Common Use

Synthroid contains levothyroxine sodium, identical to the thyroid gland hormone. It is used alone or with diet pills to treat primary, secondary, and tertiary hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, and obesity.

Dosage and Direction

The dose is tailored individually. Follow your doctor's recommendations and do not exceed the recommended dose. Take it as a single daily dose 0.5-1.0 hour before breakfast with a full glass of water. Separate intake of Synthroid and medications that interfere with its absorption by at least four hours. Do not stop treatment without your doctor's permission, even if you don't feel immediate effects. It may take weeks for the medication to work. Lifelong use may be necessary to replace thyroid hormone deficiency.

Precautions

Exercise caution when treating patients with cardiovascular disease, the elderly, and those with adrenal insufficiency.

Contraindications

Synthroid should not be used in patients with untreated subclinical or overt thyrotoxicosis, acute myocardial infarction, or uncorrected adrenal insufficiency.

Possible Side Effects

• Headache
• Insomnia
• Nervous or irritable feeling
• Hyperactivity
• Anxiety
• Emotional lability
• Fever
• Tachycardia
• Arrhythmias
• Hot flashes
• Sweating
• Menstrual period changes
• Appetite changes
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Weight changes
• Hair loss
• Flushing

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all medications, herbal products, and supplements you use, 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 (Colestid, 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, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Skip the missed dose and resume your schedule. Do not take an extra dose to compensate.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms include pounding heartbeat, chest pain, tremor, leg cramps, confusion, disorientation, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures. Seek emergency medical help if these occur.

Storage

Store 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 general guidance and does not cover all directions, drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions. We disclaim responsibility for the reliability of this information and any consequences of its use or self-treatment.