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Brand Name: Synthroid®, Levothroid®, Levoxyl® and Unithroid®
Generic Name: Levothyroxine
(lee voe thye rox' een)
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Important Warning: Synthroid (Thyroid hormone) should not be used to treat obesity in patients with normal thyroid function. Levoxyl is ineffective for weight reduction in normal thyroid patients and may cause serious or life-threatening toxicity, especially when taken with amphetamines. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks associated with this medication.
Why is synthroid prescribed?
Synthroid (Levothyroxine), a thyroid hormone, is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Without this hormone, the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin, and increased sensitivity to cold. When taken correctly, synthroid reverses these symptoms. Synthroid is also used to treat congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism) and goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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How should synthroid be used properly?
Levothyroxine (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 levothyroxine 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 levothyroxine 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 levothyroxine and gradually increase your dose.
Levothyroxine controls hypothyroidism, but does not cure it. It may several weeks before you notice a change in your symptoms.
Continue to take levothyroxine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking levothyroxine without talking to your doctor.
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What special precautions should I follow when using synthroid?
Before taking levothyroxine,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to levothyroxine, 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; antacids; 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; cholesterol-lowering resins such as cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid); diabetes medications (insulin and tablets); digoxin (Lanoxin); estrogens; iron; methadone; oral contraceptives; phenytoin (Dilantin); sodium polystrene sulfonate (Kayexalate); sucralfate (Carafate); steroids; theophylline (TheoDur); and vitamins.
- if you take cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take it at least 4 hours before or 1 hour after taking levothyroxine.
- 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 levothyroxine, call your doctor.
- if you have surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking levothyroxine.
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What special dietary instructions should I follow while taking synthroid?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
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What should I do if I forget a dose of synthroid?
You should take the missed dose of levoxyl just as soon as you remember to take it. Unless, it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose of your medication to make up for a missed one.
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What side effects can synthroid cause?
Although side effects from levothyroxine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of therapy
- changes in menstrual cycle
- excessive sweating
- increased appetite
- sensitivity to heat
- stomach cramps
- upset stomach
- nervousness
- weight loss
- headache
- irritability
- insomnia
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- tremor
- fever
If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- chest pain or angina
» top What storage conditions are needed for synthroid?
Always keep the synthroid in the same container it came in. Make sure it is tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture; do not store this medication in the bathroom.
Always be sure to dispose of any medication that is no longer needed or outdated. Be sure to ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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What do I do in case of emergency or an synthroid overdose?
In case of a synthroid overdose, be sure to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is not breathing or has collapsed, dial 911 for local emergency services.
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What other information should I know about synthroid?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to levothyroxine.
Learn the brand name and generic name of your medication. Do not switch brands without talking to your doctor or pharmacist, as each brand of levothyroxine contains a slightly different amount of medication.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only; please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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