Your thyroid produces hormones that control the rate your body uses energy -- known as your metabolism. If you have an underactive thyroid gland, called hypothyroidism, your doctor may prescribe a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement medication called levothyroxine. You'll need to take levothyroxine every day, most likely as a lifelong treatment. Certain foods, vitamins and chemical compounds can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine, especially vitamin supplements high in iron and calcium. Levothyroxine is sold under a variety of brand names, including Synthroid, Levoxyl and Unithroid. Levothyroxine replaces T4 hormone, one of two important hormones -- T3 and T4 -- that control metabolism. Your body can synthesize T3 hormones from levothyroxine even if you are hypothyroid, so there is rarely a need to supplement both T3 and T4 hormones. In addition to a slower metabolism and weight gain, common symptoms of a sluggish thyroid include fatigue, headaches, a sensitivity to cold, depression and a goiter -- a physical swelling of the thyroid gland at the base of your throat.
Levothyroxine is designed to be absorbed in your intestines during digestion. Any drugs that interfere with digestion can block the absorption of your hormone replacement. The Mayo Clinic notes that iron supplements and vitamins that contain iron, calcium supplements, antacids containing magnesium and aluminum and certain cholesterol and ulcer medications can stop your body from assimilating levothyroxine. You do not have to stop taking your supplements or other medications, but you must wait four hours after taking levothyroxine to avoid any potential interactions. While there are no vitamin supplements designed to be taken with levothyroxine, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that some vitamins may help relieve the symptoms of your hypothyroidism. UMMC recommends eating whole foods, rather than taking supplements to increase your consumption of foods high in B vitamins, such as whole grains and fresh vegetables and fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, cherries, bell pepper, squash and tomatoes.
Omega-3 supplements may decrease inflammation and strengthen your immune system. You can also increase omega-3 intake by eating fatty cold-water fish, walnuts and flaxseeds. Any vitamin supplement that you and your doctor agree should be added to your diet can be taken with levothyroxine, provided that you don't take your vitamin or supplement within four hours of taking your thyroid replacement hormone. Fiber supplements and high fiber foods should also be taken well after the levothyroxine has been absorbed by your body. Certain foods, including walnuts, cottonseed meal and soybean flour may also interfere with levothyroxine and should be eaten later. Foods or Things to Avoid When Taking Levothyroxine Breakfast Meal Plan for Hypothyroidism Bad Side Effects of Synthroid Can I Take Thyroxine With Calcium With D? Losing Weight While on Synthroid Diet Menu Plan for an Underactive Thyroid A List of Foods That You Can Eat with Gastritis Natural Thyroid Treatments to Help You Lose Weight
The Best Supplements for Low Thyroid How to Diet With Synthroid Levothyroxine & Fish Oil Foods to Avoid When Taking Thyroid Medication Effects of Too Much Levothyroxine Is There Concern With Taking Magnesium With Levothyroxine? Weight Loss With Levothyroxine Medication Iron Supplements & Levothyroxine Foods to Eat When You Have Thyroid Disease How is Thyroxine Used for Weight Loss?Thiamine is vitamin B1. Thiamine is found in foods such as cereals, whole grains, meat, nuts, beans, and peas. Thiamine is important in the breakdown of carbohydrates from foods into products needed by the body.Thiamine is used to treat or prevent vitamin B1 deficiency. Thiamine injection is used to treat beriberi, a serious condition caused by prolonged lack of vitamin B1.Thiamine taken by mouth (oral) is available without a prescription. Injectable thiamine must be given by a healthcare professional.Thiamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use thiamine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking thiamine if you have any medical conditions, if you take other medications or herbal products, or if you are allergic to any drugs or foods.Before you receive injectable thiamine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.Thiamine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition.Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if:you have any other medical conditions;you take other medications or herbal products; oryou are allergic to any drugs or foods.To make sure you can safely receive injectable thiamine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.Thiamine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Your thiamine dose needs may be different during pregnancy.
Do not take thiamine without medical advice if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.It is not known whether thiamine passes into breast milk. Your dose needs may be different while you are nursing. Do not take thiamine without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Side EffectsGet emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:blue colored lips;chest pain, feeling short of breath;black, bloody, or tarry stools; orcoughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.Less serious side effects may include:nausea, tight feeling in your throat;sweating, feeling warm;mild rash or itching;feeling restless; ortenderness or a hard lump where a thiamine injection was given.This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) InteractionsFollow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.There may be other drugs that can interact with thiamine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.Thiamine (Vitamin B1) DosageUse exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.Injectable thiamine is injected into a muscle. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.Do not use the injectable medication if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.The recommended dietary allowance of thiamine increases with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.