Generic Name: levothyroxine (lee voe thye ROCK seen)
Brand Names: Eltroxin, Euthyrox, Levo-T, Levotabs, Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid
Synthroid : Important Information:
- It is important to take synthroid drug regularly to get the most benefit.
- Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. It is important to take synthroid medication to replace the thyroid hormone that the body is not producing. Even if you feel well, you may still need to take this medicine every day.
- Do not change brands or change to a generic drug product without first talking to your doctor. Some products may not be interchangeable.
What is Synthroid
- A naturally occurring hormone produced by the thyroid. It is important for normal energy and metabolism. For a variety of reasons, the body may not produce enough of this hormone on its own. In these cases, this medication is taken to replace the body's natural thyroid hormone.
- Used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid function). Also used to prevent and treat goiter (growth or enlargement of the thyroid gland). Causes of goiter include hormonal imbalances, radiation, surgery, and cancer.
What to Discuss before Using Synthroid
- Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take this drug. In general, this medication should not be taken if you have other hormonal problems that are not being adequately treated.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have a heart disease such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or angina. These conditions may be affected by thyroid therapy, and closer monitoring may be necessary at the start of therapy.
- Changes in blood sugar may occur if you have diabetes, and special monitoring may be necessary.
- Synthroid is in the FDA pregnancy category A. This means that this medication is safe for use during pregnancy. It is also safe to take thyroid hormones if you are breast-feeding a baby. This drug does pass into breast milk, but it is not expected to be harmful to a nursing infant.
Synthroid Dosage Method
- Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
- Take each dose of synthroid with a full glass of water.
- Take this medication at the same time each day whenever possible. Thyroid hormone is usually taken in the morning to prevent insomnia at night. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- It is important to take synthroid medication regularly to get the most benefit.
- Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. It is important to take this medication to replace the thyroid hormone that the body is not producing. Even if you feel well, you may still need to take this medicine every day.
- Do not change brands or change to a generic drug product without first talking to your doctor. Some products may not be interchangeable.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment to monitor progress and side effects.
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Miss a dose: Problems?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Synthroid Overdose
- Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of an overdose may include chest pain, nervousness, trouble sleeping, tremor, rapid heartbeat, nausea, headache, fever, sweating, shortness of breath, heat intolerance, irregular menses, increased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Avoid During Treatment
Do not change brands or change to a generic drug product without first talking to your doctor. Some products may not be interchangeable.
Synthroid Side effects
- If you experience any of the following serious synthroid side effects, stop taking this medication and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
- vomiting
- chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take medication and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience:
- tremor, nervousness, or irritability
- headache
- insomnia
- diarrhea, changes in appetite, or weight loss
- leg cramps
- menstrual irregularities
- fever, sweating, or heat sensitivity
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs to avoid while undergoing treatment
- Other drugs may bind to this medication and reduce the amount that is available in the body, making it less effective. Separate doses from the following medicines:
- antacids that contain aluminum
- the prescription ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate)
- the cholesterol-lowering drugs cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol (Colestid)
- ferrous sulfate (a type of iron supplement)
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Synthroid (Levothyroxine) is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the thyroid glands. In some cases the thyroid glands cannot produce enough Levothyroxine needed by the body and Synthroid drug is prescribed to overcome the shortfall. Synthroid drug are available as 0.100 mg, 0.75 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.112 mg and 0.888 mg.
Powdered Levothyroxine ( Synthroid ) is used for intravenous injection and should be used immediately once mixed with a liquid. Synthroid 0.100 mg drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects.
Synthroid 0.100 mg medicine essentially, a hormone replacement is usually given to patients with thyroid problems specifically, hypothyroidism. It is also given to people who have goiter. Synthroid tablets are taken orally and it is recommended that Synthroid be taken half an hour or an hour before meals to maximize its absorption. It is also recommended that the patient take the Synthroid tablet with one glass of water because the tablet tends to be dry and may cause choking problems. Synthroid tablets usually are kept at room temperature, in a light-resistant, tight container.
It is important to take Synthroid 0.100 mg dosage regularly at the same time every day.
