Levothyroxine

What is Synthroid?

Synthroid is a synthetic thyroid hormone crucial for treating hypothyroidism. It restores and stabilizes thyroid hormone levels, supporting metabolism, energy, and overall health. Synthroid alleviates symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold sensitivity, promoting cardiovascular health and aiding in child development. Available in various forms and strengths, it requires careful dosing and monitoring to ensure effectiveness and safety. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper use.

Product Overview 

Synthroid (levothyroxine) is a synthetic thyroid hormone essential for managing hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive. By supplementing the body’s natural thyroxine (T4), Synthroid effectively stabilizes thyroid hormone levels, enhancing metabolism, energy production, and overall health. It’s crucial for regulating vital body functions, including heart rate, temperature, and weight management.

Synthroid also supports mental clarity and mood, reduces fatigue, and can improve symptoms like hair loss and irregular menstrual cycles. Additionally, it plays an important role in the development of children and the management of thyroid cancer following gland removal. Its importance extends to improving cardiovascular health and preventing the complications associated with untreated hypothyroidism.

Available in various forms and strengths, from tablets to capsules, Synthroid allows for precise dosing that must be adjusted according to individual needs as determined through regular thyroid function tests. It’s essential to take Synthroid on an empty stomach for optimal absorption and to avoid certain foods and other medications that might interfere with its effectiveness. Always consult with a healthcare specialist to ensure the correct usage and monitoring of this medication.

Uses of Synthroid 

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benefits of Synthroid

• Treats hypothyroidism
• Restores normal thyroid hormone levels
• Improves energy and reduces fatigue
• It helps maintain a healthy metabolism
• May aid in weight management
• Improves mood and mental clarity
• Reduces hair loss associated with hypothyroidism
• Helps regulate menstrual cycles in women
• Prevents complications of untreated hypothyroidism
• Manages thyroid cancer after thyroid gland removal

Side Effects of Synthroid 

Common side effects of Synthroid may include:

• Headache
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Increased appetite
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Heat intolerance
• Sweating
• Muscle weakness
• Menstrual irregularities
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety
• Hair loss (temporary)
• Changes in appetite

[Note: This list is not exhaustive; if you notice any other symptoms not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]

Synthroid Dosage

Forms & Strengths

Synthroid comes in the following forms and strengths:

Tablet form:

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

Capsule form (Tirosint brand):

• 13 mcg
• 25 mcg
• 50 mcg
• 75 mcg
• 88 mcg
• 100 mcg
• 112 mcg
• 125 mcg
• 137 mcg
• 150 mcg

Liquid form (Tirosint-SOL):

• Available in the same strengths as the capsule form

Recommended Dosages

Adults

• Hypothyroidism: Start at 1.6 mcg/kg/day. For a 70 kg adult, that’s 112 mcg/day. Adjust based on thyroid function tests.
• Thyroid Cancer: Typically 100-200 mcg/day.

Elderly or Patients with Heart Disease

• Start at 12.5-25 mcg/day. Increase slowly as tolerated.

Children

• Neonates and Infants: 10-15 mcg/kg/day based on weight.
• Older Children: Doses vary with age and weight, typically 100-150 mcg/day.

Pregnant Women

• Increase dosages by 25-50%. Monitor and adjust as needed.

How to Take Synthroid?

• Take once daily, preferably in the morning.
• Take on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
• Consistent timing is important for optimal absorption.
• Wait at least 4 hours before taking other medications or supplements.
• Do not take calcium or iron supplements.
• Avoid taking high-fiber foods.
• Do not chew, crush, or split the tablet.
• Take as prescribed by your doctor.
• The dosage may need adjustment based on lab results.
• Do not change brands without consulting your doctor.
• Regular thyroid function tests are necessary.
• Inform your medical professional of any new symptoms or side effects.
• Continue taking it even if you feel well.
• Do not stop without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Synthroid, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and resume your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

[Note: Do not simultaneously take two Synthroid doses to compensate for a missed dose. This can elevate your risk of experiencing side effects.]

