Dextrothyroxine Sodium
Dextrothyroxine Sodium is a synthetic thyroid hormone analog primarily used as a lipid-lowering agent to help reduce elevated cholesterol levels. It works by increasing the metabolic breakdown and excretion of cholesterol, particularly LDL (bad) cholesterol. This medication has largely fallen out of favor in modern practice due to concerns about cardiac side effects and is rarely prescribed today, having been largely replaced by statins and other contemporary cholesterol-lowering therapies.
Dextrothyroxine Sodium is a thyroid hormone analog formerly used to lower cholesterol but now rarely prescribed due to cardiac safety concerns.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 40070
- Generic
- Dextrothyroxine Sodium
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and elevated cholesterol when other medications are not suitable. Historically prescribed for patients with high LDL cholesterol levels who needed additional lipid-lowering therapy.
As the dextrorotatory isomer of thyroxine, this medication increases basal metabolic rate and enhances the hepatic metabolism and biliary excretion of cholesterol. It may also increase the number of LDL receptors, helping remove LDL cholesterol from circulation.
This medication carries significant cardiac risks including potential for angina, arrhythmias, and myocardial ischemia. It is contraindicated in patients with heart disease, hyperthyroidism, and should be used with extreme caution in elderly patients. Due to its unfavorable risk-benefit profile, dextrothyroxine has been largely discontinued in most countries and is not considered a first-line therapy for any condition. Close cardiac monitoring is essential if used.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy