Levothyroxine
Synthroid
Synthroid is an FDA-approved medication containing Levothyroxine Sodium. It treats hypothyroidism by supplementing deficient thyroid hormone levels. It is available in oral tablets ranging from 25 to 300 micrograms. The dosage is personalized based on factors like age and severity of the condition. It is typically taken once daily on an empty stomach. Synthroid restores normal thyroid function, alleviating associated symptoms. Side effects may include headaches, fatigue, and changes in weight or appetite. Caution is advised when adjusting dosage to prevent complications. You should inform your healthcare providers about existing medical conditions or medications. Store Synthroid at room temperature, away from dampness and heat, and adhere to expiration dates. Regular monitoring with healthcare providers ensures the effectiveness and safety of Synthroid tablets.
Product Overview
Synthroid is a prescription medication approved by the FDA, containing Levothyroxine Sodium as its active ingredient. It is primarily used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland that fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormone. This hormone regulates various bodily functions, including metabolism, energy levels, and growth. Synthroid works by supplementing the deficient thyroid hormone levels in the body, restoring normal function and alleviating symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
Synthroid is available in oral tablets ranging from 25 to 300 micrograms. The dosage is typically tailored to the individual patient’s needs based on factors such as age, weight, and the severity of the condition. It is usually taken orally once daily, preferably on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast. Synthroid is suitable for adults and children who require thyroid hormone replacement therapy due to hypothyroidism.
Synthroid may cause side effects like headaches, fatigue, weight changes, and changes in appetite. You should also be cautious when starting or adjusting the dosage of Synthroid, as sudden changes may lead to complications. It is essential to inform healthcare providers about any existing medical conditions or medications being taken to prevent potential interactions. Store Synthroid at room temperature, away from dampness and heat, and avoid taking expired medicines. Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are recommended to ensure the effectiveness and safety of Synthroid tablets.
Uses
Targeted Treatment
- Hypothyroidism
Benefits
- Prevent complications like cardiovascular issues and cognitive impairment.
[Note: Do not take Synthroid tablets without consulting your doctor. They will determine whether you need this medication based on your conditions.]
Synthroid Dosage
Forms & Strengths
Form: Oral tablet
Strengths: It comes in the following strengths:
- Synthroid 25 mcg tablets
- Synthroid 50 mcg tablets
- Synthroid 75 mcg tablets
- Synthroid 88 mcg tablets
- Synthroid 100 mcg tablets
- Synthroid 112 mcg tablets
- Synthroid 125 mcg tablets
- Synthroid 137 mcg tablets
- Synthroid 150 mcg tablets
- Synthroid 175 mcg tablets
- Synthroid 200 mcg tablets
- Synthroid 300 mcg tablets
Recommended Dosage
Patients with Hypothyroidism
For Adults
- The starting dose is 1.6 mcg/kg daily, with the frequency of adjustment every 4–6 weeks.
- The maximum dosage is 150-200 mcg daily.
For Children:
- 0–3 Months: The recommended dose is 10–15 mcg/kg.
- 3–6 Months: The recommended dose is 8–10 mcg/kg.
- 6–12 Months: The recommended dose is 6–8 mcg/kg.
- 1–5 Years: The recommended dose is 5–6 mcg/kg.
- 6–12 Years: The recommended dose is 4–5 mcg/kg.
- 13 Years or Older: The recommended dose is 2–3 mcg/kg.
- Adolescence: The recommended dose is 1.6 mcg/kg.
For Pregnant Women
- TSH ≥ 10 Milli-International Unit Per Liter (Miu/l): The starting dose is 1.6 mcg/kg daily with the adjustment frequency every 4–6 weeks.
- TSH < 10 Milli-International Unit Per Liter (Miu/l): The starting dose is 1.0 mcg/kg daily with the adjustment frequency every 4–6 weeks.
Geriatrics
- The starting dose is less than 1.6 mcg/kg with the adjustment frequency every 6–8 weeks.
Patients with a Chance of Atrial Fibrillation or Diagnosis of Underlying Cardiac Disease:
- The starting dose is lower than 1.6 mcg/kg with the frequency of adjustment every 6–8 weeks.
[Note: These Synthroid dosage recommendations may vary from individual to individual. Consult it with your healthcare professional, and they’ll determine your dosage accordingly.]
How to Take It?
- Take Synthroid once daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning.
- Do not take Synthroid with food, especially high-fiber foods, as they may decrease its absorption.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
- Wait 30 minutes to 1 hour before eating or taking other medications.
- Avoid interactions with calcium, iron supplements, antacids, or certain cholesterol drugs.
- Follow up with your doctor for regular thyroid hormone level checks.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the proper Synthroid dosage for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Synthroid Work?
Synthroid is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). It works by supplementing or replacing the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It regulates metabolism, energy levels, and various bodily functions. Once ingested, Synthroid is absorbed into the bloodstream and converted into its active form, triiodothyronine (T3), which then interacts with thyroid receptors in cells throughout the body, helping to maintain proper thyroid hormone levels and alleviate symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Important Safety Information
Side Effects
Common side effects of Synthroid may include:
- Headache
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Tremors
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Sensitivity to heat
Mild side effects of Synthroid may include:
- Hair loss
- Muscle weakness
- Menstrual irregularities in women
- Skin rash or itching
- Temporary hair thinning
Serious side effects of Synthroid may include:
- Chest pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive sweating
- Heat intolerance
- Fever
- Changes in menstrual periods
- Swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
- Seizures
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
[Note: This list may not cover all Synthroid side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Warnings
- Adrenal Insufficiency: Synthroid therapy may precipitate adrenal crisis in patients with untreated adrenal insufficiency. Administer corticosteroids if indicated and monitor for exacerbation of symptoms of hypoadrenalism.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Initiate Synthroid therapy cautiously in patients with angina, heart disease, or hypertension, as excessive thyroid hormone could exacerbate these conditions.
