MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Thyroid preparation overdose

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Thyroid preparation overdose

Contents of this page:
Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms Home Care	Before Calling Emergency Poison Control What to Expect at the Emergency Room Outlook (Prognosis)

Definition

Thyroid preparations are medications used to treat thyroid gland disorders. Overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of such medications.

Poisonous Ingredient

Levothyroxine
Liothyronine
Liotrix
Thyroid

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Where Found

Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid)
Liothyronine (Cytomel)
Liotrix (Thyrolar, Euthroid)
Other thyroid medication

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Changes in menstrual pattern
Chest pain
Convulsions
Dilated pupils
Excessive sweating
Fever
Headache
High blood pressure
Irritability
Nausea and vomiting
Nervousness
Rapid heartbeat
Shock
Skin flushing

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
When it was swallowed
The amount swallowed

Poison Control

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

Activated charcoal
Blood tests to check thyroid level
EKG
Laxative

Outlook (Prognosis)

Patients who receive quick treatment make a good recovery. Heart-related complications may lead to death.

Symptoms may not be seen until a week after the overdose. They may be treated successfully with several medications.

Update Date: 10/29/2007

Updated by: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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