How to Take Synthroid
Your thyroid regulates your energy and metabolism production in your body. When your body fails to produce enough of those hormones it is known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is one of the main reasons you would take Synthroid. Synthroid is one of the brand names of the drug Levothyroxine, which is used to replace the lost hormone when your thyroid fails to produce enough. Synthroid can also be used to treat goiter, which is an enlargement of your thyroid gland that is caused by radiation treatments, cancer, hormone imbalances, and surgery.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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Take Synthroid exactly as it was prescribed to you. Read all the information that you are given with your prescription and contact the pharmacist or your doctor if you have any questions. If your doctor chooses to change the dosage of your prescription you should follow their instructions, not those on the prescription label.
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Take Synthroid with a full glass of water. It is very important to drink a full glass of water (at least 8 ounces) when you take Synthroid. Synthroid can dissolve very quickly and expand, causing you to choke or gag.
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Take Synthroid at the same time every day. Synthroid is usually taken in the morning. Wait thirty minutes after taking Synthroid before you eat.
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4
Have your blood tested on a regular basis while you are taking Synthroid to ensure the medication is working like it should. You will also need to have your kidney and liver functions tested from time to time while taking this medication.
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Store Synthroid at room temperature. Make sure you keep the medication away from extreme heat and moisture or the medication may become ruined.
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Tips & Warnings
If you miss a dose of Synthroid you should take the dose a soon as you remember. If it is close to the time when you will be taking your next dose you will need to skip the missed dose and continue taking Synthroid as prescribed.
Inform any doctor or dentist you receive treatment from that you are taking Synthroid. You do not need to inform every doctor on the street that you pass, however, that you are taking this medication. They will call the authorities.
Synthroid it not believed to cause any problems with newborn babies. The medication does pass in breast milk but is not known to harm nursing children. It would be wise to inform your doctor anyway if you are pregnant or nursing.
You may experience mild hair loss while taking Synthroid. This is a common side effect that usually occurs when you begin taking the medication or when you have a dosage increase. The side effect should subside after your body gets used to the medication.
Watch for the signs of an allergic reaction and seek medical attention immediately. Signs off an allergic reaction include hives, breathing difficulty, and swelling in the face, tongue, lips, and throat.
If you think you may have overdosed while taking Synthroid you need to seek medical attention quickly. Signs of an overdose associated with Synthroid include chest pain, shortness of breath, pounding heartbeat, tremors, leg cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion and seizures.
Some foods may make it difficult for your body to absorb Synthroid. Avoid eating infant soy formula, cotton seed mill, walnuts and foods that are high in fiber.
Serious side effects from taking Synthroid include insomnia, headache, nervousness, irritability, fever, hot flashes, sweating, menstruation changes and changes in your appetite and weight. Stop taking Synthroid and contact a doctor if you notice any of the serious side effects.
You will probably need to take Synthroid for the rest of your life, which could lead to bone loss. Over time, bone loss could lead to osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about the risk of bone loss from taking Synthroid.
Some medications can cause adverse reactions when combined with Synthroid. Inform your doctor before taking Synthroid if you have recently taken or are currently taking calcium carbonate, ferrous sulfate iron supplements, sucralfate, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, aluminum-containing antacids, or cholesterol-lowering medications.
