Soloxine for Dogs - Canine Hypothyroidism Treatment

What is Soloxine?

Soloxine is a drug used to treat hypothyroidism in dogs. It can be used in cats in those instances where the thyroid gland has been surgically removed. Soloxine requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.

For:

Dogs (Used in cats in certain circumstances)

Benefits:

Easy to administer

How it Works:

Soloxine (levothyroxine) is a replacement for the hormone that the thyroid gland normally produces to regulate the body's energy and metabolism.

Cautions:

Soloxine should not be used if your pet has ever had thyrotoxicosis, or an uncontrolled adrenal gland problem. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has heart disease, anemia, diabetes, or problems with the pituitary or adrenal glands. If you give your pet insulin or diabetes medication by mouth, dose adjustments may need to be made.

Brand Name:

Soloxine (Virbac), Levotabs (Vetus), Synthroid (Knoll), Thyrosin (Vedco), Thyro-Tabs (Vet-a-Mix)

Generic Name:

levothyroxine

What is Soloxine:

Soloxine is a replacement for the hormone that the thyroid gland normally produces to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Soloxine is given when the pet's thyroid does not produce enough hormone on its own. Soloxine is used to treat hypothyroidism or low thyroid hormone. Soloxine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Soloxine to my pet:

Soloxine should not be used if the pet has ever had thyrotoxicosis, or an uncontrolled adrenal gland problem. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has heart disease, anemia, diabetes, or problems with the pituitary or adrenal glands. If you give your pet insulin or diabetes medication by mouth, dose adjustments may need to be made.

What is the most important information I should know about Soloxine:

Soloxine is FDA approved for use in dogs only; however, it is a commonly accepted practice to use Soloxine in cats as well. Soloxine is available by prescription as 0.1mg, 0.2mg, 0.3mg, 0.4mg, 0.5mg, 0.6mg, 0.7mg, 0.8mg, and 1mg tablets. The usual dose in dogs is 0.1mg per 10 pounds. The usual dose in cats is 0.05mg to 0.1mg per cat. The dose of Soloxine may require adjustment based on periodic blood tests to determine the animal's T4 level. There are many medications that can affect Soloxine. Tell your veterinarian about all the prescription and over the counter medications you give your pet, including vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other veterinarians. Soloxine will, most likely, be needed for the rest of the pet's life. Long term use of Soloxine may cause osteoporosis (bone loss).

How should this medication be given:

Give Soloxine exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give this medication in larger amounts, or take for longer than recommended by your veterinarian. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Give Soloxine on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before feeding. Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink. Periodic liver and kidney function testing may be required by your veterinarian. Store Soloxine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I avoid while giving Soloxine:

Different brands of levothyroxine may not work the same. If the pills look different from the last filling, speak to your pharmacist or veterinarian.

What are the possible side effects of Soloxine:

If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Soloxine and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; or hives). Call your veterinarian if your pet develops any of these serious side effects; sleep problems; personality changes; fever; appetite changes, weight changes. Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Soloxine if your pet experiences; cough; loss of appetite; dizziness, drowsiness; sleep problems; dry mouth; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; itching or rash. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.

What other drugs will affect Soloxine:

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given an antidepressant. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. Certain medications can be given with Soloxine, but they may make Soloxine less effective. If you give your pet; sucralfate (Carafate),or aluminum antacids (Maalox, Mylanta), use them 4 hours before or 4 hours after giving Soloxine.

Directions:

Soloxine is a prescription medication used to replace the hormone that the thyroid gland normally produces to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Soloxine is given when the pet's thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.
Soloxine is used to treat hypothyroidism or low thyroid hormone.
Periodic blood tests are necessary to measure thyroid hormone levels.

Tip:

Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink. Soloxine may be given directly or placed in the pet's food.

Dosage:

Dogs:

Weight

Dosage

All weights

The usual dose in dogs is 0.1 mg per 10 lbs of body weight given twice a day typically although some dogs are dosed once a day

Cats: (in certain circumstances)

Weight

Dosage

All weights

The usual dose is 0.05-0.1 mg per cat

Horses:

Do not use!

Storage:

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Soloxine:

Ingredient

Strength

Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets

0.1 mg

Soloxine:

Ingredient

Strength

Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets

0.2 mg

Soloxine:

Ingredient

Strength

Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets

0.3 mg

Soloxine:

Ingredient

Strength

Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets

0.4 mg

Soloxine:

Ingredient

Strength

Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets

0.5 mg

Soloxine:

Ingredient

Strength

Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets

0.6 mg

Soloxine:

Ingredient

Strength

Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets

0.7 mg

Soloxine:

Ingredient

Strength

Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets

0.8 mg

Soloxine:

Ingredient

Strength

Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets

1.0 mg

Soloxine is rated 4.9 out of 5 by 271.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Meka from Bring Soloxine Back!! When my dog Meka was put on Soloxine for her thyroid. Her energy, her happiness and her fur coat all came back. Life was good! Once I was forced to switch her medication to the other alternatives levothyroxine is one she has loss the majority of her hair again. My Meka is a pommerianian. please put Soloxine BACK ON THE MARKET!!

