Contents:
- Medical Video: How To Take Levothyroxine Properly | Best Way To Take Thyroid Medication | When To Take Synthroid
- What is the function of hypothyroid drugs?
- When should hypothyroid medicine be taken?
- How come?
- Rules for taking hypothyroid drugs
Medical Video: How To Take Levothyroxine Properly | Best Way To Take Thyroid Medication | When To Take Synthroid
Almost all hypothyroid cases are treated by administering drugs containing thyroid hormone. Without proper treatment, the symptoms of hypothyroidism can worsen over time. Well, besides following the recommended dosage, hypothyroid medicine turns out to also have to be taken at certain times so that the benefits become more effective. Indeed, when, really, is the right time to take hypothyroid medicine? Here's the explanation.
What is the function of hypothyroid drugs?
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This thyroid hormone functions to control the speed of one's metabolism.
When the thyroid hormone produced by the body decreases, the body's metabolism slows down so that the calories burned while on the move and rest become less.
So that your body's metabolism will be faster, hypothyroid sufferers will be given special medicines that contain thyroid hormones.
This of course serves to stimulate the production of the body's thyroid hormone to stay balanced. That way, you don't get sick easily because of the effects of hypothyroidism.
When should hypothyroid medicine be taken?
In addition to having to take it according to the recommended dosage, hypothyroid medicine turns out to also have to be consumed at certain times so that the way it works is more effective. You might be wondering, when, really, is the right time to take hypothyroid medicine?
Based on a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2009, experts took blood samples of hypothyroid patients to measure their thyroid hormone levels. After that, the experts observed how much difference the effectiveness of the drug if taken at different times, namely morning and night.
The results showed that when hypothyroid drugs were taken in the morning, TSH levels in all patients decreased. While when the rules for taking hypothyroid drugs were changed to nighttime, the patient's TSH levels continued to decline significantly.
The decrease in TSH levels in patients actually shows that the absorption of thyroid drugs takes place faster and better. As a result, experts concluded that thyroid drugs will provide maximum results when consumed at night.
How come?
The most common hypothyroid drug is levothyroxine, a type of drug synthesized from the thyroxine (T4) hormone. This drug works by mimicking thyroid hormones in increasing the body's metabolism.
When you take hypothyroid medication, your thyroid hormone levels in your blood will be more balanced. However, this drug still cannot cure your hypothyroidism. But don't worry, this drug can at least help relieve the disturbing symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Based on the results of the previous study, hypothyroid drugs turned out to be more effective at night. This is caused by many things that can affect the workings of levothyroxine in the body.
When hypothyroid drugs are taken in the morning, the effectiveness of levothyroxine will decrease when you have breakfast or drink coffee. Even if you have given a 30 minute pause before eating, the absorption of the drug in fact is still not effective enough in the body.
In addition, this also has something to do with bowel movements which slow down at night. Because of its slower absorption, this is actually beneficial for you. Levothyroxine drug will last longer in the intestine so that it is absorbed better and maximally.
Moreover, taking hypothyroid medication at night will make it easier for you to avoid the types of drugs or supplements that can interfere with the absorption of hypothyroid drugs. For example supplements that contain iron or calcium carbonate are often taken in the morning.
Rules for taking hypothyroid drugs
People with hypothyroidism may get different types of drugs, depending on age, body weight, levels of thyroid hormones in the body, and medical history. However, the rules for taking the medicine will actually remain the same.
So that the absorption of hypothyroid drugs becomes more maximal and accelerates healing, follow the rules for taking the following hypothyroid drugs.
- Take medication at the same time every day. It's best to take this medicine one hour before going to bed.
- Never miss hours taking medication. If you forget, immediately take medicine as soon as you remember or put an alarm to help you.
- Avoid taking drugs or supplements that contain calcium and iron at the same time. Also avoid high-fiber foods because this can inhibit the absorption of thyroid drugs.
If during this time you routinely take thyroid medication in the morning, you should consult your doctor before you change the routine to the night. Your doctor will check your thyroid levels for 6 to 8 weeks while monitoring the effects of changing the time you take medication.
With the results of these thyroid levels, the doctor will determine whether you need to add a dose or instead have to take thyroid medication back in the morning. Most importantly, make sure you take thyroid medication according to the dose, at the same time, and drink it every day without being missed.
