LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM - Synthroid

Synthroid Used For

Synthroid (Levothyroxine Sodium) is indicated as replacement or supplemental therapy in congenital or acquired hypothyroidism of any etiology, except transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis. It helps to maintain the level of thyroid hormone in the body. It is also prescribed for patients with enlarged thyroid glands as well as in the treatment of thyroid cancer.

Directions for Synthroid

The ideal starting dosage of Synthroid is 0.0125 to 0.05 milligrams (mg) once a day, but should be individualized and adjustments made based on periodic assessment of the patient's response. Increase in dosage should only be made after medical advise and should never be higher than 0.15 mg once a day. Normally, Levothyroxine sodium is administered as a single daily dose, preferably one-half to one-hour before breakfast.

How Synthroid works

Levothyroxine has a narrow therapeutic index and requires careful dosage titration to avoid the consequences of over- or under-treatment. Many drugs interact with Levothyroxine sodium. Hence it is necessary that regular adjustments be made in dosage of Synthroid to maintain therapeutic response.

Side effects of Synthroid

Common side effects produced by Synthroid include fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever & excessive sweating. Certain patients may also experience headaches, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional ability, insomnia. In rare cases, Synthroid has been found to lead to impaired fertility and even cardiac arrest.

Other Synthroid Information

Synthroid may be split and taken at half the dose but only after medical advice. The drug should be taken at least 4 hours apart from drugs that are known to interfere with its absorption. This medicine usually takes several weeks to have a noticeable effect on patients. Until it begins to work, there may be no visible change in symptoms.