{"id":628903,"date":"2024-07-09T17:30:05","date_gmt":"2024-07-09T21:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628903"},"modified":"2026-02-11T10:04:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T15:04:39","slug":"np-thyroid-vs-synthroid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/np-thyroid-vs-synthroid\/","title":{"rendered":"NP Thyroid vs. Synthroid: Differences, similarities & side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

The thyroid is a part of the endocrine system and plays an important role in the body\u2019s growth, metabolism, and development. The small, butterfly-shaped gland releases <\/span>thyroid hormone<\/span><\/a>, which actually consists of two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). While T4 is mostly inactive, T3 is active. When the thyroid releases T4, the body has to convert it into T3 in order to use it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NP Thyroid<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Synthroid<\/span><\/a> are prescription medications used to treat <\/span>hypothyroidism<\/span><\/a> (underactive thyroid) and thyroid cancer. Although both medications are therapeutically known as thyroid replacement hormones, they do have notable differences. Continue reading to learn more about both medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

NP Thyroid vs. Synthroid: Key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n

NP Thyroid and Synthroid are both brand-name drugs. NP thyroid is a natural thyroid medicine that contains both T4 and T3. It comes from the thyroid glands of pigs (the <\/span>prescribing information<\/span><\/a> notes that the tablet has a strong, characteristic odor) and is dried and ground (known as desiccated thyroid extract, or DTE). Synthroid contains a s<\/span>ynthetic form of T4 and is chemically identical to the hormone produced in the human thyroid gland.<\/span><\/p>\n

Synthroid is also available in a generic formulation called <\/span>levothyroxine<\/span><\/a>. Both medications come in various <\/span>doses<\/span><\/a>, as shown in the chart below. These medications can be used in adults and children who are appropriate candidates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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NP Thyroid vs. Synthroid: Comparing key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nNP Thyroid<\/b><\/td>\nSynthroid<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nThyroid replacement hormone (contains both T4 and T3)<\/span><\/td>\nThyroid replacement hormone (contains T4 only)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nThere is no generic available, but the active ingredients are <\/span>tetraiodothyronine sodium (T4 levothyroxine) and triiodothyronine sodium (T3 liothyronine)<\/span><\/td>\nLevothyroxine, levothyroxine sodium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral tablet: <\/span>30 mg (1\/2 grain), 60 mg (1 grain),<\/span><\/p>\n

90 mg (1 1\/2 grain),\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

120 mg (2 grain)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n

Oral tablet: <\/span>25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75 mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg, 175 mcg, 200 mcg, 300 mcg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries; dose is individualized and ranges from <\/span>15 mg to 180 mg once a day<\/span><\/p>\n

Tablet is taken once daily, on an empty stomach, with a full glass of water<\/span><\/td>\n

Varies; dose is individualized<\/span><\/p>\n

Tablet is taken once daily, on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, with a full glass of water<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nLong-term; lifelong<\/span><\/td>\nLong-term; lifelong<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and children, including infants (mixing instructions not provided in prescribing information)<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children, including infants (for pediatric patients who cannot swallow a pill, the tablet must be crushed and mixed with water, breast milk, or formula since there is no liquid version available)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

NP Thyroid vs. Synthroid: Conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n

People with <\/span>hypothyroidism<\/span><\/a>, or underactive thyroid, do not make enough thyroid hormone on their own and need replacement thyroid hormone in the form of medication. Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed through bloodwork that measures thyroid function with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and free thyroxine (FT4). Measurement of total T4 or T3 levels or FT3 levels is not recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:<\/span><\/p>\n