Thyroid preparation overdose

Answer 1

Definition

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

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

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

Home Treatment

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)
• Time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the person

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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
• Breathing support
• EKG
• Fluids through a vein (IV)
• Laxative

Expectations (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.

References

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.

Answer 2

Definition

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

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

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

Home Treatment

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)
• Time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the person

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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
• Breathing support
• EKG
• Fluids through a vein (IV)
• Laxative

Expectations (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.

References

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.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 12/15/2011

Eric Perez, MD, St. Luke's / Roosevelt Hospital Center, NY, NY, and Pegasus Emergency Group (Meadowlands and Hunterdon Medical Centers), NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.