Two Cases of Thyrotoxicosis due to Redotex Ingestion, a Mexican Weight Loss Drug

Han Tony Gao, Daniel Lasoff, Alicia Minns

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Redotex™ is a Mexican weight-loss supplement that is not U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved. It consists of the following five ingredients: tri-iodothyronine 75 μg, atropine 0.36 mg, diazepam 8 mg, aloin 16 mg, and d-norpseudoephedrine 50 mg per tablet. There are few case reports with clinically severe ingestions. We report two cases of clinical thyrotoxicosis due to use of Redotex. Case Reports: A 29-year-old woman presented to the emergency department (ED) with anxiety and palpitations. She reported taking Redotex daily for 1 week. Her temperature was 37.1°C, blood pressure (BP) was 166/104 mm Hg, and heart rate (HR) was 140 beats/min. Laboratory analysis was significant for a bicarbonate level of 20 mmol/L (reference 22–29 mmol/L), free T4 0.75 ng/dL (reference 0.93–1.70 ng/dL), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) 0.05 uIU/mL (reference 0.27–4.20 uIU/mL). She was treated with 2 mg i.v. lorazepam and 20 mg oral propranolol. A 37-year-old woman presented with chest pain, palpitations, and nausea after taking Redotex 1 to 2 tablets daily for 6 weeks. Her HR was 134 beats/min and BP was 130/66 mm Hg. Thyroid function tests on initial presentation showed a TSH of 0.013 uU/mL, free T4 of 0.24 ng/dL, and free T3 of >30 pg/mL. She was treated with propranolol 1 mg i.v. twice per day and 2 doses of lorazepam 1 mg. Both patients had resolution of their symptoms. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?: When taken chronically and at recommended doses, Redotex can present with clinically significant T3 thyrotoxicosis. This has not been seen in prior reports.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)495-497
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine
Volume60
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • medication
  • thyrotoxicosis
  • weight loss

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine

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