What is Armour Thyroid: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 16, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Armour Thyroid is a brand-name medication that contains dried and powdered pig thyroid glands. The tablets provide natural thyroid hormones to correct low thyroid hormone levels in people with an underactive thyroid.

Armour Thyroid overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Armour Thyroid

Generic Names:

  • Desiccated porcine thyroid

Uses:

  • Treats low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Thyroid agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Armour Thyroid used for?

Armour Thyroid treats underactive thyroid problems (hypothyroidism). It is not an appropriate treatment for severe hypothyroid issues such as myxedema coma.

What form(s) does Armour Thyroid come in

  • Tablet 

    • 15 mg

    • 30 mg

    • 60 mg

    • 90 mg

    • 120 mg

    • 180 mg

    • 240 mg

    • 300 mg

What are common Armour Thyroid doses?

  • For hypothyroidism: 

    • In adults: 60–120 mg tablet taken once daily 

    • In adolescents: 90 mg or more once daily 

    • In children 6–12 years of age: 60–90 mg once daily 

    • In children 1–5 years of age: 45–60 mg once daily 

    • In children 6–12 months: 30–45 mg once daily 

    • In children 0–6 months: 15–30 mg once daily

Common Armour Thyroid prescriptions

  • Armour Thyroid
    100 tablets bottle

  • Armour Thyroid
    30 tablets bottle

  • Armour Thyroid
    60 tablets bottle

  • Armour Thyroid
    90 tablets bottle

  • Armour Thyroid
    120mg tablet

  • Armour Thyroid
    15mg tablet

  • Armour Thyroid
    180mg tablet

  • Armour Thyroid
    240mg tablet

  • Armour Thyroid
    300mg tablet

  • Armour Thyroid
    30mg tablet

  • Armour Thyroid
    60mg tablet

  • Armour Thyroid
    90mg tablet

How to take Armour Thyroid

  • Follow the prescriber’s instructions.

  • Take the tablets at the same time every day.

  • Take Armour Thyroid doses on an empty stomach 30–60 minutes before eating food.

  • Swallow the tablet with a drink of water.

  • The tablet may smell bad. That’s normal and does not indicate spoilage.

  • Store Armour Thyroid tablets in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect this medicine from heat and light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Armour Thyroid

  • Take the missed dose as soon as possible.

  • Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.

  • Take the next dose at its regular time.

  • Do not take two doses at the same time.

Armour Thyroid contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of thyroid hormone or if you have:

    • Dangerously high thyroid hormone levels (thyrotoxicosis)

    • Adrenal gland insufficiency

Armour Thyroid warnings

  • Tell all other doctors or healthcare providers treating you that you are taking this medication.

  • Thyroid hormone treatment requires regular blood tests to make sure the dose is correct. Keep all appointments.

  • Before taking this medication, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have: 

    • Heart problems

    • Coronary artery disease

    • Chest pain (angina)

    • Diabetes

    • Adrenal gland problems

  • Do not stop taking this medicine without first talking with the prescriber. Thyroid hormone replacement is typically a lifelong therapy.

Armour Thyroid interactions

  • Tell the prescriber about all the prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you take, particularly:

    • Blood thinners

    • Diabetes medications

    • Insulin

    • Birth control pills

    • Estrogen replacement treatments

  • If you are taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take the dose either four hours before or four hours after taking the Armour Thyroid dose.

  • Stop taking any vitamins or supplements that contain biotin (vitamin B7) at least two days before any thyroid hormone blood test.

  • Tell other healthcare professionals you are taking Armour Thyroid before they prescribe new medications.

Armour Thyroid side effects

Serious side effects

Talk to the prescriber if you notice any signs or symptoms of severe hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid hormone), including:

  • Chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeat, palpitations

  • Intense sweating, heat intolerance

  • Extreme nervousness, extreme irritability, jitteriness, rapid talking

  • Tremors, fast reflexes

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Loss of periods

  • Bulging eyes

True allergic reactions to dried thyroid are very rare. Immediately contact the prescriber or get medical help if you experience:

  • Skin rash or hives

  • Intense itching

  • Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat

  • Difficulty breathing, wheezing

Less serious side effects

Inform the prescriber if you notice signs of mild hyperthyroidism, including:

  • Increased energy

  • Mood swings

  • Anxiousness

  • Appetite changes

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Irregular periods

Sources:

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