Armour thyroid doses
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Armour Thyroid Dosages: Insights from Recent Research
Introduction to Armour Thyroid Dosages
Armour Thyroid, a natural desiccated thyroid extract derived from porcine sources, is used to treat hypothyroidism. It contains both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), making it distinct from synthetic thyroid hormone replacements like levothyroxine, which only contain T4. Understanding the appropriate dosages for Armour Thyroid is crucial for effective treatment and avoiding adverse effects.
Dosage Recommendations and Clinical Observations
Traditional vs. Contemporary Dosage Guidelines
Traditional dosing formulas for thyroid hormone replacement may overestimate the required dosage when using contemporary preparations. Clinical assessments of patients treated with Levothroid and Synthroid revealed that normal thyrotrophin responses were seen in 64% of patients taking 100 micrograms per day, with an average replacement dosage of 127 micrograms per day (1.7 micrograms/kg body weight). However, a significant portion of patients ingesting 125 micrograms or more had blunted responses, indicating over-replacement, with an average daily dosage of 154 micrograms (2.14 micrograms/kg/day) . This suggests that current guidelines for L-thyroxine preparations, including Armour Thyroid, may need revision to lower the recommended dosages.
Errors in Dosage Information
There have been notable errors in product information monographs regarding the suppressive dose of levothyroxine. The FDA guidelines state that the usual suppressive dose is 2.6 micrograms/kg of body weight per day, contrary to some monographs that incorrectly list it as 1.56 micrograms/kg per day. This discrepancy highlights the importance of accurate dosage calculations, particularly when using Armour Thyroid instead of levothyroxine 23.
Bioavailability and Absorption
Comparative Bioavailability of Thyroid Hormones
Studies comparing the bioavailability of T3 and T4 from various thyroid hormone preparations, including Armour Thyroid, have shown that the time to peak serum T3 and the integrated increment in serum T3 are similar across different preparations. This indicates that the absorption of T3 does not significantly differ whether it is administered as synthetic iodothyronine or as part of a thyroid protein like thyroglobulin . This consistency in absorption is crucial for determining effective dosages of Armour Thyroid.
Risks and Considerations
Potential Adverse Effects
Armour Thyroid, when used without proper medical supervision, can lead to significant health risks. A case study highlighted a 32-year-old male who self-administered 120 mg of Armour Thyroid daily and experienced a myocardial infarction. This incident underscores the potential for severe cardiovascular events due to hyperthyroidism induced by excessive thyroid hormone intake. The interaction between Armour Thyroid and other substances, such as exogenous testosterone, can exacerbate these risks .
Use in Special Populations
The use of Armour Thyroid in pregnancy has been documented, although it is considered obsolete and has been largely replaced by levothyroxine since the 1960s. Each grain (60 mg) of Armour Thyroid contains 38 micrograms of levothyroxine and 9 micrograms of liothyronine. Despite its historical use, the limited clinical effectiveness studies and lack of licensing in some regions, such as the United Kingdom, suggest that its use should be carefully considered and monitored .
Conclusion
The appropriate dosing of Armour Thyroid requires careful consideration of contemporary guidelines, accurate dosage calculations, and awareness of potential adverse effects. While it remains a treatment option for hypothyroidism, particularly in specific cases like pregnancy, its use should be closely monitored to avoid over-replacement and associated health risks. Further research and updated clinical guidelines are essential to optimize its use and ensure patient safety.
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