How should Synthroid be used?
Synthroid comes as a tablet to take
by mouth. It usually is taken once a day on an empty stomach,
1/2 to 1 hour before breakfast . Follow the directions on
your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take
Synthroid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less
of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
The tablets may get stuck in your throat
or cause choking or gagging; therefore, the tablet should
be taken with a full glass of water.
If you are giving Synthroid to an
infant or child who cannot swallow the tablet, crush the
tablet and mix it in 1 to 2 teaspoons of plain water. Give
this mixture by spoon or dropper right away. Do not store
this mixture. Only mix the crushed tablets with water. Do
not mix with food or soybean infant formula.
Your doctor will probably start you on
a low dose of Synthroid and gradually increase your
dose.
Synthroid controls hypothyroidism,
but does not cure it. It may several weeks before you notice
a change in your symptoms. Continue to take Synthroid
even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Synthroid
without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow while taking Synthroid?
Before taking Synthroid,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic
to Synthroid, thyroid hormone, any other drugs, povidone
iodine, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods
and drugs), or foods such as lactose or corn starch. Levothroid
and Eltroxin contain lactose, while Synthroid contains
tartrazine and povidone. Eltroxin contains corn starch.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially
amphetamines; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as
warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants or anti-anxiety agents;
arthritis medicine; aspirin; beta-blockers such as metoprolol
(Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal) or timolol
(Blocadren, Timoptic); cancer chemotherapy agents; diabetes
medications (insulin and tablets); digoxin (Lanoxin);
estrogens; iron; methadone; oral contraceptives; phenytoin
(Dilantin); steroids; theophylline (TheoDur); and vitamins.
- if you take an antacid, calcium carbonate (Tums), cholestyramine
(Questran), colestipol (Colestid), iron, sodium polystrene
sulfonate (Kayexalate), simethicone (Phazyme, Gas X),
or sucralfate (Carafate), take it at least 4 hours before
or 4 hours after you take Synthroid.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes;
hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis); kidney disease;
hepatitis; cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure,
chest pain (angina), arrhythmias, or heart attack; or
an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant
while taking Synthroid, call your doctor.
- if you have surgery, including dental surgery, tell
the doctor or dentist that you are taking Synthroid.
What special dietary instructions should I follow while taking Synthroid?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise,
continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose of Synthroid?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can Synthroid cause?
Although side effects from Synthroid
are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any
of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- weight loss
- tremor
- headache
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach cramps
- nervousness
- irritability
- insomnia
- excessive sweating
- increased appetite
- fever
- changes in menstrual cycle
- sensitivity to heat
- temporary hair loss, particularly in children during
the first month of therapy
If you experience either of the following
symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- chest pain (angina)
- rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse
What storage conditions are needed for Synthroid?
Keep Synthroid in the container
it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and
moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication
that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist
about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison
control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed
or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. |
