Synthroid and cold meds

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-28-2004
Synthroid and cold meds
4
Mon, 11-15-2004 - 3:45pm

Well, I've got my first cold of the season...bummer. Does anyone know of any possible interactions between OTC cold meds and synthroid? Also, what about between homeopathic remedies and Synthroid? I've tried to research a bit but the only things I find that are problematic with taking Synthroid are antacids and calcium supplements. I'm just concerned because so many of those OTC cold meds will make your heart race. Any advice greatly appreciated. I'm going to go snuggle with my humidifier and a box of tissues for now.

Danielle

Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Mon, 11-15-2004 - 7:27pm

Hi Danielle,


I think you need to read the labels for any of the OTC meds.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Mon, 11-15-2004 - 9:58pm
Hi Danielle...sorry about your cold!

I take synthroid too and when I needed to take some otc meds for a cold my doctor (and my pharmacist) said it was okay to take sudafed and robitussin. But don't just take my word for it, talk to the pharmacist or your doctor to be sure.

Calley was right, almost all otc medications make a note to say "check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have a thyroid condition". My best guess is that it is because many of them are stimulants and can make your heart race, which is already a problem for people who are hyPERthyroid...

If you have a problem with the heart racing, stop taking the cold meds you are taking and ask your pharmacist or doctor to recommend something else.

I'm not sure about homeopathic stuff, but herbals and vitamins should be okay as long as they don't cause any adverse reactions (like the heart racing) and as long as you are taking them a few hours after you have taken your synthroid.

Good luck and hope you start feeling better soon!

dazed

Dazed
Co-CL Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Board
Co-CL Dogs Board

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Tue, 11-16-2004 - 5:49pm
Hi Danielle - I called my doctor once about that and she said it was only hyperthyroidism that was a concern - not hypo. But if you feel your heart race when you take them, you'll have to judge for yourself whether it's worth it or not. My husband and sister have a strange reaction to cold medications - it knocks them out, when it's not supposed to!! So I guess everyone is different. I don't think there's any interaction between cold meds and synthroid. I'll check it and if I find anything, I'll post it here for you. Hope this helps. Cathy :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-28-2004
Wed, 11-17-2004 - 7:28am

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I did call my doctor and he prescribed a decongestant for me along with ibuprofen or tylenol for headache, sinus pain, etc. While I was picking up the prescription I picked up some Zicam too. It's a homeopathic remedy that uses zinc compounds to shorten the duration of the cold. I used it for the first time last night and again first thing this morning and I already feel a bit better. The nice thing is there are no known drug interactions. I got the nasal swabs which is kind of gross, yes, but if it makes me feel better I don't care. :)

Thanks again everyone!

Danielle