Synthroid is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid organ is damaged or ceases to function properly. A normal functioning thyroid will produce the hormone known as thyroxine. This hormone is essential for maintaining a proper metabolic state as well as a variety of other factors necessary for proper health. Fortunately for those who suffer from hypothyroidism levothyroxine can replace the thyroxine that their body no longer produces. Levothyroxine is the synthetic version of the hormone thyroxine and functions well for hormone replacement therapy. Due to the variability in levels of hormone replacement needed amongst patients Synthroid comes in a variety of dosages.
Synthroid dosage forms
Synthroid is active at sub milligram doses. Due to this it is most commonly available in tablet form. Putting sub milligram doses into tablets makes the dosing much more reliable and accurate for the majority of users. Due to the low amount of levothyroxine needed for effects to be achieved it is not available to medical patients in powder or liquid form. It would be too easy for patients to accidentally overdose upon Synthroid if it were available in these forms. It is also not recommended to split the tablets apart as this may result in inaccurate dosing due to the small quantity of active ingredient contained within each tablet. Synthroid tablets should be taken daily on an empty stomach an hour to an hour and a half before a meal. This will ensure that the proper amount of the medication is absorbed.
Levothyroxine 50 mcg
The most common starting dosage of Synthroid is in 50 mcg taken one time daily. Most doctors recommend this dose be taken an hour or so prior to breakfast. For patients with a lower weight or cardiovascular problems this dosage may be too high. Fortunately, Synthroid is manufactured in tablet dosages that are lower than 50 mcg. In order to figure out your dosage your doctor will test your blood levels to determine how much thyroxine is currently in your bloodstream. From this data the proper dosage of levothyroxine will be determined. The chances of developing side effects at this dosage are rare but during the first week of starting Synthroid treatment you should monitor yourself closely for any symptoms that seem out of the ordinary and report any that occur to a medical professional.
Levothyroxine 75 mcg
If the 50 mcg of Synthroid daily is not enough to bring your hormone blood levels up to a normal range doses of 75 mcg will be administered. Doctors are trying to keep your thyroid hormone levels between the concentration of 0.3 and 3.0 mIU/L in your blood stream. If your blood levels drop below 0.3 mIU/L you need a larger dosage of Synthroid. If your thyroxine blood levels go above 3.0 mIU/L you need a lower dosage of Synthroid. For this reason doctors will closely monitor your blood levels during the first few weeks of treatment in order to determine the correct dosage for your specific condition.
Levothyroxine 100 mcg
Many thyroid conditions will worsen over time. This means that your dosage of Synthroid may have to increase as your medical condition worsens. While undergoing hormone treatment therapy with levothyroxine Doctors will periodically measure your blood levels to determine if your dosages need to increase. If this is the case your dosage of Synthroid may be moved up to 100 mcg tablets. It is important when increasing dosages to watch for symptoms of over medication as they are more likely to occur in these situations.