Date published: 2016-05-14

Rated 5 out of 5 by Anonymous from Soloxine is good product I've been having my dog's meds refilled at 1800 Petmeds for nearly 3 yrs. My Doberman was diagnosed low thyroid after a bout of aggression modes. He was in pain from wobblers syndrome, and became overweight after being on preds. Since then and a high weight of 101 lbs, he is now down to 77.8 lbs. He is at his 2 yr old weight and every year or 6 months we will do a blood profile to make sure everything is good. So far so good, the Soloxine has kept him balanced. Since his weight loss, we are now evaluating his dosage and possible drop down the next level. His weight loss took months to lose, a bit at a time. What his thyroid balance and weight loss has been for him, absolutely wonderful. Full energy now, and almost no pain from his initial health of wobblers. He is 9 yrs old now.

Date published: 2015-09-30

Rated 5 out of 5 by Anonymous from Soloxine availability Our 16 year old Malamute has been on Soloxine for several years without any side effects. Several months ago (I'm writing this in early September '15) it became unavailable and was on backorder from the manufacturer. We bought up the supply our clinic had and when that ran out we had to switch to a generic. We were told by PetMed that supplies would be available again on 9/6. Now we understand that the wit will be several more months. Which is it?

Date published: 2015-09-07

Rated 5 out of 5 by Anonymous from Easy and cheaper. Max is doing well since starting Soloxine. This is the same product that I was picking up at the vets office and is less expensive. Julia

Date published: 2015-06-14

Rated 5 out of 5 by Anonymous from Would nighly recommend! I noticed my 10 y/o Lab, Buddy, had gained a lot weight in the past year. His fur looked dull and was really blowing his coat. He didn't have much of an appetite either. My vet suggested getting his thyroid checked which could be causing these problems. Luckily, it was his thyroid and the vet prescribed Soloxine. We noticed an improvement with Buddy within a week. After the two months, Buddy had lost 6 pounds. I can tell he feels better too. He runs in the yard, his collar is loose and his fur looks terrific. It is so shiny! He has been on Soloxine for 3 months and we can wait to see what he will be like in another 3 months.

Date published: 2015-06-02

Rated 5 out of 5 by Anonymous from Great product Since giving Soloxine to my dog Mona, she has been doing great. Her coat is healthy, she has a good appetite and seems happy all the time. Thank you petmeds for making this product available to me.

Date published: 2015-03-28

Rated 5 out of 5 by Anonymous from This is my second review, Soloxine has given my Westie, Dazie a second chance on life, She is 11 years old and acts like a puppy. Pet Meds have been helpful in getting the prescription filled and I saved over $20 on the cost, this is great because she will have to be on Soloxine the rest of her life. Thank you Pet Meds.

Date published: 2015-03-20

Rated 5 out of 5 by Anonymous from Our dog, Kiko, a basenji, started gaining weight, sleeping constantly, and losing fur in patches. She was unable to control her bowels and would sometimes poo randomly in the house. It was sad, we assumed because of poor breeding that perhaps she was just not the healthiest dog. Thankfully, our vet found that she had a low thyroid, and with this medicine, her whole life turned around. We have our happy little crazy energetic dog back!! The pills are small enough that they're easy to hide in a treat, and the price on PetMeds can't be beat!!

Date published: 2015-03-07

Soloxine Reviews - page 2

Would one pill of soloxine work as well as two. Our dog is constantly thirsty as well as hungry. He is on 2 pills daily, along with Prednisone.

Asked by: Charl77

The dose is 0.1mg per 10lbs. Do not use more of the medication than is prescribed. Use the medication as prescribed by your veterinarian. You do not want to overdose your pet. Call your veterinarian if your pet develops any of these serious side effects; sleep problems; personality changes; fever; appetite changes, weight changes.

Answered by: Ben B

Date published: 2017-03-18

Can soloxine be used in place of levothyroxine in humans?

Asked by: JlWmd

Hello, Thanks for your question. Soloxine is a type of brand name for levothyroxine that is only FDA approved for animals. Therefore, I would not recommend its use in humans. Hope this helps. Thanks, Pharmacy student intern

Answered by: Trey W

Date published: 2017-02-16

Could my dog be allergic to his thyroid medication as his skin condition has worsened since dose increased

Asked by: Apollo

An allergy can develop to any medication. If you're noticing a change in your pet that seems worse after giving a medication or if the worsening condition happened after making an adjustment to the dose, it is important to call your pet's veterinarian and discuss this.

Answered by: 1800Petmeds Pharmacist

Date published: 2017-01-12

How many hours after taking the medicine should the test be run to check if the correct level of medicine is being given?

Asked by: trey

Thyroid testing is usually performed 4 to 6 hours after pill is administered.

Answered by: Lisa M

Date published: 2017-02-01

Can it be given in a Pill Pocket?

If given in a pill pocket, but between meals will it still be effective?

Asked by: Anonymous

Yes, it will still be effective.

Answered by: Anonymous

Date published: 2015-06-24

how come it is so difficult to get soloxine?

Asked by: Anonymous

Soloxine is on a nationwide back order from the manufacturer. We are carrying the generic Levothyroxine tablets if your veterinarian is willing to substitute the medication.

Answered by: Lilli Pharmacist

Date published: 2016-02-23

My dog, she has been on 0.5 Soloxine for the past four years. How often will she need ongoing blood tests. She is an 11 year old Springer Spaniel, the

the dose she is on has kept her happy and active.

Asked by: Anonymous

My vet said that my dog, Buddy, will need yearly blood tests to monitor his Thyroid level.

Answered by: Anonymous

Date published: 2015-06-02

Does 2.5 tabs at 0.5mg seem a high daily dose for a retriever??

Asked by: Anonymous

My lab, Buddy, weighs 120 lbs and takes 1 1.0 a day.

Answered by: Anonymous

Date published: 2015-06-02

Soloxine Questions - page 2