Levothyroxine

Synthroid

Synthroid (levothyroxine) is an FDA-approved medication used in the treatment of hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. It contains a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4) to regulate the body’s energy and metabolism. Available in various strengths from 25 mcg to 300 mcg, this medication is taken once daily on an empty stomach. Dosages are tailored to individual needs, with regular monitoring by a healthcare provider. Patients must practice awareness of potential side effects and follow prescribed dosages carefully. Store Synthroid at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Product Overview

Synthroid (levothyroxine) regulates the body’s energy and metabolism. It is mainly used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland lacks the production of enough thyroid hormone, resulting in fatigue, weight gain, and cold sensitivity. Synthroid works by supplementing the body’s natural thyroid hormone levels, helping to restore normal bodily functions and alleviate the symptoms of hypothyroidism. It also treats thyroid cancer and suppresses thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

Synthroid has various strengths, ranging from 25 micrograms (mcg) to 300 mcg, allowing for precise dosage adjustments based on individual needs. It should be taken once daily, preferably on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, to ensure optimal absorption. The dosage is tailored to each patient, considering age, body weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. Regular monitoring by a medical professional is essential to adjust the dosage as needed and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.

It is important to be aware of the side effects of taking this medication. Some of these are increased appetite, weight loss, nervousness, and insomnia. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and not use Synthroid for weight loss or obesity treatment. Special precautions should be taken for patients with heart disease, adrenal insufficiency, or bone health issues. In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as possible, but skip it if it’s close to the next scheduled dose. For overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Store Synthroid at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Uses of Synthroid

Synthroid is used to treat:

• Low thyroid hormone levels
• Thyroid cancer

How to Use Synthroid?

Dosage

It comes in the form of tablets and has these following strengths:

• 25 micrograms (mcg)
• 50 mcg
• 75 mcg
• 88 mcg
• 100 mcg
• 112 mcg
• 125 mcg
• 137 mcg
• 150 mcg
• 175 mcg
• 200 mcg
• 300 mcg

Recommended Dosage for Different Patients

For Adults with Primary Hypothyroidism

• The typical starting dose is 1.6 micrograms per kg of body weight per day. For example, a 70 kg adult might start with a dose of 112 micrograms daily.

For Elderly Patients

• Older adults may start with a lower dose, such as 25 to 50 micrograms per day, to reduce the risk of cardiac side effects. The dosage can be gradually increased based on the response and tolerance.

For Children

• The dosage for children depends on their age, weight, and the severity of their condition. Newborns with congenital hypothyroidism might require 10 to 15 micrograms/kg/day, while older children might require less.

For Pregnant Women

• Women with hypothyroidism who become pregnant may need to increase their dosage of Synthroid, as pregnancy increases the body’s demand for thyroid hormones.

For Patients with Thyroid Cancer

• Higher doses of Synthroid may be used to suppress thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in patients with thyroid cancer.

[Note: Remember these recommendations may vary depending on person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

How to Take It?

• Take Synthroid at the same time each day to maintain stable hormone levels.
• Take it on an empty stomach, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Food can interfere with its absorption.
• Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water. This helps ensure the tablet dissolves properly in the stomach.
• Do not take calcium or iron supplements, antacids, or multivitamins within 4 hours of taking Synthroid, as they can reduce its effectiveness.
• Take Synthroid precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Do not adjust your dose without consulting them.
• Have regular check-ups with your medical professional to keep your thyroid levels in check and adjust your dosage if necessary.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount 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 (levothyroxine) works by supplementing or replacing the natural thyroid hormone, helping regulate the body’s energy and metabolism. When taken as prescribed, Synthroid restores normal thyroid hormone levels, alleviating symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold sensitivity and helping to maintain normal bodily functions.

Important Safety Information

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Increased appetite
• Weight loss
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Insomnia
• Tremors or shaking
• Sweating
• Increased heart rate or palpitations
• Diarrhea or stomach cramps
• Headaches
• Sensitivity to heat

Serious side effects may include:

• Changes in appetite
• Weight fluctuations
• Muscle aches and leg cramps
• Hair loss and dryness of skin or hair
• Alterations in menstrual periods
• Nervousness, irritability, or feeling depressed
• Memory problems and trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Weakness and tiredness
• Feeling cold or experiencing hot flashes
• Fever and sweating
• Tremors and shaking
• Headache
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Chest pain and shortness of breath
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats

[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

Warnings

• Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Synthroid is intended for use as a thyroid hormone replacement therapy. It should not be used for weight loss or to treat obesity.
• Correct Diagnosis: Ensure that your diagnosis of hypothyroidism is confirmed by appropriate testing before starting treatment with Synthroid.
• Heart Disease: Patients with existing heart disease or cardiovascular disorders should be closely monitored, as levothyroxine can increase the risk of heart-related complications.
• Adrenal Insufficiency: Patients with untreated adrenal insufficiency should not take Synthroid until the adrenal problem is addressed, as it can lead to a severe condition called adrenal crisis.
• Bone Health: Long-term use of high doses of Synthroid can lead to decreased bone density and a heightened risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially in postmenopausal women and elderly patients.
• Drug Interactions: Be cautious of drug interactions, as Synthroid can interact with a variety of medications, mostly altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
• Dosage Adjustment: Regular monitoring of thyroid function tests is necessary to adjust Synthroid dosage appropriately.
• Allergic Reactions: If you notice signs of an allergic reaction, like rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swollen face, lips, tongue, or throat, contact a medical expert for immediate medical attention.
• Pediatric Use: In children with severe or prolonged hypothyroidism, caution is advised to avoid the risk of overtreatment, which could affect growth and development.

