Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Implications of Two Non-Tablet Oral Formulations of L-Thyroxine in Patients with Hypothyroidism

Abstract

Background: Increased knowledge of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of orally administered levothyroxine (L-T4) has improved individualization of dosing regimens. However, up to 40–45% of patients, depending on the leading cause of hypothyroidism, are still over- or, more often, undertreated. Unintentional non-adherence to L-T4 replacement therapy includes all situations of unintended drug–drug and drug–food interactions as well as fasting conditions that are not necessarily respected by patients. Results: In this specific context, the overall information concerning those factors with the potential to affect L-T4 absorption refers only to tablet formulation. Indeed, this is the reason why new non-tablet formulations of L-T4 were introduced some years ago. In this regard, the current literature review was designed to summarize pharmacokinetic, drug and food interactions and clinical data focusing on two new oral L-T4 formulations, i.e., liquid and soft-gel capsule in healthy volunteers and patients with primary hypothyroidism. The non-tablet L-T4 soft-gel capsules and solution have proven bioequivalence with the usual L-T4 tablet Princeps and generic formulations. Clinical studies have suggested higher performance of non-tablet formulations than tablet in those patients with suboptimal adherence. The impact of gastrointestinal conditions and variation of gastric pH was lower with either soft gel/solution than with tablets. In addition, the extent of drug–drug and drug–food interactions remains low and of uncertain clinical relevance. Conclusions: Pending further studies allowing one to extend the use of soft-gel/solution preparations in unselected patients, non-tablet L-T4 formulations should be considered as a first-line choice, especially in those patients with moderate-to-high potential of suboptimal tablet performance.