What is Synthroid (Levothyroxine or L-thyroxine)?
Synthroid
comes in the list of WHO’s Essential medicines. Synthroid is used as an
additional for the hormone produced by the thyroid gland to control the body’s
metabolism and energy. Synthroid is used when the thyroid doesn’t produce its
hormone automatically.
Synthroid is a curative drug for low thyroid hormone mainly named as
hypothyroidism. The medication is also used to prevent goiter caused by
radiation therapy, surgery, hormone imbalances or cancer.
How should I take Synthroid (Levothyroxine or L-thyroxine)?
Synthroid dosage is decided by your
healthcare provider after all the thyroid tests done. The drug is available in
oral tablet form and should consume empty stomach before the breakfast.
Synthroid is not a supplement of weight loss, so do not take it for obesity,
otherwise it may cause serious effects on you. Misuse of L-thyroxine may lead
to death. Discontinue or change in dosage on your own is strictly prohibited.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Try not to avoid synthroid as it is a
necessary medicine and should be consumed on time. The intake of medicine
without food is preferable before breakfast atleast 30 minutes and at the same
time every day. If in any case you missed the medicine take it as soon as
you remind it.
What are the dosage forms and strengths of Synthroid (Levothyroxine or L-thyroxine)?
Synthroid dosage depends on the condition of the patient such as age, body weight,
pregnancy condition, heart issues or any other that may interact with the drug.
Following dosages are prescribed for the patients:
- Less than 50
years of age: 1.7mcg/kg/day
- Older patients: 1mcg/kg/day
- Patients
with cardiac disorders: 25–50mcg/kg/day (below 50 years) and 12.5–25mcg/kg/day
(older)
- Infants: 10–15mcg/kg/day
- Patients
with thyroid cancer: >2mcg/kg/day
Should I use Synthroid (Levothyroxine or L-thyroxine) with food or without food?
Synthroid has been taken once in a day, empty
stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast. The drug is not for obesity, so
do not consider it for weight loss. Overdose of the drug is strictly barred and
if you find symptoms like headache, fast heartbeats, trouble breathing, leg
crams or chest pain, immediately consult your doctor and tell the situation.
What are the side effects of Synthroid (Levothyroxine or L-thyroxine)?
One of the major side effect of synthroid is
Mild Hair loss. Few allergic reaction to drug named as swelling on face, lips,
throat or tongue, difficulty in breathing, hives, etc
Some serious
side effects are:
- fast or pounding heart rate;
- fever, sweating, hot flashes,;
- insomnia;
- Chang in menstrual periods; or
- Weight gain or lose
- vomiting
- Loss of appetite
What are the precautions should be taken with synthroid?
- If you are
taking drugs for calcium and iron than take the synthroid after 4 hours of
taking them as it may interact with each other.
- If you are
taking any other medicine for throid hormone, than do not take synthroid
- Regular
tests are required with synthroid
- Synthroid is
a life time drug, so you have to take it even if you are well.
- Take the
pill with full glass of water
- If you are
diabetic or any other body issue, do inform your doctor before taking the
synthroid
Synthroid is available on internet and over
the counter. Purchase it from any trusted online pharmacy.
