Common Use

Synthroid contains levothyroxine sodium, a substance identical to the thyroid gland hormone. It is used either alone or in combination with diet pills to treat the following conditions:

• Primary (thyroidal) hypothyroidism
• Secondary (pituitary) hypothyroidism
• Tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism
• Subclinical hypothyroidism
• Obesity

Dosage and Direction

The dose must be administered individually. Follow all recommendations of your doctor and do not exceed the recommended dose.

1. Take it as a single daily dose 0.5-1.0 hour before breakfast with a full glass of water.
2. Intake of Levothroid and any medications known to interfere with its absorption should be separated by at least four hours.
3. Do not stop treatment without your doctor's permission, even if you do not feel an immediate effect. It may take several weeks for the medication to start working.
4. Some patients may need Levothroid for life to replace thyroid hormone deficiency.

Precautions

Exercise caution when treating patients with the following conditions:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Elderly individuals
• Those with adrenal insufficiency

Contraindications

Synthroid cannot be used in patients with:

• Untreated subclinical or overt thyrotoxicosis
• Acute myocardial infarction
• Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency

Possible Side Effects

The most likely adverse reactions include:

• Headache, insomnia, nervousness, irritability
• Hyperactivity, anxiety, emotional lability
• Fever, tachycardia, arrhythmias
• Hot flashes, sweating, changes in menstrual periods
• Appetite changes, diarrhea, vomiting
• Weight changes, hair loss, flushing

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all medications, herbal products, and supplements you are taking, especially:

• Calcium carbonate (Oystercal, Caltrate, Citracal)
• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate, Kionex)
• Ferrous sulfate iron supplement
• Sucralfate (Carafate)
• Antacids containing aluminum (Rulox, Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, Riopan, Amphojel, Gaviscon)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs: colestipol (Colestid), cholestyramine (Questran)
• Warfarin, digoxin, estrogen products, diabetes medicines
• Amiodarone, iodide, lithium, anti-thyroid agents
• Phenobarbital, rifamycins, beta blockers, antidepressants, growth hormones

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose:

1. Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
2. Do not double up to compensate for a missed dose.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms include:

• Pounding heartbeat, chest pain, leg cramps
• Confusion, disorientation, shortness of breath
• Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Storage

Store Synthroid at room temperature (59-77°F or 15-25°C) away from light, moisture, children, and pets. Do not use after the expiration date.

Disclaimer

This information provides a general overview of Synthroid and does not cover all possible directions, drug interactions, or precautions. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions. The information on this site should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. We are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences resulting from the use of this information.