Precautions

• Regular Monitoring: Have regular check-ups with your medical professional to monitor your thyroid hormone levels and adjust your dosage as needed.
• Consistency: Take Synthroid at the same time each day. Best to take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
• Medication Interactions: Practice precaution if you are on other medications, supplements, and herbal products, as some can interact with Synthroid.
• Allergies: If you have had allergic reactions to levothyroxine or any other medications in the past, inform your healthcare provider.
• Medical Conditions: Maintain transparency regarding any medical conditions you may have, particularly if there have been signs of heart disease, diabetes, adrenal gland problems, or osteoporosis.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Get in touch with your healthcare provider if you are expecting pregnancy or breastfeeding, as your Synthroid dosage may need to be adjusted.
• Surgery: If you are to undergo any surgery, inform your surgeon that you are taking Synthroid.
• Avoid Switching Brands: Try to stick with the same brand or generic version of levothyroxine, as different brands may have slightly different effects.
• Dietary Considerations: Be mindful of foods that may affect thyroid hormone absorption, such as soy products and high-fiber foods. Also, avoid taking calcium and iron supplements within 4 hours of taking Synthroid.

Contraindications

• Patients with untreated adrenal insufficiency should not use Synthroid.

Missed Dose

• If you forget to take a dose, take it when you remember.
• If it’s almost time for another dosage of Synthroid, leave the missed dosage and continue with your routine medication consumption.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one unless your doctor instructs you to do so. 
• If you miss two or more doses consecutively, contact your doctor. 

[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

Overdose 

• In severe cases, an overdose of Synthroid can lead to more serious conditions such as thyrotoxic crisis or thyroid storm, which can be life-threatening.
• If you suspect an overdose of Synthroid, seek immediate medical attention. 
• Treatment for an overdose may involve reducing the dosage of Synthroid, administering medications to counteract the symptoms, and monitoring vital signs and thyroid hormone levels.

[Note: If you consumed more than recommended dose, get medical help right away, or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

Storage

• Store at room temperature, ideally between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, as it can affect the medication’s potency.
• Keep the medication in its original container and tightly closed to protect it from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom or other damp areas.
• Keep Synthroid out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Check the expiration date regularly and do not use the medication if it is expired.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

Synthroid Interactions

• Calcium carbonate and iron supplements: These can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine if taken too close together. It’s recommended to take these supplements at least 4 hours before or after taking levothyroxine.
• Cholestyramine and colestipol: These bile acid sequestrants can decrease levothyroxine absorption. Take levothyroxine at least 4 hours before or 1 hour after these medications.
• Antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Medications like omeprazole, lansoprazole, and antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can decrease the absorption of levothyroxine.
• Sucralfate: This medication can also reduce the absorption of levothyroxine. Take levothyroxine at least 2 hours before sucralfate.
• Warfarin: Levothyroxine can increase the effect of warfarin, potentially increasing the chances of bleeding. Regular monitoring of INR (International Normalized Ratio) is recommended.
• Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol): These medications can reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine in some patients.
• Amiodarone: This medication can affect thyroid function and may require adjustments in levothyroxine dosage.
• Antidepressants (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine): These can affect levothyroxine metabolism and may require dosage adjustments.
• Insulin and oral hypoglycemics: Levothyroxine may increase the effect of these medications, potentially leading to hypoglycemia.
• Estrogens (e.g., oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy): These can increase the amount of levothyroxine needed by the body.

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Synthroid. Make sure to tell your doctor any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

Synthroid Alternatives

• Levothroid (levothyroxine)
• Levoxyl (levothyroxine)
• Unithroid (levothyroxine)
• Tirosint (levothyroxine)
• Euthyrox (levothyroxine)
• Eltroxin (levothyroxine)
• Thyro-Tabs (levothyroxine)
• L-Thyroxine (levothyroxine)
• Novothyrox (levothyroxine)
• Thyquidity (levothyroxine)
• Cytomel (liothyronine)
• NP Thyroid (thyroid desiccated)
• Armout Thyroid (thyroid desiccated)

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.] 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a lower dosage of Synthroid decrease the likelihood of experiencing side effects?

It’s possible, but it’s essential to first identify the appropriate dosage of Synthroid for your condition. If you’re encountering side effects from Synthroid, your doctor might reduce your dosage, which could alleviate your symptoms. However, if the dosage of Synthroid is too low, you might experience symptoms of the condition it’s intended to treat. Consult with your doctor to learn more about reducing your risk of side effects from Synthroid. Additionally, if you experience side effects during treatment or have questions about adjusting your dosage, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.

Will my Synthroid dosage need adjustment if I experience weight loss?

Yes, it’s possible. The recommended dosages of Synthroid are often determined based on weight. If you experience a significant change in weight while taking Synthroid, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage. However, minor weight fluctuations don’t typically necessitate a change in dosage.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Synthroid?

If you forget to take a dose of Synthroid, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the dosage you missed and continue with your regular medication intake schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dosage, as this can increase your risk of experiencing side effects. If you’re unsure about whether to take a missed dose or skip it, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Is it possible to take levothyroxine at night?

You can take levothyroxine at night, but ensure it is taken at least 4 hours after your last meal. Studies indicate that levothyroxine can be equally effective when taken at night, provided it is taken separately from food and other medications.

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