Synthroid
Levothyroxine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Synthroid
Synthroid is a replacement for a hormone that is normally produced by thyroid gland to regulate the energy of the body and also metabolism. Synthroid is given when the thyroid can not produce enough of this hormone on its own for normal body functions.
Therapeutic Uses of Synthroid
Synthroid is used in treatment of hypothyroidism (low level of thyroid hormone). It is also used for treatment or for prevention of goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can be caused by iodine deficiency, hormone imbalance, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer of thyroid gland.
Direction of use of Synthroid
Use Synthroid as per direction of your doctor or as given below:
- Synthroid should be taken with a full glass (approximately 140 ml) of water.
- Take Synthroid on an empty stomach, preferably 30 minutes before eating.
- Synthroid should ideally be taken in the morning.
If You Miss a Dose of Synthroid
If you miss a dose of Synthroid, you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose; it may cause high thyroid hormone level in blood (hyperthyroidism).
How to Store Synthroid
Synthroid should be stored at 68 to 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed, light-resistant container, away from heat, moisture and light. Do not store Synthroid in the bathroom. Keep Synthroid out of the reach of children. Do not take Synthroid tablets after the expiration date printed on the label of the medicine.
More Information About Synthroid
Synthroid is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. If your symptoms of hypothyroidism do not improve or if they become worse, consult your doctor, you dose of Synthroid may have to be increased.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Synthroid
Do not use Synthroid if you are suffering from any of the medical conditions listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Synthroid.
- If you have a history of heart attack, chest pain or angina, adrenal gland problems, or elevated thyroid hormone levels that have not been treated.
Important notes about Synthroid:
- Synthroid can rapidly swell and disintegrate, which can result in choking, gagging, the tablet getting stuck in your throat, or difficulty swallowing. So it is very important for you to take the tablet with a full glass of water. Most of these problems disappear when Synthroid tablets are taken with water.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is not known if Synthroid can cause harm to the fetus, but if you become pregnant while you are on Synthroid, contact your doctor. You should discuss the benefits and risks of using Synthroid while you are pregnant. Synthroid is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Synthroid, check with your doctor. Discuss if there is any possible risks to your baby.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you are on Synthroid before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- If you are taking blood thinners (like aspirin) at the same time as Synthroid, lab tests will be required to adjust the blood thinners.
- In diabetes patients, Synthroid may affect blood sugar level. You should check blood sugar levels closely during treatment with Synthroid. Ask your doctor if you need to change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
- Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy and you should keep all the lab appointments.
- Synthroid should be used with caution in children; overuse may reduce the child's final adult height.
Possible Adverse Effects of Synthroid
- Common and minor side effects of Synthroid are vomiting, diarrhea; anxiety, flushing; mood swings; muscle weakness; partial, temporary hair loss; sleeplessness; stomach cramps, tiredness etc. If any of these common and minor side effects of Synthroid become troublesome or persistent you should consult your doctor.
- Serious side effects of Synthroid are severe allergic reaction (symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, hoarseness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in appetite (loss of appetite or increased appetite); changes in menstrual periods, chest pain; difficulty in breathing; excessive sweating; fast heartbeat (arrhythmia); fever; headache; hives or skin rash; hyperactivity; inability to handle warm or hot room (as well as hot or cold weather conditions); irregular heartbeat; irritability; leg cramps; nervousness; pounding in the chest; seizures; shortness of breath; tremors; weight gain or weight loss.