Synthroid vs. Tirosint

• Are Tirosint and Synthroid the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Synthroid?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Tirosint?
• What is Synthroid?
• What is Tirosint?
• What Drugs Interact with Synthroid?
• What Drugs Interact with Tirosint?
• How Should Synthroid Be Taken?
• How Should Tirosint Be Taken?

Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium) and Tirosint (levothyroxine sodium) are synthetic compounds identical to T4 (levothyroxine) produced by the human thyroid gland used to treat hypothyroidism due to many causes (for example: thyroid removal, thyroid atrophy, functional T4 deficiency, radiation treatment of the thyroid, and other causes). Synthroid is also used for pituitary TSH suppression.

Tirosint is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).

Common side effects of Synthroid include:

• fever,
• hot flashes,
• sensitivity to heat,
• sweating,
• headache,
• nervousness,
• irritability,
• nausea,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• changes in appetite or changes in weight,
• changes in menstrual perdiods,
• and temporary hair loss.

Common side effects of Tirosint include:

• hair loss,
• changes in menstrual cycle, and
• appetite or weight changes

Tell your doctor if you have a serious side effect of Tirosint including:

• headache,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• nervous feeling,
• irritability,
• fever,
• hot flashes,
• sweating,
• pounding heartbeats, or
• fluttering in your chest

Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium) is a synthetic compound identical to T4 (levothyroxine) produced by the human thyroid gland used to treat hypothyroidism due to many causes.

Tirosint (levothyroxine sodium) is a replacement for a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Tirosint is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer.

Synthroid may interact with many different drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Tirosint may interact with many different medications. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Synthroid is prescribed in tablets that range from 25 to 300 mcg in strength and is usually taken once a day with a full glass of water (about 8 ounces) 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast for best adsorption into the body. Children can take the medicine if the tablet is crushed and put into about 1 to 2 teaspoons of water; do not store or delay giving this crushed pill suspension. Doctors often may have to slowly increase the dose; patients should not increase or decrease this medication themselves. Because some preparations of the drug may contain iodine or lactose, patients should tell their doctors about such allergies or reactions to these components. Many drugs can inhibit Synthroid's adsorption by the body; other medications may increase or decrease its effectiveness once it is adsorbed. Providing a complete list of medications to the doctor will help with getting the correct dose established for each individual patient. Pregnant and lactating females need to discuss the dose and use of this medication with their caregivers.

Tirosint is taken in a single daily dose, ranging in strengths of 13 mcg to 150 mcg, preferably ½ to 1 hour before breakfast. Tirosint may interact with medications such as calcium carbonate (Caltrate, Citracal, Oystercal, and others), iron supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate, Kionex, and others), antacids containing aluminum (Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, and others), and cholesterol-lowering drugs cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol (Colestid). Tell your doctor all medications or supplements you take. If you are pregnant or become pregnant, tell your doctor because your dose may need adjustment. This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.