Synthroid is primarily used as a replacement therapy to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone[1][3][4]. It is also indicated as an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy to manage certain types of thyroid cancer, specifically thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer[3][8].
Additional medical uses include:
- Treatment of goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and prevention of its recurrence by suppressing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)[2][5][6].
- Treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism, which is characterized by elevated TSH levels and normal thyroid hormone levels, especially in symptomatic patients or those at risk (such as women planning pregnancy)[2].
- Management of certain cases of thyroid nodular disease as determined by a healthcare provider[2].
Synthroid is not indicated for the suppression of benign thyroid nodules or nontoxic diffuse goiter in iodine-sufficient patients and is not for use in the treatment of hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis[3].
References
- [1] Levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, and others): Uses, Side Effects … – WebMD
- [2] Levothyroxine – Wikipedia
- [3] synthroid.pdf – RxAbbVie
- [4] Levothyroxine Tablets – Hypothyroidism Medication – Cleveland Clinic
- [5] Levothyroxine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects – Drugs.com
- [6] Levothyroxine | Kaiser Permanente
- [8] Synthroid Uses, Dosage & Side Effects – Drugs.com