Overdose

An overdose of Synthroid can lead to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, tremors, confusion, and insomnia. Severe cases may cause thyroid storms, a life-threatening condition. Immediate medical attention is required in such scenarios.

[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]

How Does Synthroid Work?

Synthroid functions by replacing or supplementing the thyroxine (T4) hormone that your thyroid gland normally produces. This hormone is crucial for maintaining your body’s metabolism, energy production, and overall organ function. When the thyroid gland is underactive and is failing to produce enough hormones (a condition known as hypothyroidism), Synthroid helps restore the proper hormone levels. This stabilization of thyroid hormones helps to regulate your metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate, improving symptoms of hypothyroidism like fatigue, weight gain & sensitivity to cold.

Important Safety Precautions  

• Not for weight loss or treating obesity
• Monitor thyroid function regularly
• Adjust dosage gradually based on TSH levels
• Use caution in patients with cardiovascular disease
• May increase the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation
• Inform your medical professional of all medications and supplements
• Use with caution in diabetes (may affect blood sugar levels)
• May interact with certain foods and medications
• Avoid taking with calcium or iron supplements
• Take on an empty stomach, consistently
• Pregnancy category A (safe for use, but monitor closely)
• May require dosage adjustment during pregnancy
• Not a substitute for dietary iodine
• Report signs of thyroid hormone over-replacement
• Store at room temperature, protect from light and moisture

Storage 

• Store Synthroid at room temperature, between 15°C & 30°C.
• Keep in a dry place to prevent moisture from affecting the tablets.
• Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children.
• Properly discard any expired or unused medication according to local regulations.

Synthroid Interactions 

• Antacids (calcium, aluminum): Reduce absorption
• Iron supplements: Decrease absorption
• Calcium supplements: Interfere with absorption
• Cholestyramine and colestipol: Reduce absorption
• Sucralfate: Decreases absorption
• Proton pump inhibitors: May affect absorption
• Soy products: May reduce absorption
• Caffeine: May affect absorption
• Estrogen: May increase thyroid hormone binding
• Androgens: May decrease thyroid hormone binding
• Oral anticoagulants: May increase anticoagulant effect
• Diabetes medications: May affect blood glucose control
• Tricyclic antidepressants: May enhance effects
• Ketamine: Increased risk of hypertension and tachycardia
• Sympathomimetic agents: May increase effects
• Tyrosine kinase inhibitors: May decrease T4 and T3 serum levels
• Sertraline: May decrease T4 absorption
• Lithium: Can cause hypothyroidism
• Amiodarone: Can affect thyroid function
• Carbamazepine and phenytoin: May increase the metabolism of thyroid hormones

[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, or supplements.]

Synthroid Alternatives 

• Levoxyl (levothyroxine sodium)
• Tirosint (levothyroxine sodium)
• Unithroid (levothyroxine sodium)
• Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid extract)
• Nature-Throid and WP Thyroid (desiccated thyroid extract)
• Liothyronine (cytomel)
• Liotrix (thyrolar)

[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Synthroid alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.] 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Synthroid take to become fully effective?

It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to see the full effects of Synthroid, though some may notice improvements sooner. Adjusting to the optimal dose can take months, during which your doctor will monitor your thyroid levels and gradually change the dose to minimize side effects like anxiety and headaches.

Can you take other medications with Synthroid?

Synthroid can interact with various medications, affecting its absorption and effectiveness. To minimize these interactions, taking levothyroxine on an empty stomach is best. The timing between levothyroxine and other medications, like antacids, should generally be around 4 hours. Consult your pharmacist or healthcare specialist for specific guidance on timing with other drugs.

What happens if you eat shortly after taking Synthroid?

Consuming food too soon after taking levothyroxine can hinder its absorption. Foods rich in fiber, soy, and walnuts are mainly known to reduce its effectiveness. Therefore, taking levothyroxine at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before eating is recommended to ensure optimal absorption.

Is it okay to take Synthroid at night?

Yes, you can take Synthroid at bedtime, provided it’s at least 4 hours after your last meal. Studies indicate that levothyroxine is equally effective whether taken in the morning or at night, as long as it is adequately spaced from meals and other medications.

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