Synthroid (levothyroxine)

Synthroid Description

Synthroid, or synthetic T4 or 3, 5, 3 ', 5'-tetraiodo-L-thyronine, is a pharmaceutical form of synthetic thyroid hormone thyroxin. The natural hormone is chemically present in the form L, and thus acts as a pharmacological agent. Dextrothyroxin (D-thyroxin) shows anti-cholesterol effects, but can have serious cardiac side effects.

Synthroid has a similar effect to the natural thyroid hormone. It is converted into T3 in peripheral organs, like the endogenous hormone, and it develops its action on T3 receptors.

Conditions Treated by Synthroid

This medication is a hormone replacement usually prescribed to patients with thyroid problems, specifically, hypothyroidism. It is also used for patients with goiter, or inflated thyroid gland.

Synthroid is prescribed in cases of hypothyroidism or thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland) and in circumstances where it becomes necessary to restrain the secretion of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). It is often prescribed against weight gain because thyroxin controls the metabolism, although it is not an appetite suppressant (anorectic).

Synthroid Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

It is recommended to take Synthroid 30 to 60 minutes before a meal to maximize absorption. As a precaution for any tablet that could get stuck in the throat, it is highly advisable for the patient to swallow the tablet with a full glass of water to facilitate its ingestion, and help dissolve the tablet.

If you are going to give this medicine to a child who cannot swallow a foreign body, crush and dissolve in one or two tablespoons of natural water. Never store the mixture and mix the tablet only with natural ground water. Never mix it with food or infant formula (milk).

If the patient is medicated with antacids, calcium carbonate, cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid), iron, sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), simethicone (Phazyme, Gas X), sucralfate (Carafate), you have to leave a gap of 4 hours before or after taking Synthroid, for other drugs.

If medication is administered daily and there is no alteration in the cycle or pattern of intake, it will not cause any damage to the patient, except in cases of overdose treatment.

b.) Missing A Dose

As and when you remember about the forgotten dose, immediately take it. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed dose without consulting your doctor. Refer any concerns about a missed dose with your doctor.

c.) Overdosing

Several of the main risky symptoms of a Synthroid overdose include increased blood pressure (hypertension), fast heart beat (tachycardia), irregular beating of the heart (arrhythmia), shivering, nervousness, confusion, fits, strokes, blackout, unconsciousness, coma or even fatality. There are also signs of acute increase in metabolic rate.

Depending on the severity of over dosage, treatment is recommended to be stopped and appropriate biochemically induced changes should be enforced. In case of poisoning or attempted suicide, a dose of over 10 mg of Synthroid could prove deadly. Sudden cardiac deaths in patients with overdoses of Synthroid have been reported for years. In case of intense sympathomimetic beta effect, tachycardia, anxiety and agitation, extreme dose of plasma is useful.

Synthroid Warnings

Some may be allergic to the medicine. If the patient develops a severe reaction to this drug with breathing difficulties, short aspirations, edema of face and tongue, palpitations and irregular pulse, it is imperative to at once report to a service that provides immediate emergency medical attention.

In pregnancy, Synthroid should not be associated with treatment of hyperthyroidism. An additional intake of Synthroid can cause great damage, so take your doses in the correct measure. There are foods and other substances that may negatively interfere with the absorption of the thyroxin hormone replacement. Avoid taking calcium or iron supplements within 4 hours of the medication, and maintain a space of 3 hours for products derived from soybeans.

Synthroid Side Effects

Synthroid can have adverse side effects like:

• palpitations
• sweating
• fever
• angina
• nervousness
• irritability
• headache
• flushing
• tremors
• difficulty sleeping
• insomnia
• edema of legs and ankles
• uncontrolled weight loss or gain
• increased appetite
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• changes in menstrual cycle
• sensitivity to heat
• temporary hair fall

If you experience such anomalies, report them to your doctor before proceeding any further with the prescribed medication.

Synthroid Drug Interactions

Synthroid is known to have interactions with antidiabetic drugs

If you have any questions about buying discount Synthroid online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.