{"id":11077,"date":"2020-05-04T13:00:57","date_gmt":"2020-05-04T17:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=11077"},"modified":"2024-09-10T11:47:43","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T15:47:43","slug":"what-is-synthroid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-is-synthroid\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Synthroid and what is it used for?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you feel tired around the clock, have consistently dry skin, or notice that your face is slightly puffy, you could have <\/span>hypothyroidism<\/span><\/a>, a condition where your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. A Synthroid prescription can help.<\/span><\/p>\n

Synthroid is an FDA-approved<\/a> thyroid medicine that commonly <\/span>treats hypothyroidism<\/span><\/a> and regulates thyroid hormone levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Synthroid?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Synthroid<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>levothyroxine sodium<\/span><\/a>) is a type of thyroid medicine that replaces the hormone naturally produced by the thyroid gland and helps regulate the body’s energy and metabolism. AbbVie manufactures this hormone medication. It mainly treats hypothyroidism, though it can also treat an enlarged thyroid gland or thyroid cancer in some cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the thyroid malfunctions, the body doesn’t have enough thyroxine\u2014the primary hormone produced and released by the thyroid gland. Thyroxine plays a vital role in digestion, brain development, and heart and muscle function. The main ingredient in Synthroid, levothyroxine sodium, works in the same way as thyroxine (also known as T4), allowing the body to function normally.<\/span><\/p>\n

Levothyroxine sodium is a synthetic form of thyroxine. It’s the active ingredient in Synthroid, the brand-name version of levothyroxine. Inactive ingredients in Synthroid improve absorption, preserve the drug, and add color.<\/span><\/p>\n

Synthroid is a prescription drug and can not be bought over the counter. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if the drug is right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Synthroid used for?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Synthroid is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the body produces a low amount of thyroid hormone. It can also treat and prevent goiters caused by hypothyroidism. A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland that can occur due to hormone imbalances, iodine deficiency, thyroid surgery, or other underlying conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do not use Synthroid to treat non-cancerous growths, temporary cases of hypothyroidism, or thyroid enlargement in patients who have normal iodine levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Synthroid dosages<\/span><\/h2>\n

Brand-name Synthroid is available as a tablet in 12 different strengths<\/a>. Talk to your healthcare provider about which dosing option is best for you. The starting dose may differ as time goes on since thyroid hormone levels will likely change over time.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Synthroid pill identifier<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Color of tablet<\/b><\/td>\nStrength<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Orange<\/span><\/td>\n25 mcg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
White<\/span><\/td>\n50 mcg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Violet<\/span><\/td>\n75 mcg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Olive<\/span><\/td>\n88 mcg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Yellow<\/span><\/td>\n100 mcg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rose<\/span><\/td>\n112 mcg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brown<\/span><\/td>\n125 mcg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Turquoise<\/span><\/td>\n137 mcg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Blue<\/span><\/td>\n150 mcg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lilac<\/span><\/td>\n175 mcg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pink<\/span><\/td>\n200 mcg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Green<\/span><\/td>\n300 mcg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Generic versions<\/span><\/a> of Synthroid come in capsules, oral solutions, and powders for injections. Capsules range from 13 to 150 mcg, oral solution ranges from 12 to 200 mcg\/mL, and powder is available in 100, 200, and 500 mcg per vial.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These are the available strengths and forms of Synthroid for adults. If you’re a senior citizen, or have a child who needs to take Synthroid, talk to your healthcare provider about the best dosage. Before starting the medication, your physician will <\/span>test your TSH<\/span><\/a> (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels to determine the right dosage.<\/span><\/p>\n

When should Synthroid be taken?<\/span><\/h3>\n

For Synthroid to be effective, it should be taken at the same time every day, following these steps<\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Take Synthroid once a day before breakfast.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Make sure you take Synthroid with only water and on an empty stomach.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Wait 30 minutes to an hour before eating or drinking.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Synthroid restrictions<\/span><\/h3>\n

    There are no restrictions on who can use Synthroid\u2014adults, children, and the elderly can all take the drug. Children can take the medicine if the tablet is crushed and mixed with one to two teaspoons of water.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Synthroid interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Before you start taking Synthroid, talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history, including medical conditions and any medicine that you’re currently taking. If you’re taking other medications while taking Synthroid, your dosage for Synthroid or the other medications may need to change.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Synthroid may have <\/span>interactions<\/span><\/a> with the following drugs:<\/span><\/p>\n