Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking synthroid as follows:
- Individuals with synthroid intake can present with palpitations, very rapid heart rate with increased contraction of heart, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertrophy of cardiac muscle, eventually compromising the cardiac function and pumping of blood to all the vital organs of the body. Report any episodes of increased confusion, exacerbation of shortness of breath, chest pain, presentation of edema, and loss of consciousness to your doctor immediately. Individuals with prior history of cardiac function abnormalities and rhythm disturbances are at increased risk to present with symptoms of compromised cardiac function with synthroid and should be extra cautious.
- Synthroid by increasing the general body metabolism carries risk of increasing blood sugars and consequently can result in poor blood sugar control in diabetics. So, synthroid should be administered with caution in diabetics and blood sugar control must be closely watched, to prevent any episodes of hyperglycemia. Report any consistently elevated blood sugars and other symptoms of poor blood sugar control, such as, increased frequency of urination, increased thirst, malaise, and exhaustion to the physician for a possible change in plan of care.
- Do not take any aluminum and magnesium containing antacids, iron-containing compounds, and green leafy vegetables with high fiber content, such as, broccoli and cabbage with synthroid, as they can reduce the absorption of synthroid, thus compromising the therapeutic benefit of synthroid. Space out these medications and foods by observing a 4 – 6 hour window, after taking synthroid, to aid better absorption of synthroid. A lot of other nonprescription products and prescription medications can also influence the absorption and activity of synthroid in the body. So, be sure to mention your physician and pharmacist regarding your history with synthroid and check with them regarding safety, in the event you are being started on any new medications.
- Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your doctor.
