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Oxford Textbook of Endocrinology and Diabetes$
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Oxford Textbook of Endocrinology and Diabetes (2 ed.)

Edited by John A.H. Wass, Paul M. Stewart, Stephanie A. Amiel, Melanie C. Davies

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Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Print Publication Date:
Jul 2011
Print ISBN-13:
9780199235292
Published to Oxford Medicine:
Jul 2011
DOI:
10.1093/med/9780199235292.001.1

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Disclaimer

Oxford University Press makes no representation, express or implied, that the drug dosages in this book are correct. Readers must therefore always check the product information and clinical procedures with the most up to date published product information and data sheets provided by the manufacturers and the most recent codes of conduct and safety regulations. The authors and the publishers do not accept responsibility or legal liability for any errors in the text or for the misuse or misapplication of material in this work. Except where otherwise stated, drug dosages and recommendations are for the non-pregnant adult who is not breastfeeding.

Contents

Treatment of hypothyroidism

Chapter:
Treatment of hypothyroidism
Author(s):

Anthony Toft

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780199235292.003.3293

Treatment of primary hypothyroidism is usually both gratifying and simple and, in most cases, lifelong. Thyroxine, as l-thyroxine sodium, is the therapy of choice and is available in the UK as tablets of 25, 50, and 100 μg. A greater variety of tablet strength is marketed in other parts of Europe and North America. Thyroxine has a half-life of some 7 days and should be given as a single daily dose which improves compliance. Thyroxine, taken at bedtime, is associated with higher thyroid hormone concentrations and lower thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations compared to the same dose taken in the morning, probably due to greater gastrointestinal uptake of thyroxine during the night (1). Omitting the occasional tablet is of no consequence and those who forget to take their medication, e.g. on vacation, will experience little in the way of symptoms for the first 2 weeks.

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