Soloxine
(levothyroxine)
Soloxine (levothyroxine) provides thyroid replacement therapy in
all conditions of inadequate production of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is
the generalized metabolic disease resulting from deficiency of the thyroid
hormones levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3). SOLOXINE (levothyroxine
sodium) will provide levothyroxine (T4) as a substrate for the physiologic
deiodination to liothyronine (T3). Administration of levothyroxine sodium alone
will result in complete physiologic thyroid replacement.
Levothyroxine sodium acts, as does endogenous thyroxine, to stimulate
metabolism, growth, development and differentiation of tissues. It increases the
rate of energy exchange and increases the maturation rate of the epiphyses.
Levothyroxine sodium is absorbed rapidly from the gastro-intestinal tract after
oral administration. Following absorption, the compound becomes bound to the
serum globulin fraction. For purposes of comparison, 0.1 mg of levothyroxine
sodium elicits a clinical response approximately equal to that produced by one
grain (65 mg) of desiccated thyroid.
Active Ingredients:
Each SOLOXINE (levothyroxine sodium,
U.S.P.) tablet provides synthetic crystalline levothyroxine sodium
(L-thyroxine).
Dosage forms available: 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.4 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.7 mg,
and 0.8 mg tablets.
Dosage and Administration:
The initial recommended daily dose is
0.1 mg/10 lbs. (4.5 kg) of body weight. The dosage may then be
adjusted according to the patient's response by monitoring T4 blood levels at
time intervals of four (4) weeks.
SOLOXINE tablets may be administered orally or placed in the food.
Contraindications:
Levothyroxine sodium therapy is
contraindicated in thyrotoxicosis, acute myocardial infarction and uncorrected
adrenal insufficiency. Use in pregnant females has not been evaluated.
Storage:
Store at a controlled room temperature
of 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
Cautions:
The effects of levothyroxine sodium
therapy are slow in being manifested. Overdosage of any thyroid drug may produce
the signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis including, but not limited to:
Polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, reduced heat tolerance and hyperactivity or
personality change. Administer with caution to animals with clinically
significant heart disease, hypertension or other complications for which a
sharply increased metabolic rate might prove hazardous.
Side Effects:
There are no particular adverse
reactions associated with levothyroxine sodium therapy at the recommended dosage
levels. Overdosage will result in the signs of thyrotoxicosis listed above under cautions.
Canine Hypothyroidism:
Canine hypothyroidism is usually
primary, i.e., due to atrophy of the thyroid gland. In the majority of cases the
atrophy is associated with lymphocytic thyroiditis and in the remainder it is
non-inflammatory and yet of unknown etiology. Less than 10 percent of cases of
hypothyroidism are secondary, i.e., due to deficiency of thyroid stimulating
hormone (TSH). TSH deficiency may occur as a component of congenital
hypopituitarism or as an acquired disorder in adult dogs, in which case it is
invariably due to the growth of a pituitary tumor.
Hypothyroidism usually occurs in middle-aged and older dogs although the
condition will sometimes be seen in younger dogs of the larger breeds. Neutered
animals of either sex are also frequently affected, regardless of age. The
following are clinical signs of hypothyroidism in dogs: Lethargy, lack of
endurance, increased sleeping, reduced interest, alertness and excitability,
slow heart rate, weak apex beat and pulse, low voltage on ECG, preference for
warmth, low body temperature, cool skin, increased body weight, stiff and slow
movements, dragging of front feet, head tilt, disturbed balance, unilateral
facial paralysis, atrophy of epidermis, thickening of dermis, surface and
follicular hyperkeratosis, pigmentation, puffy face, blepharoptosis, tragic
expression, dry, coarse, sparse coat, slow regrowth after clipping, retarded
turnover of hair (carpet coat of boxers), shortening or absence of estrus, lack
of libido, dry feces, occasional diarrhea, hypercholesterolemia, normochromic,
normocytic anemia, elevated serum creatinine phosphokinase.
Virbac Animal Health
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