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6 Interactions found for:

hydrochlorothiazide and Synthroid
Interactions Summary
  • 2 Major
  • 2 Moderate
  • 2 Minor
  • hydrochlorothiazide
  • Synthroid

Drug Interactions

No drug interactions were found for selected drugs: hydrochlorothiazide, Synthroid.

This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Drug and Food Interactions

Moderate
Synthroid + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Levothyroxine (found in Synthroid)

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Consumption of certain foods as well as the timing of meals relative to dosing may affect the oral absorption of T4 thyroid hormone (i.e., levothyroxine). T4 oral absorption is increased by fasting and decreased by foods such as soybean flour (e.g., infant formula), cotton seed meal, walnuts, dietary fiber, calcium, and calcium fortified juices. Grapefruit or grapefruit products may delay the absorption of T4 thyroid hormone and reduce its bioavailability. The mechanism of this interaction is not fully understood.

MANAGEMENT: Some manufacturers recommend administering oral T4 as a single daily dose, on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast. In general, oral preparations containing T4 thyroid hormone should be administered on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals to avoid large fluctuations in serum levels. Foods that may affect T4 absorption should be avoided within several hours of dosing if possible. Consult local guidelines for the administration of T4 in patients receiving enteral feeding.

References

  1. "Product Information. Synthroid (levothyroxine)." Abbott Pharmaceutical PROD (2002):
  2. "Product Information. Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated)." Forest Pharmaceuticals (2022):
  3. Wohlt PD, Zheng L, Gunderson S, Balzar SA, Johnson BD, Fish JT "Recommendations for the use of medications with continuous enteral nutrition." Am J Health Syst Pharm 66 (2009): 1438-67

The following applies to the ingredients: Levothyroxine (found in Synthroid)

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Concurrent administration of calcium-containing products may decrease the oral bioavailability of levothyroxine by one-third in some patients. Pharmacologic effects of levothyroxine may be reduced. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may involve nonspecific adsorption of levothyroxine to calcium at acidic pH levels, resulting in an insoluble complex that is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. In one study, 20 patients with hypothyroidism who were taking a stable long-term regimen of levothyroxine demonstrated modest but significant decreases in mean free and total thyroxine (T4) levels as well as a corresponding increase in mean thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH) level following the addition of calcium carbonate (1200 mg/day of elemental calcium) for 3 months. Four patients had serum TSH levels that were higher than the normal range. Both T4 and TSH levels returned to near-baseline 2 months after discontinuation of calcium, which further supported the likelihood of an interaction. In addition, there have been case reports suggesting decreased efficacy of levothyroxine during calcium coadministration. It is not known whether this interaction occurs with other thyroid hormone preparations.

MANAGEMENT: Some experts recommend separating the times of administration of levothyroxine and calcium-containing preparations by at least 4 hours. Monitoring of serum TSH levels is recommended. Patients with gastrointestinal or malabsorption disorders may be at a greater risk of developing clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism due to this interaction.

References

  1. Schneyer CR "Calcium carbonate and reduction of levothyroxine efficacy." JAMA 279 (1998): 750
  2. Singh N, Singh PN, Hershman JM "Effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of levothyroxine." JAMA 283 (2000): 2822-5
  3. Csako G, McGriff NJ, Rotman-Pikielny P, Sarlis NJ, Pucino F "Exaggerated levothyroxine malabsorption due to calcium carbonate supplementation in gastrointestinal disorders." Ann Pharmacother 35 (2001): 1578-83
  4. Neafsey PJ "Levothyroxine and calcium interaction: timing is everything." Home Healthc Nurse 22 (2004): 338-9

Moderate
Hydrochlorothiazide + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Hydrochlorothiazide

MONITOR: Many psychotherapeutic and CNS-active agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, alcohol, muscle relaxants) exhibit hypotensive effects, especially during initiation of therapy and dose escalation. Coadministration with antihypertensives and other hypotensive agents, in particular vasodilators and alpha-blockers, may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close monitoring for development of hypotension is advised during coadministration of these agents. Some authorities recommend avoiding alcohol in patients receiving vasodilating antihypertensive drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia.

References

  1. Sternbach H "Fluoxetine-associated potentiation of calcium-channel blockers." J Clin Psychopharmacol 11 (1991): 390-1
  2. Shook TL, Kirshenbaum JM, Hundley RF, Shorey JM, Lamas GA "Ethanol intoxication complicating intravenous nitroglycerin therapy." Ann Intern Med 101 (1984): 498-9
  3. Feder R "Bradycardia and syncope induced by fluoxetine." J Clin Psychiatry 52 (1991): 139
  4. Ellison JM, Milofsky JE, Ely E "Fluoxetine-induced bradycardia and syncope in two patients." J Clin Psychiatry 51 (1990): 385-6
  5. Rodriguez de la Torre B, Dreher J, Malevany I, et al. "Serum levels and cardiovascular effects of tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in depressed patients." Ther Drug Monit 23 (2001): 435-40
  6. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  7. Pacher P, Kecskemeti V "Cardiovascular side effects of new antidepressants and antipsychotics: new drugs, old concerns?" Curr Pharm Des 10 (2004): 2463-75
  8. Andrews C, Pinner G "Postural hypotension induced by paroxetine." BMJ 316 (1998): 595

Drug and Pregnancy Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Hydrochlorothiazide

The manufacturer recommends that hydrochlorothiazide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

AU TGA pregnancy category: C
US FDA pregnancy category: B

The routine use of diuretics during pregnancy is not indicated or recommended.

Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of fetal harm. There are no data from controlled human studies, but retrospective reviews have shown an increased risk of malformations associated with thiazide diuretics. In addition, use of thiazide diuretics during pregnancy has been associated with fetal or neonatal electrolyte abnormalities, jaundice, and/or thrombocytopenia.

The Collaborative Perinatal Project monitored 50,282 mother-child pairs, of whom 233 were exposed to thiazide or related diuretics during the first trimester. An increased risk of malformations was found for thiazide diuretics. Use of thiazides after the first trimester does not seem to carry this risk. Thiazide diuretics may, however pose metabolic risks to the mother and fetus (hyponatremia, hypokalemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperglycemia), and may have a direct effect on smooth muscle, resulting in inhibition of labour.

Data from the U.S. Michigan Medicaid Birth Defects Study has revealed an association between the use of hydrochlorothiazide and congenital abnormalities. This was a retrospective study of 229,101 completed pregnancies between 1985 and 1992, of which 567 were exposed to hydrochlorothiazide at some time during the first trimester, and 1,173 were exposed to the drug at any time during pregnancy. Of the 567 pregnancies, there were 24 total and 7 cardiovascular birth defects (22 and 6 were expected, respectively). There were no observations of cleft palate, spina bifida, limb reduction, or hypospadias. The one instance of polydactyly did not achieve statistical significance. These data are consistent with an association between the use of hydrochlorothiazide and birth defects, although other factors, including underlying disease(s) of the mother are not accounted for.

Cases of neonatal thrombocytopenia associated with antepartum administration of thiazide diuretics have been reported.

AU TGA pregnancy category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

US FDA pregnancy category B: Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

References

  1. Heinonen O, Shapiro S; Kaufman DW ed., Slone D "Birth Defects and Drugs in Pregnancy." Littleton, MA: Publishing Sciences Group, Inc. (1977): 297
  2. Rodriguez SU, Sanford LL, Hiller MC "Neonatal thrombocytopenia associated with ante-partum administration of thiazide drugs." N Engl J Med 270 (1964): 881-4
  3. Lindheimer MD, Katz AI "Sodiuim and diuretics in pregnancy." N Engl J Med 288 (1973): 891-4
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  5. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia "APPGuide online. Australian prescription products guide online. http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp" (2006):
  6. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

The following applies to the ingredients: Levothyroxine (found in Synthroid)

Use is considered acceptable

AU TGA pregnancy category: A
US FDA pregnancy category: Not Assigned

Risk Summary: No increased rates of major birth defects or miscarriages have been reported with use during pregnancy; untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy is associated with risks to the mother and fetus

Comments:
-Thyroid replacement therapy should not be discontinued during pregnancy; hypothyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy should be promptly treated.
-Monitor TSH levels and adjust doses as needed.

Animal studies have not been conducted. There is a long history of using this drug in pregnant women and this experience has not shown increased rates of fetal malformations, miscarriages or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy is associated with a higher rate of complications, including spontaneous abortion, pre-eclampsia, stillbirth and premature delivery. Maternal hypothyroidism may have an adverse effect on fetal neurocognitive development. Pregnant women taking this drug should have their TSH measured during each trimester and dose adjusted as appropriate. Patients will generally return to their pre-pregnancy dose after delivery. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category A: Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the fetus having been observed.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. "Product Information. Synthroid (levothyroxine)." Abbott Pharmaceutical PROD (2002):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia "APPGuide online. Australian prescription products guide online. http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp" (2006):
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

Drug and Breastfeeding Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Hydrochlorothiazide

Manufacturer recommendation: Use is not recommended and a decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

According to LactMed this drug has been used without apparent harmful effects in the nursing infant at doses of 50 mg daily or less. Large doses may cause intense diuresis resulting in a decrease in breastmilk production.

References

  1. "Product Information. HydroDIURIL (hydrochlorothiazide)." Merck & Co., Inc PROD (2002):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  3. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):

The following applies to the ingredients: Levothyroxine (found in Synthroid)

Use is considered acceptable

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-Levothyroxine (T4) is a normal component of human milk; limited data on exogenous replacement doses during breastfeeding have not shown an adverse effect in nursing infants.
-Levothyroxine dose requirements may be increased in the postpartum period compared to prepregnancy requirements in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
-The presence of thyroid hormone in breast milk does not appear to interfere with neonatal thyroid screening.

References

  1. "Product Information. Synthroid (levothyroxine)." Abbott Pharmaceutical PROD (2002):
  2. Jansson L, Ivarsson S, Larsson I, Ekman R "Tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine in human milk." Acta Paediatr Scand 72 (1983): 703-5
  3. Moller B, Bjorkhem I, Falk O, Lantto O, Lafsson A "Identification of thyroxine in human breast milk by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry." J Clin Endocrinol Metab 56 (1983): 30-4
  4. Mizuta H, Amino N, Ichihara K, et al. "Thyroid hormones in human milk and their influence on thyroid function of breast-fed babies." Pediatr Res 17 (1983): 468-71
  5. Hahn HB, Spiekerman AM, Otto R, Hossalla DE "Thyroid function tests in neonates fed human milk." Am J Dis Child 137 (1983): 220-2
  6. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  7. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia "APPGuide online. Australian prescription products guide online. http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp" (2006):
  8. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  9. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):

Therapeutic Duplication Warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

Switch to: Consumer Interactions

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

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