
Primary active compound is T~3~ (triiodothyronine), which may be converted from T~4~ (thyroxine) and which then circulates throughout the body to influence growth and maturation of various tissues. Exact mechanism of action unknown. It is believed thyroid hormone exerts its many metabolic effects through control of DNA transcription and protein synthesis. Involved in normal metabolism, growth, and development; promotes gluconeogenesis, increases utilization and mobilization of glycogen stores and stimulates protein synthesis, increases basal metabolic rate.
Therapeutic use
Replacement or supplemental therapy in hypothyroidism. Pituitary TSH suppressants (thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, multinodular goiter, thyroid cancer), thyrotoxicosis, diagnostic suppression tests.
Pregnancy and lactiation implications
Enters breast milk. Compatible with breast-feeding.
Unlabeled use
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to beef or pork or any component of the formulation. Recent myocardial infarction. Thyrotoxicosis uncomplicated by hypothyroidism. Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency.
Warnings and precautions
Use with caution in adrenal insufficiency (symptoms may be exaggerated or aggravated), and in angina pectoris or other cardiovascular disease. Chronic hypothyroidism predisposes patients to coronary artery disease. Use with caution in diabetes mellitus and insipidus (symptoms may be exaggerated or aggravated), and in myxedema (symptoms may be exaggerated or aggravated). Thyroid supplements ineffective and potentially toxic for weight reduction. High doses may produce serious or even life-threatening toxic effects particularly when used with some anorectic drugs.