Eltroxin 100 mcg contains the active ingredient Levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone. It is given as a replacement therapy in patients with thyroid hormone deficiency. Eltroxin is effective in treating thyroid hormone deficiency, also known as hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive and unable to produce adequate levothyroxine hormone, which is crucial for controlling your metabolism. The condition may cause symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as cramps, muscle weakness, cold, dry and flaky skin, a deep husky voice, hair loss, tiredness, and weight gain. Levothyroxine tablets may also be prescribed to treat certain thyroid gland tumours. There should be enough supply of thyroid hormone to treat these conditions. Eltroxin effectively replaces the shortage of thyroid gland secretions. Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for another condition; therefore, it is important to discuss with your doctor why the medicine has been prescribed to you.   

Your doctor may decide the best dose for you. It usually takes up to weeks for Eltroxin to begin working. You may not notice any improvement in your symptoms until it begins to work. Follow the instructions carefully given on your prescription. For adults with hypothyroidism, 25 to 50 mcg per day is initially prescribed; the dose may increase if symptoms don’t get controlled. 

In many cases, the average maintenance dose in adults is 100 to 200 mcg daily. Lower doses are usually given to the elderly and children. You may be received a calculated dose as per your condition. One must swallow the pill with a glass full of water. The medicine should be taken early in the morning on an empty stomach, at least half an hour, and preferably 60 minutes before any food or other medications. Continue using it without any disruption. Keep taking this medicine unless your doctor asks you to stop it.  

Do not use Eltroxin 100 mcg if allergic to Levothyroxine or another thyroid hormone. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to this medicine may include skin, redness, itchy skin, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or faintness. Before you begin hypothyroidism treatment, tell your doctor if you have had any other medical conditions, including an overactive thyroid gland, high blood pressure, diabetes, adrenal gland problem, heart problems, and problems absorbing nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract. You should also inform about your pregnancy and if you are breastfeeding. Some of the medicines that may interact with Levothyroxine tablets include: 

   —  Antidepressants used to treat depression (lithium, tricyclic antidepressants)

   —  Anticoagulant drugs to thin your blood (warfarin)

   —  Antivirals for the treatment of HIV/AIDS (ritonavir)

   —  Insulin used to treat diabetes

   —  Antimalarial drugs to prevent malaria (chloroquine, proguanil)

   —  Beta-blocker drugs for patients with high blood pressure and heart conditions (propranolol)

   —  Medicines to decrease cholesterol in the blood

   —  Weight loss drugs (orlistat)

   —  NSAIDS to relieve pain or inflammatory conditions, including arthritis

   —  Antacids (Aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and calcium carbonate) to reduce stomach acid  

Side effects of the medicine include nervousness, excitation, muscle weakness & cramps, inability to sleep, anxiousness, sleep disturbances, restlessness, diarrhoea, lack of concentration, unusual movements, including tremors, weight loss, stomach cramps, heat intolerance, flushing, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, chest pain, increased blood pressure, fever, decreased libido, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, increased appetite, irritability and tiredness. Some people may also get other side effects from Levothyroxine.