Thyroid USP Dosing

There is no standard thyroid USP dosage because everyone responds to medications differently and has varying degrees of hypothyroidism. A typical adult usually ends up taking 60 to 120 mg daily. Your healthcare provider will probably start you on a low dose of thyroid USP. Dosing will be increased gradually based on the results from blood tests that are used to monitor your thyroid function.

 

An Introduction to Thyroid USP Dosing

The dose of thyroid USP that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to thyroid USP
  • The results of certain thyroid blood tests
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Any other medications you are taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Is There a "Standard" Thyroid USP Dose?

Thyroid USP is not a "one-size-fits-all" medication, and there is no "standard" thyroid USP dosage. People have varying degrees of hypothyroidism and other thyroid problems (and varying responses to medications), and, as a result, the thyroid USP dose must be individualized. It often takes several months to find the best dose, and your dose may need to be adjusted from time to time, even if you have been stable on a particular thyroid USP dosage for a while. It is important to understand that it can take a few weeks -- or sometimes even a few months -- for your body to adjust to any change in dosage.
 
Most healthcare providers start with a low thyroid USP dose and slowly work up to the best dose. You will need frequent blood tests to monitor your thyroid function, and the results of these tests will guide your healthcare provider in making any necessary dosing adjustments. It would be irresponsible for your healthcare provider to prescribe the drug without the proper monitoring using blood tests. Consider seeking a second opinion if your healthcare provider recommends thyroid USP without the appropriate blood tests.
 
People with heart problems and elderly people are usually started on lower doses, due to the risk of heart problems. A typical adult usually ends up taking thyroid USP 60 to 120 mg per day, although many people may need more or less.
 
(Thyroid USP Dosing Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;