Synthroid (Levothyroxine)

Description

Synthroid contains levothyroxine sodium. Levothyroxine is the synthetic form of a natural substance produced by the body. It is known as synthetic T4.

 

 

 

Uses

 

Synthroid is used to treat hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the necessary hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine is also known as T4. The hormones produced by the thyroid are responsible for many of the processes that take place within the body. It balances the metabolism in individuals and is responsible for maintaining the skin temperature. For children, the thyroid helps in growth as well as physical and mental development. Synthroid helps to regulate all of those activities.

 

Synthroid can also be used to treat goiters. Goiters occur due to the enlargement of the thyroid gland. This can be due to the presence of cancer, an imbalance in hormones, or as a result of radiation or surgery. This medication can also help to prevent goiters from occurring in the first place.

 

These are just some of the benefits of Synthroid. Contact your doctor to discover a full list of benefits.

 

Dosage

 

You should always adhere to the prescription that you have been given by your physician. Do not take Synthroid in doses that are smaller or larger than you have been instructed.

 

This medication should be taken orally.

 

The recommended dose of Synthroid is 1.7 microgram per kg of body weight. This medication should be taken once a day.

 

Synthroid should be taken at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day.

 

There are certain medications that may reduce the effectiveness of Synthroid. There should be at least a four hour interval between taking these medications and Synthroid.

 

If you forget to take your dose of Synthroid, take it as soon as you remember. If your next scheduled dose is due soon, do not take the missed dose. Do not take two doses together.

 

In the event of an overdose, contact your local emergency medical services.

 

Side Effects

 

Some of the less common side effects that you may experience with Synthroid are:

 

 Discomfort in chest region
 Reduced urine production
 Difficulty breathing
 Prominent veins in the neck
 Fatigue
 Loss of consciousness
 Erratic heartbeat
 Fever
 Sensitivity to heat
 Presence of hives on skin
 Elevated blood pressure
 Erratic breathing
 Change in temperament
 Changes in menstrual cycle
 Nausea
 Discomfort in regions of the body
 Irritation of skin
 Unusual perspiration

 

In the event that you experience any of these adverse effects, contact your physician immediately.

 

Contraindications

 

 Tell your doctor if you have become pregnant or want to start breast feeding and you have been prescribed this medication.

 

 Do not take Synthroid if you have any problems with your adrenal gland or if you have diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis.

 

 Avoid taking this medication if you have ever experienced an allergic reactions to one of the ingredients in Synthroid.

 

 Inform your physician if you suffer from a history of heart problems, have diabetes, anemia, or osteoporosis, or have issues with your pituitary gland.

 

 Inform your physician about any medications, prescribed or over the counter, which you may be taking.