Generic Drugs // Thyroid // Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

Synthroid is used for:
Treating low thyroid activity and treating or suppressing different types of goiters. It is also used with surgery and other medicines for managing certain types of thyroid cancer.Synthroid is a thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones are produced and released by the thyroid gland and regulate the body’s metabolism. When the thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism) it does not produce enough thyroid hormone and metabolism slows.

Synthroid is used for:
Treating low thyroid activity and treating or suppressing different types of goiters. It is also used with surgery and other medicines for managing certain types of thyroid cancer.Synthroid is a thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones are produced and released by the thyroid gland and regulate the body’s metabolism. When the thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism) it does not produce enough thyroid hormone and metabolism slows.

How to use Synthroid:
Use Synthroid as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

    * Take Synthroid on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 to 3 hours after eating. It is recommended that you take your dose 1 hour before breakfast unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
    * Take Synthroid with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).
    * Notify your health care provider if you eat foods that contain soybean flour (infant formula), cottonseed meal, walnuts, or dietary fiber. These foods decrease the absorption of Synthroid . Your doctor may need to change your dose of Synthroid .
    * Take Synthroid 4 hours apart from calcium supplements, iron, antacids (those containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium), simethicone, cholestyramine, colestipol, sucralfate, or sodium polystyrene sulfonate. These medicines may decrease the absorption of Synthroid into your bloodstream.
    * Synthroid works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
    * It may take several weeks (4 to 6 weeks) before you notice an improvement in your symptoms.
    * Synthroid will usually have to be taken for life, except in the cases of temporary low thyroid activity associated with thyroid inflammation and in patients who are taking Synthroid on a trial basis.
    * For children or patients who cannot swallow whole tablets: Crush the tablet and mix in 1 or 2 teaspoons (5 or 10 mL) of water, and give using a spoon or dropper as soon as possible after preparation. Do not store the mixture for later use. Do not mix crushed tablets in soybean infant formula. Consult your pharmacist for more information.
    * If you miss a dose of Synthroid and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Synthroid.

Possible side effects of Synthroid:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

    * Anxiety; diarrhea; flushing; mood swings; muscle weakness; partial, temporary hair loss; sleeplessness; stomach cramps; tiredness; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

    * Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in appetite; changes in menstrual periods; chest pain; difficulty breathing; excessive sweating; fast heartbeat; fever; headache; hives or skin rash; hyperactivity; inability to handle warm or hot room/weather conditions; irregular heartbeat; irritability; leg cramps; nervousness; pounding in the chest; seizures; shortness of breath; tremors; weight gain or weight loss.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

Proper storage of Synthroid:
Store at room temperature, between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Protect from heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Synthroid out of the reach of children and away from pets.