- Endocrine Disorders: Monitor patients with diabetes mellitus closely when Synthroid therapy is initiated or discontinued. Adjustments to insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents may be necessary.
- Concomitant Medications: Certain medications may interact with Synthroid, leading to altered efficacy or increased risk of side effects. Inform your healthcare provider of all medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements.
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring of thyroid function tests is essential to ensure appropriate dosing of Synthroid. Dosage adjustments may be required based on clinical response and laboratory findings.
- Geriatric Use: Elderly patients may be more susceptible to the effects of Synthroid. Monitor elderly patients closely for signs of overtreatment or undertreatment.
- Pediatric Use: Use caution when administering Synthroid to pediatric patients, as dosage requirements may vary based on age and weight.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with Synthroid. Discontinue treatment and seek medical attention if signs of a hypersensitivity reaction occur.
Boxed Warning
- Not for Treatment of Obesity or Weight Loss: Synthroid should not be used to treat obesity or weight loss. Thyroid hormones, including Synthroid, can have severe or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity if used beyond the range of daily hormonal requirements.
Precautions
- Consultation with Healthcare Provider: Always use Synthroid under the guidance of a healthcare provider. They will prescribe the appropriate dosage based on your individual needs.
- Consistent Dosage: Take Synthroid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dosage or stop it without consulting your healthcare provider.
- Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitor your thyroid hormone levels through blood tests as your healthcare provider advises. This helps to ensure that your dosage is appropriate, and adjustments can be made if necessary.
- Consistency in Administration: Take Synthroid at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body.
- Avoid Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking, as some may interact with Synthroid, affecting its effectiveness.
- Caution with Other Conditions: If you have certain medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or adrenal or pituitary gland problems, inform your healthcare provider before taking Synthroid, as adjustments to your treatment plan may be necessary.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your healthcare provider, as your dosage of Synthroid may need to be adjusted to ensure both your health and your baby’s health.
- Emergency Situations: In case of an emergency (such as severe illness, surgery, or trauma), inform healthcare providers that you are taking Synthroid, as your dosage may need adjustment temporarily.
- Regular Follow-ups: Attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to assess your response to Synthroid and to address any concerns or side effects.
Contraindications
- If you have an untreated or uncontrolled adrenal gland disorder.
Missed Dose
- If you realize you’ve missed a dose, take it immediately, as you remember.
- However, if it’s close to your next planned dose, ignore the missed one and persist with your regular dosing schedule.
- Do not take two doses simultaneously to make up for the missed one. Doubling up can lead to an overdose or other complications.
[Note: If you have missed a Synthroid dosage and are still determining when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
Overdose
An overdose of Synthroid can lead to adverse effects such as:
- Increased Hair Loss
- Weight Loss
- Tremors in the Extremities
- Jittery Sensation
- Heart Palpitations
- Anxiety
- Flushing of the Skin
- Heat Intolerance
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended Synthroid dosage, get medical help immediately or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
Storage
- Store Synthroid at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid extreme temperatures.
- Keep the medication in its original container with the cap tightly closed. Moisture can affect its potency.
- Do not store Synthroid in the bathroom or near the sink. The humidity and temperature fluctuations can degrade the medication.
- Store it away from children and pets to avert accidental ingestion.
- Always check the expiration date on the packaging. Discard any expired medication.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional the proper disposal of unused Synthroid tablets and any questions you may have regarding their storage.]
Synthroid Interactions
- Amiodarone
- Antacids
- Radioactive Iodine
- Amphetamines (dexamphetamine, phentermine)
- Anticoagulants (Warfarin)
- Anticonvulsants (Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin)
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Synthroid. Tell your doctor any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
Synthroid Alternatives
- Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)
- Cytomel (liothyronine sodium)
- Levoxyl (levothyroxine)
- Unithroid (levothyroxine)
- Tirosint (levothyroxine sodium)
- Euthyrox (levothyroxine)
- Eltroxin (levothyroxine sodium)
- Evotrox (levothyroxine)
- Levo-T (levothyroxine)
[Note: Your doctor will choose the best Synthroid alternative for you. Only use these alternative medications after consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Quick Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Synthroid during pregnancy?
Synthroid is considered acceptable during pregnancy. No increased rates of significant congenital disabilities or miscarriages have been reported with its use. However, untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy poses risks to both the mother and fetus. Pregnant women taking Synthroid should have their thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels monitored and doses adjusted as needed. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
2. Can I take Synthroid at night?
You can take Synthroid at night if it’s on an empty stomach. Absorption is best when taken without food. Consistency matters, so choose a time that suits your routine and stick to it. Remember, maintaining optimal drug adherence is essential for thyroid health.
3. Are there any specific foods to avoid when taking Synthroid?
When taking Synthroid, it’s essential to be mindful of certain foods:
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
- Soy-based products (soybeans, soybean flour, or soy-based infant formula)
- Cottonseed meal and walnuts.
- High-fiber foods (sweet potatoes, black beans, and avocado).
4. How can I ensure consistent timing when taking Synthroid?
To ensure consistent timing for taking Synthroid, follow these steps:
- Take it once a day, always at the same time before breakfast.
- Use only water to swallow the pill, and take it on an empty stomach.
- Wait 30 minutes to 1 hour before consuming anything other than water.
5. How long should I take Synthroid?
Synthroid is typically taken for life to manage hypothyroidism. Dosage adjustments may be necessary over time, but discontinuing Synthroid abruptly can lead to worsening symptoms. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations and undergo regular thyroid function tests to monitor your condition.
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