Thyroid, desiccated

ARMOUR THYROID

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Thyroid, desiccated ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Thyroid, desiccated ballicule

Thyroid, desiccated ARMOUR THYROID mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Thyroid, desiccated mascot
**“Armored thyroid”**

What it isPorcine thyroid extract containing both T4 and T3; hypothyroidism.

Why this oneUnlike levothyroxine, it delivers fixed T3 with T4; some patients prefer that, but the ratio cannot be individualized.

What limits it⚑ Its T3-heavy ratio can produce supraphysiologic peaks, and potency varies by product. Major guidelines prefer levothyroxine.

Thyroid, desiccated molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Thyroid, desiccated

Thyroid, desiccated prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Thyroid meds (1893–2026). Thyroid, desiccated enters in 1893 (estimated).

FDA-approved for

hypothyroidism (pre-1938 marketed drug; not FDA-approved by NDA)

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden2 / 4

Overdose danger3 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk0 / 4

Defining liabilityOverreplacement and cardiac toxicity; variable T4/T3 exposure

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

BOXED WARNING Not for treatment of obesity or weight loss; large doses may cause serious or life-threatening toxicity, especially with sympathomimetic amines.

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target
Hypothyroidism	Adults	30 mg QD (15 mg QD if long-standing myxedema/CV impairment)	60-120 mg/day
Congenital hypothyroidism	0-6 months	15-30 mg/day
Congenital hypothyroidism	6-12 months	30-45 mg/day
Congenital hypothyroidism	1-5 years	45-60 mg/day
Congenital hypothyroidism	6-12 years	60-90 mg/day
Congenital hypothyroidism	Over 12 years	Over 90 mg/day

Titration Increase by 15 mg every 2 to 3 weeks

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Failure to respond to 180 mg/day suggests noncompliance or malabsorption

Instructions

Given orally
Individualize by indication, patient response, and lab findings
Appearance of angina is an indication for dose reduction
Advise stopping biotin supplements at least 2 days before TSH/T4 testing
Full replacement doses may be started immediately in infants with congenital hypothyroidism

Available strengths

tab 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 mg

Contraindications

Uncorrected adrenal cortical insufficiency
Untreated thyrotoxicosis

Cautions

Overtreatment causes hyperthyroidism/toxicity
Caution with cardiovascular disease; may precipitate angina
Additive effects with sympathomimetic amines

Adverse reactions

Adverse reactions are generally those of hyperthyroidism from overdosage (e.g., palpitations, tachycardia, tremor, weight loss, heat intolerance)

Pregnancy Undefined

Lactation Undefined

Cost

Thyroid, desiccated (ARMOUR THYROID)

What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26

Strength		#/mo	generic $/mo	brand $/mo	CostPlus
15 mg	tab	30 qd	—	$25.92	not offered
30 mg	tab	30 qd	—	$30.44	not offered
60 mg	tab	30 qd	—	$33.82	not offered
90 mg	tab	30 qd	—	$52.94	not offered
120 mg	tab	30 qd	—	$61.97	not offered
180 mg	tab	30 qd	—	$46.30	not offered
240 mg	tab	30 qd	—	$56.37	not offered

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Self-check

Can the T3:T4 ratio of desiccated thyroid be individualized?
No.
What can the T3-heavy ratio produce?
Supraphysiologic peaks.