The pills are potent for restoring hormones. That is, they ensure the hormone is supplied in adequate amounts. They work by reversing symptoms of hypothyroidism which may have occurred naturally. Low thyroid may also occur when there?s an injury on the gland due to medication, surgery, or radiation. Brand names for the pill include Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, and Unithroid.
Synthroid medication should be swallowed using water, 30 to 60 minutes before eating breakfast. If ingesting the capsule, avoid crushing, chewing, splitting. Administer tablet to infants since they cannot swallow capsules. Crush and mix the tablet with 5 mL of water or as directed by the pharmacist. Administer the mixture with a dropper immediately after preparing it. Don?t prepare the mixture in advance.
Synthroid dosage is based on the weight and age of the patient, results of laboratory tests, health problem, and rate of resuscitation. For best results, use the medication regularly and at a specific time every day to avoid missing a dose. Note that thyroid medication doesn?t treat infertility issues except it?s due to low thyroid levels.
Hypothyroidism symptoms are:
Cold intolerance
Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
Increased weight
Cracking skin
Alimentary stoppage
Muscle soreness
Fatigue
If the condition does not improve or becomes worse after ingesting the pills for several weeks, contact a physician.
Patients must adhere to these precautionary measures when ingesting Synthroid:
Don?t quit the medication without informing a physician.
There are various brands of thyroid tablet. Inform a physician before switching brands.
Inform the physician if your system is sensitive to specific ingredients that may cause allergies.
Inform your doctor if you?ve experienced:
Thyrotoxicosis
Cardiovascular disease
Hypertension
Diabetes
Periodically monitor the sugar in your blood while ingesting the pills.
Before undergoing a surgical procedure, inform the specialist about the pills you?re ingesting.
If you are pregnant, inform your physician so they can adjust your dose.
Avoid breastfeeding while ingesting Synthroid. However, get clearance from the doctor before breastfeeding while on medication.
High thyroid levels in children might lead to a reduction in the growth and development of the bones and stunted growth. Hence, patients must see the physician at the scheduled time to allow them monitor your treatment efficiently.
Contact a physician if you observe the following:
Hair loss
Profuse sweating
Heat intolerance
Depression or anxiety
Fatigue
Loose stool
Tremor and seizures
Breathlessness
Fragile bones
Headache
Swollen feet, ankles, and hands
Irregular heart rate
Chest pain
Severe reactions to Synthroid are rare, but if any of the following occurs, don?t hesitate to call a doctor:
Difficulty in breathing
Extreme fatigue
Swollen face
Rash
If you don?t remember to take the pills, take them immediately you recall especially if it?s close to when you?re expected to take the next dose. Otherwise, miss it completely. Make sure the next dose is ingested on time. Avoid double dosing because it won?t replace the missed one. If you?ve missed over two doses concurrently, contact your doctor.
If someone ingests excess Synthroid medication, call 911. Indications of excessive consumption of Synthroid pills are:
Seizures
Perplexity
Unconsciousness
Irregular heartbeat
Always take note of any pill you ingest, whether they?re prescription, non-prescription, or herbal products. Don?t also begin or quit a dosage without a physician?s approval. The following could influence the potency of levothyroxine pills:
Calcium carbonate e.g., Tums, Oyster shell, Caltrate, and Alka-Mints)
Ferrate supplement
Cholestyramine
Sucralfate
Kayexalate
Medications that reduce stomach acid e.g., omeprazole, Nexium, Prevacid
Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum e.g., Mintox, Mylanta, Maalox
Avoid consuming the following foods as they inhibit the body from absorbing the required amount of hormone:
Food rich in fiber
Walnuts
Cotton seeds
Children soy milk
Grapefruit juice
Knowledge is empowering. I want to give my patients the information they need to make the best decision about their health and treatment options. There is not a “one size fits all plan, so we work hard to individualize a treatment plan for each of our patients. At Hilltop we strive to be your partner in this journey through life. We know there are many issues and concerns that can arise in different stages of the life cycle and we are here to provide you the support and guidance that you need, along with sound medical advice.