General Information on Soloxine
Soloxine is a replacement for the hormone that the thyroid gland normally produces to regulate body’s metabolism and energy in dogs and cats. This drug stimulates metabolism, growth, development and differentiation of tissues. It also increases rate of energy exchange and maturation of epiphyses. Levothyroxine is generic name of this medication.
Soloxine is used to treat hypothyroidism symptoms such as slow heart rate, increased body weight, puffy face, dry feces, occasional diarrhea, elevated serum creatinine phosphokinase, atrophy of epidermis, disturbed balance, low body temperature, atrophy of epidermis, reduced interest, lack of endurance, etc. in dogs. It can also be used in cats whose thyroid gland has been surgically removed.
This drug is available as Soloxine 0.1mg, Soloxine 0.2mg, Soloxine 0.3mg, Soloxine 0.4mg, Soloxine 0.5mg, Soloxine 0.6mg, Soloxine 0.7mg and Soloxine 0.8mg and Soloxine 1.0mg tablets.
You can only buy Soloxine as per a veterinarian’s prescription.
Side effects of Soloxine
You should not buy Soloxine online if your pet has:
- Ever had thyrotoxicosis
- Known hypersensitivity to this drug
- Uncontrolled adrenal gland
Before you buy Soloxine, inform your doctor if your dog has any of the following:
- Anemia
- Diabetes
- Problems with the pituitary or adrenal glands
- Acute myocardial infection
- Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency
- Clinically significant heart disease
- Hypertension
Some of the common side effects of this drug are:
- Sleep problems
- Fever
- Appetite changes
- Weight changes
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Dizziness, drowsiness
- Itching or rash
You should consult your doctor immediately if your dog experiences any of the following side effects:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Thyrotoxicosis symptoms
- Reduced heat tolerance
- Hyperactivity
- Increased metabolic rate
Soloxine should not be given to pregnant bitches since it may harm the fetus. Nursing bitches should not be given this medication since it may harm the nursing puppy.
Dosage of Soloxine
This medication should be either administered orally or placed in the food with prior consultation of a veterinarian. The recommended dosage is 10mcg Soloxine per pound or 22 mcg Soloxine per kg orally twice a day (every 12 hours). However, some dogs may need less than this. The dose for cats is 5mcg Soloxine to 10mcg Soloxine per pound or 10 mcg Soloxine to 20 mcg Soloxine per kg a day orally. The final dosage is determined on the basis of measured thyroid hormone levels in blood.
A maximum of Soloxine 0.8 mg and Soloxine 1.0mg total daily dose is sufficient in most dogs with body weight of over 80 pounds. The dosage of Soloxine is adjusted by monitoring blood levels once in four week intervals, until the right maintenance dose has been set. The usual maintenance dose in dogs is 0.1mg Soloxine per 4.5 kg once day.
The duration of administration of this medicine depends upon condition and response of dogs and cats to Soloxine. Even if pet feels better, it is better to complete the entire treatment plan to prevent relapse.
Excessively high does of Soloxine can cause tremors, hyperactivity, and excessive heart stimulation in dogs and cats.
Interactions
Soloxine may interact with other medications. Such drugs include epinephrine, insulin, ketamine and digoxin. Let your veterinarian know about all the medications that your pet is currently taking.
