| What is Synthroid?
|
|
Synthroid is a synthetic thyroid hormone that may be given if your own thyroid gland is not making enough
hormone, if you have an enlarged thyroid (a goiter) or are at risk for developing a
goiter, if you have certain cancers of the thyroid, or if your thyroid production is low due to surgery, radiation, certain drugs, or disease of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain. |
| |
|
|
| |
| Are there any side effects associated with Synthroid?
|
|
Synthroid side effects, other than overdose symptoms, are rare. People who are treated with Synthroid may initially lose some hair, but this effect is usually temporary. You may have an allergic reaction such as a rash or hives. Children may have an increase in pressure within the skull. Excessive dosage or a too rapid increase in dosage may lead to overstimulation of the thyroid gland.
If the side effects continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms. Symptoms of
overstimulation include abdominal cramps, anxiety, changes in appetite, change in menstrual periods, chest pain, diarrhea, emotional instability, fatigue, fever,
flushing, hair loss, headache, heart attack or failure, heat intolerance, hyperactivity, increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, irritability, muscle weakness, nausea, nervousness, palpitations, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, sweating, tremors, vomiting,
and weight loss. |
| |
| How is Synthroid taken?
|
|
Follow the directions for taking Synthroid provided by your doctor. Take Synthroid as a single dose, preferably on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast. The drug is absorbed better on an empty stomach. If an infant or child cannot swallow whole tablets, you may crush a Synthroid tablet and mix it into 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls of water. While taking Synthroid, your doctor will perform periodic blood tests to determine whether you are getting the right amount.
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take
two doses at once. If you miss 2 or more doses in a row, consult your doctor. |
| |
| Are there any effects of taking Synthroid with other medications?
|
|
Some medicines may interact with Synthroid. Inform your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking
Synthroid with amiodarone, androgens, antacids and anti-gas medications,
antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, blood-thinning drugs, chloral hydrate,
diabetes drugs, digitalis-type drugs, estrogen products and oral contraceptives,
furosemide, growth hormones, hormone inhibitors, iodide, iron supplements,
kayexalate, ketamine, lithium, methadone, metoclopramide,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Parkinson's drugs,
propylthiouracil, seizure medications, steroids, stimulants, sucralfate,
the cancer drugs 5-fluorouracil, 6-mercaptopurine, mitotane, and tamoxifen,
the cholesterol-lowering drugs colestid, mevacor, and questran, the immune-system drugs interferon and interleukin,
the tranquilizers trilafon and valium, the tuberculosis drugs aminosalicylate, rifampin, and ethionamide,
or theophylline. A high-fiber diet, soy-containing supplements, and walnuts can also interfere with Synthroid effects. |
| |
| How should I store Synthroid?
|
|
Store Synthroid at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. |
| |
|
Return to health network. |
|
|
