Drug Uses
Synthroid is used for treatment of low thyroid activity and treating or suppressing different types of goiters. It is also used with surgery and other medicines for managing certain types of thyroid cancer.

How Taken
 

Synthroid can be taken by mouth one hour before or 2 to 3 hours before a meal.

Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. (1 hour before breakfast unless directed otherwise)

Unless you are suffering from temporary low thyroid activity associated with thyroid inflammation, you may need to take Synthroid for life.

Do not stop without consulting your doctor. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

If you have trouble swallowing the medication, then crush it and mix it in 1 or 2 teaspoons of water and swallow immediately.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Synthroid then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Some of the typical symptoms of a synthroid overdose include chest pain, coma, confusion, disorientation, excessive sweating, extreme nervousness, headache, heart attack, increased bowel motility, irregular heartbeat, irritability, menstrual irregularities, seizures, shock, and tremor.
 

Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you use soybean flour (infant formula), cottonseed meal, walnuts, or dietary fiber, if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, diabetes, bone loss (osteoporosis), digestion or nutrient absorption problems, infertility problems, pituitary gland problems, high thyroid levels, or other thyroid problems, if you have just had or are scheduled for surgery.

You must not take Synthroid if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have a history of heart attack, chest pain (angina), adrenal gland problems, or elevated thyroid hormone levels that have not been treated.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Synthroid and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Synthroid is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Synthroid and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

If you are taking calcium supplements, iron, antacids (those containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium), simethicone, cholestyramine, colestipol, sucralfate, or sodium polystyrene sulfonate, then ensure that you space it out at least 4 hours apart from synthroid.

The tablet must be taken with a full glass of water as there is a risk of choking, gagging, the tablet getting stuck in your throat, or difficulty swallowing as the tablet swells and disintegrates rapidly.

If your doctor has prescribed a potassium supplement to you, then keep taking it according to the prescribed dosage.

should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Synthroid before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

It has been noted that elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are Anxiety, diarrhea, flushing, mood swings, muscle weakness, partial, temporary hair loss, sleeplessness, and stomach cramps, tiredness, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), changes in appetite, changes in menstrual periods, chest pain, difficulty breathing, excessive sweating, fast heartbeat, fever, headache, hives or skin rash, hyperactivity, inability to handle warm or hot room/weather conditions, irregular heartbeat, irritability, leg cramps, nervousness, pounding in the chest, seizures, shortness of breath, tremors, weight gain or weight loss.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.