Synthroid

Drug Name

Synthroid (Levothyroxine)

Drug Uses

Synthroid is a drug, which action is targeted at low thyroid hormone treatment (this disease is also known as hypothyroidism). Such health problems like hormone imbalance caused by abnormal thyroid gland performance can cause a series of problems like goiter (enlarged thyroid gland). Also Synthroid can be prescribed by your doctor as a part of cancer or radiation treatments, when thyroid gland becomes damaged.

How Taken

An optimal Synthroid dosage should be determined by a health specialist. It's preferred to take this drug in the morning, taking each pill with a full glass of water. Do not eat before and 30 minutes after you take Synthroid.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Thyroid gland is an important part of our body as it produces hormones that regulate multiple processes within human body like metabolism. If your thyroid gland produces not enough hormones than needed, you will suffer from constant lack of energy. Synthroid is a drug that restores an optimal hormone level by replacing hormones.

Missed Dose

Try to follow your dosing schedule to keep an optimal hormones level within your body. If you miss a dose of Synthroid, take it as soon as you can. As taking two doses almost at the same time is prohibited, in case it’s time for a next drug’s dose, skip one.

Storage

Make sure you keep this drug away from your children or pets. Store the medicine in a place with room temperature (from 68 to 77 degrees F or from 20 to 25 degrees C) away from sun rays and moisture (don’t store in a bathroom). Always close drug’s container tightly each time you use it.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Synthroid, make sure you don’t have allergies to any of the drug’s active elements (check drug’s label for that). Provide your doctor with your medical history as Synthroid usage is restricted for patients with heart attacks and adrenal gland problems. Check your thyroid hormone level before Synthroid usage.

Synthroid tablets dissolve easily and if you don’t swallow it quickly, it may get stuck in your throat. It’s important to take this drug with a full glass of water to prevent this problem.

Patients who suffer from diabetes should know the medication affects blood sugar level. Contact your doctor to find out more and determine your optimal dosage for both diabetes medicines and Synthroid. Check your blood sugar level more frequently while on Synthroid.

A series of lab tests is required for all patients using Synthroid. This particularly concerns those people who use blood thinners. Always tell to a doctor you use Synthroid in case you are going to get any emergency, dental care or surgery.

Children: Consult with your doctor previously to giving Synthroid to your child. There’s a risk to reduce child’s final height in future, so the medication should be applied with precautions and in a smaller dosage.

Pregnant and nursing mothers: No medical studies telling whether Synthroid harms unborn baby or not have been carried out. Pregnant women should visit doctor to be aware of all potential risks to fetus. It’s known Synthroid is found in breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended if you use Synthroid. Visit your doctor to find out more.

Possible Side Effects

In some cases side effects may occur. Visit your doctor if any of these side effects lasts long enough or interferes with your normal activities: hair loss, stomach problems, unusual tiredness, lack of energy, diarrhea, frequent mood changes, insomnia.

Severe side effects may appear in extremely rare situations and require immediate action. Call your doctor as soon as you can if you have at least one of the following: troubles with breathing; irregular menstruation; allergic reactions like hives, swelling face or any other parts of body, rash; fastened or slowed heartbeat; tremors; sudden weight loss or gain; irritability, anxiety or depression; seizures; more than usual sweating; leg cramps.

More Information

Check your overall health condition while being on a Synthroid treatment course. If you feel worse, contact your doctor. Don’t share your Synthroid with other people as this drug is prescribed to you and is intended to be used by you only. Don’t take the drug if it has already expired (check expiration date on the label).