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Thyroid preparation overdose

 

Thyroid preparations are medicines used to treat thyroid gland disorders. Overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose. Symptoms of thyroid preparation overdose can be the same as symptoms of stimulant drugs.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

These ingredients in thyroid medicines can be poisonous if a person takes too much of the medicine:

  • Levothyroxine
  • Liothyronine
  • Liotrix
  • Other thyroid medicine

Other thyroid preparations may also contain harmful ingredients.

Where Found

 

The poisonous ingredients may be found in these medicines with these brand names:

  • Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid)
  • Liothyronine (Cytomel)
  • Liotrix (Thyrolar, Euthyroid)
  • Other thyroid medicine

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of poisoning with this type of medicine include:

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

 

Home Care

 

Seek medical help right away. DO NOT make a person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to do so.

 

Before Calling Emergency

 

Have this information ready:

  • Person's age, weight, and condition
  • The name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known)
  • The time it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed
  • If the medicine was prescribed for the person

 

Poison Control

 

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) 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.

 

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

 

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

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

  • Activated charcoal
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Breathing support, including oxygen
  • Chest x-ray
  • EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
  • Intravenous (IV) fluids through a vein
  • Laxative
  • Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach ( gastric lavage )

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

People who receive quick treatment make a good recovery. But, heart-related complications may lead to death.

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

 

 

Open References

References

Brenner GM, Stevens CW. Thyroid drugs. In: Brenner GM, Stevens CW, eds. Pharmacology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 32.

Liang HK. Hyperthyroidism and thyroid storm. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide . 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 215.

Sharma AN, Levy DL. Thyroid and adrenal disorders. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 128.

Yip L. Thyroid agent toxicity. In: Shannon MW, Borron SW, Burns MJ, eds. Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2007:chap 67.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Self Care

           

            Tests for Thyroid preparation overdose

             
               

              Review Date: 7/11/2015

              Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

              The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

               
               
               

               

               

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