What is Synthroid?
Synthroid is a prescription drug used to treat hypothyroidism and goiter (enlarged thyroid gland). Synthroid contains the active ingredient levothyroxine. Synthroid is available as a tablet in the strengths 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg, 88mcg, 100mcg, 112mcg, 125mcg, 137mcg, 150mcg, 175mcg, 200mcg, 300mcg.
Synthroid Information
What is Synthroid used for?
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormone which regulates the body’s energy and metabolism. Synthroid is used to treat low thyroid hormone levels in the body when your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
How to take Synthroid?
Synthroid tablets are taken by mouth usually once daily. Synthroid works best when taken in the morning on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Synthroid should be taken at least 4 hours before or after drugs or food that can interfere with the absorption of Synthroid.
Synthroid dosage can vary greatly due to your thyroid hormone levels, medical condition, age and response to treatment. Synthroid dosage is also often adjusted periodically depending on your thyroid levels after laboratory test results. Always take your Synthroid as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.
The following foods can cause less Synthroid to be absorbed by the body and should be avoided: Grapefruit juice, cottonseed meal, walnuts, high-fiber foods, soybean flour and infant soy formula.
What is considered a high dose of Synthroid?
Synthroid dosage usually ranges from 25mcg to 200mcg per day. Doses greater than 200mcg per day are rarely required. If there is inadequate response to 300mcg of Synthroid per day this may be due to various factors such as poor compliance, malabsorption, drug interactions or a combination of these factors.
Possible side effects of Synthroid?
Some common side effects of Synthroid are:
- Feeling hot
- Headache
- Leg cramps
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Partial hair loss
- Skin rash
- Trouble sleeping
- Nervousness
Other possible side effects of Synthroid, which can be serious are:
- Changes in your menstrual periods
- Chest pain
- Fast or Irregular heartbeats
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Memory problems
- Feeling depressed, nervous, or irritable
This is not a full list of side effects. Let your doctor know if you experience any of these side effects or any other effects not listed which are persistent.
Possible Drug Interactions with Synthroid?
There are many drugs that can affect the absorption of Synthroid. Always let your doctor or pharmacist know the full list of all the drugs you are taking so they can check for possible interactions with Synthroid.
Some drugs that interact with Synthroid are:
- Calcium carbonate
- Ferrous sulfate
- Sevelemer
- Orlistat
- Colesevelam
- Cholestyramine
- Colestipol
- Kayexalate
- Aluminum hydroxide
- Magnesium hydroxide
- Simethicone
- Salicylates
- Estrogen containing oral contraceptives
- Tamoxifen
- Carbamazepine
- Furosemide