This article describes Tirosint’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Tirosint. If you want to know more about Tirosint, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Tirosint is a brand-name medication that comes as a capsule (Tirosint) and an oral solution (Tirosint-Sol). Tirosint oral capsule is also available in a generic version called levothyroxine. Tirosint-Sol isn’t available in a generic version.
This article describes dosages of Tirosint and Tirosint-Sol.
Boxed warning: Not for weight loss or treatment of obesity
Tirosint and Tirosint-Sol have a boxed warning that the drug should not be used for weight loss or treatment of obesity. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.
Forms and strengths of Tirosint
Tirosint comes in these forms and strengths, in micrograms (mcg) and micrograms per milliliter (mcg/mL):
| Form | How to take | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| capsule | take by swallowing | 13, 25, 37.5, 44, 50, 62.5, 75, 88, 100, 112, 125, 137, 150, 175, and 200 mcg |
| oral solution | take by swallowing | 13, 25, 37.5, 44, 50, 62.5, 75, 88, 100, 112, 125, 137, 150, 175, and 200 mcg/mL |
Dosage of Tirosint
This article describes the recommended dosages for Tirosint. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Tirosint without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Tirosint in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Tirosint. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Tirosint that gives the desired outcome.
Dosing for Tirosint is based on your weight in kilograms (kg). The usual dose for hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone) is:
- Dose: 1.6 mcg per kg body weight
- Frequency: daily
Dosing for Tirosint may be higher for certain types of thyroid cancer:
- Dose: greater than 2 mcg per kg body weight
- Frequency: daily
Keep in mind that you may require more or less Tirosint to manage your condition. Your doctor will monitor your thyroid condition with blood tests and adjust your dose if needed.
Dosages of Tirosint in children
Tirosint capsule is approved for children ages 6 years and older. Tirosint oral solution (Tirosint-Sol) is approved for all children, including newborns. The usual dosage in micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) body weight is:
| Age | Starting Daily Dosage |
|---|---|
| 0–3 months | 10–15 mcg/kg |
| 3–6 months | 8–10 mcg/kg |
| 6–12 months | 6–8 mcg/kg |
| 1–5 years | 5–6 mcg/kg |
| 6–12 years | 4–5 mcg/kg |
| Greater than 12 years, but growth and puberty incomplete | 2–3 mcg/kg |
| Growth and puberty complete | 1.6 mcg/kg |
Dosage adjustments for Tirosint
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Tirosint based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- your weight
- other medications you are taking
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Tirosint
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Tirosint. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Tirosint and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Tirosint and its dosage.
How does the dosage of Tirosint compare with the dosage of Synthroid?
Tirosint and Synthroid are both brand-name medications used to treat low thyroid hormone levels and certain types of thyroid cancer. They have the same active ingredient (levothyroxine), and their dosing is similar. But they come in different forms. Tirosint comes as an oral capsule and an oral solution that you swallow. Synthroid is an oral tablet that you swallow.
Even though they have the same active ingredient (an active ingredient is what makes a drug work), you may absorb each form slightly differently. So, you may require a different dose of one medication than another.
Talk with your doctor if you are switching between Tirosint and Synthroid, or if you have questions about your dosing.
Is Tirosint taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Tirosint as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Tirosint, talk with your doctor.
How Tirosint is taken
You swallow Tirosint once per day on an empty stomach. Tirosint capsules should be taken 30–60 minutes before breakfast. But you can take Tirosint oral solution up to 15 minutes before breakfast.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form. Or ask your doctor about the oral solution form of the drug (Tirosint-Sol).
Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Tirosint coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Tirosint when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardOverdose of Tirosint
It’s important that you do not take more Tirosint than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Tirosint overdose
Symptoms of an overdose may include:
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- anxiety or nervousness
- confusion or disorientation
- certain type of stroke
In extreme cases, an overdose of Tirosint could result in a coma.
What to do if you take too much Tirosint
If you think you’ve taken too much Tirosint, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Tirosint. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Tirosint without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Tirosint exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here are a few possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Do I need to take Tirosint at a different time than my other medications?
- Will my other medications interact with Tirosint?
- How do I know if Tirosint is working for me?
Boxed warning for Tirosint
Tirosint and Tirosint-Sol have a boxed warning that the drug should not be used for weight loss or treatment of obesity. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Not for weight loss or treatment of obesity
Thyroid hormones, including Tirosint, should not be used for weightless or the treatment of obesity. Doing so may result in your thyroid hormone levels being too high. This could lead to serious and possibly life threatening symptoms and harmful effects, such as an irregular heartbeat.
Talk with your doctor to learn more.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.