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Endocrine
Published in: Endocrine 3/2016

01-06-2016 | Original Article

Oral l-thyroxine liquid versus tablet in patients with hypothyroidism without malabsorption: a prospective study

Authors: Poupak Fallahi, Silvia Martina Ferrari, Alessandro Antonelli

Published in: Endocrine | Issue 3/2016

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Abstract

No consistent data are present in literature about the effectiveness of levothyroxine (l-T4) liquid formulation in patients without malabsorption. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of l-T4 liquid formulation, with l-T4 tablets, in hypothyroid patients without malabsorption or drug interference. One hundred and fifty two patients were recruited. Patients were switched from the l-T4 therapy in tablets, to liquid l-T4 at the same dosage, 30 min before breakfast. Serum thyrotropic hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) were re-evaluated after 1–3 months (first control) and 5–7 months (second control) from the switch. TSH values significantly declined with respect to the basal value after the switch to liquid l-T4 both at the first control (P < 0.05) and at the second control (P < 0.01); FT4 and FT3 levels were not significantly changed. We show that liquid l-T4 is more effective than l-T4 tablet in controlling TSH levels in hypothyroid patients without malabsorption, gastric disorders, or drug interference.
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Metadata
Title
Oral l-thyroxine liquid versus tablet in patients with hypothyroidism without malabsorption: a prospective study
Authors
Poupak Fallahi
Silvia Martina Ferrari
Alessandro Antonelli
Publication date
01-06-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Endocrine / Issue 3/2016
Print ISSN: 1355-008X
Electronic ISSN: 1559-0100
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-015-0836-y

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Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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WHO estimates that half of all patients worldwide are non-adherent to their prescribed medication. The consequences of poor adherence can be catastrophic, on both the individual and population level.

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