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

摘要

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.