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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Loose Bowels. On Levothyroxine, Synthroid Advised. Will Switching To Synthroid Make A Difference?

I have been on levothyroxin for about 6 months and I am experiencing loose bowels. I told my doctor and he said to stop it for one week and if there is no loose bowels he will then switch me to synthroid. I was taking the levothyroxin during the night with water but not a whole glass of water. If I have 1/2 cup of coffee before breakfast, I am in the bathroom within a few minutes. Should I stop the coffee altogether to see if the problem stops? Will switching to synthroid make a difference?
Fri, 17 May 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,
Normally levothyroxine should not cause diarrhea for so long and most likely the cause for your loose bowels must be different but very rarely the colouring dye and fillers in the medicine might cause the problem to you.
The best would be to stop it as advised by your doctor and see the change.
No harm would be done if you stop it for a week.
If your diarrhea stops,switch over to synthroid.
But if dirrhea continues,consult a gastroenterologist for evaluation of cause and it's treatment.
It is better to take anti thyroid medications in morning on empty stomach.
Going to toilet after taking tea or coffee is normal but is found more in people having some bowel complaint,as in you.
Thanks
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Loose Bowels. On Levothyroxine, Synthroid Advised. Will Switching To Synthroid Make A Difference?

Hello, Normally levothyroxine should not cause diarrhea for so long and most likely the cause for your loose bowels must be different but very rarely the colouring dye and fillers in the medicine might cause the problem to you. The best would be to stop it as advised by your doctor and see the change. No harm would be done if you stop it for a week. If your diarrhea stops,switch over to synthroid. But if dirrhea continues,consult a gastroenterologist for evaluation of cause and it s treatment. It is better to take anti thyroid medications in morning on empty stomach. Going to toilet after taking tea or coffee is normal but is found more in people having some bowel complaint,as in you. Thanks