Medication Information: Armour Thyroid, Dosage Guidelines, Pills Strengths, Form, Administration, and Additional Details
Armour Thyroid is a popular medication used to treat various thyroid conditions. Here's a helpful guide on how to use, dose, and handle this medication safely.
If you're finding it difficult to open Armour Thyroid medication bottles, don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist for solutions. They may suggest using easy-open containers or tools designed to make bottle opening easier. Some pharmacies also offer labels with large print, braille, or a code that can convert text to speech using a smartphone. If your local pharmacy doesn't offer these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
Armour Thyroid comes as a tablet that you swallow whole and should not be crushed, chewed, or placed in water. However, some Armour Thyroid tablets can be cut in half, but only the 180-milligram and 300-mg tablets have a line in the middle showing where to cut the tablet.
The typically recommended dosage range for Armour Thyroid is between 60-120 mg per day for hypothyroidism, and it may be higher for treating thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, or goiter. If you have certain medical conditions like heart problems or myxedema, your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dosage.
It's crucial to take Armour Thyroid around the same time of day to maintain a steady level of the drug in your body. Your doctor may also recommend taking Armour Thyroid on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after a meal.
Certain medications can affect the level of Armour Thyroid in the body. These include estrogen, oral contraceptives, cholestyramine, colestipol, and others. Always inform your doctor about any medications you're currently taking to avoid potential interactions.
If you miss a dose of Armour Thyroid, take it as soon as you remember, but if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Never double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
If you believe you've taken too much Armour Thyroid, call your doctor right away or call America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Overdose symptoms of Armour Thyroid can include rapid heart rate, confusion, sweating, nervousness, body tremors, seizures, and other symptoms.
Endocrinologists generally prescribe Armour Thyroid for the treatment of children with congenital hypothyroidism. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, you can find tips on how to take this form of medication or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Lastly, always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes and never change your dosage without your doctor's recommendation.
