The mainstay of the treatment for hypothyroidism is replacement therapy with thyroxine. This article discusses some key recommendations from the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the American Thyroid Association for treating patients with thyroxine replacement therapy or drugs affecting thyroid functions. The various available forms of thyroid hormone preparation include: Levothyroxine (Synthetic T4) – The most preferred drug of choice for hormone replacement in hypothyroidism.
Liothyronine (Synthetic T3) Liotrix (Synthetic combination of T4:T3 in the ratio 4:1) Desiccated thyroid (Natural T4:T3 in the ratio of 4.2:1) Patients with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels >10 mIU/L should only be treated with thyroid replacement therapy. In patients with a TSH level within 5-10 mIU/L, a 3 to 6-month treatment with…
