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
Convulsions
A seizure is the physical findings or changes in behavior that occur after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term "seizure...
- Dilated pupils
-
Excessive sweating
Excessive sweating
Sweating is the release of liquid from the body's sweat glands. This liquid contains salt. This process is also called perspiration. Sweating helps...
- Fever
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Irritability
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nervousness
-
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid heartbeat
Palpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...
-
Shock
Shock
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means that the cells and organs...
- 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.
Poison Help hotline
For a POISON EMERGENCY call:1-800-222-1222ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATESThis national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. This ...
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)
EKG
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
- Intravenous (IV) fluids through a vein
- Laxative
-
Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (
gastric lavage
)
Gastric lavage
Gastric suction is a procedure to empty the contents of your stomach.
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.
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.
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.