How best to take NDT? Dissolve under tongue/sw... - Thyroid UK

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How best to take NDT? Dissolve under tongue/swallow normally with water....or does it matter?

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foxglove
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RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator

I think it's personal choice really. Some swallow the pill whole, some chew them before swallowing (I do) and others think dissolving under tongue works better. Might at least partly depend on whether you mind the taste - some people don't like it!

foxglove profile image
foxglove in reply to RedApple

Thank you,

Will chew, and swallow then drink water, think that covers everything, and I find the taste quite pleasant!

Clarebear profile image
Clarebear

I think only Erfa can be taken sublingually these days. The recommendation on STTm for the others is to chew them I believe. I do this with my Armour, but I don't mind the taste either. If you don't chew though it I think you might end up needing a slightly higher dose. Xx

foxglove profile image
foxglove in reply to Clarebear

Thank you,

Will chew as you suggest as I don't want to go to a higher dose! x

Jane104 profile image
Jane104

If you crunch it up it's absorbed quicker than if you swallow it whole - in the same way a soluble aspirin will work quicker than a tablet. With thyroid meds I don't think it makes much difference to the overall effectiveness of the meds whereas with an aspirin you might want a quick fix for a headache. But, I do think, if you're absorbing it quicker you don't need to leave so long before eating/drinking. Not sure if you actually absorb anything under the tongue but swallowing an already dissolved tablet would have the same effect as crunching.

foxglove profile image
foxglove in reply to Jane104

Thanks - like the comparison with soluble aspirin.

Will do as you suggest

Jackie profile image
Jackie

Hi I have lots of thyroid bloods,done, 2 to 6 weekly because of my heart. So, I am well able to evaluate the difference. I have always found on Erfa or armour, how and when taken it does not make any difference, so long as I do not take thyroid drugs or Beta Blockers before a test..

Best wishes,

Jackie

foxglove profile image
foxglove in reply to Jackie

Thanks, Jackie

Heloise profile image
Heloise

I recently spoke with Forest Pharmaceuticals because of a problem with a batch of Armour. I told them for one thing they were crunchier than previously. They told me NOT to chew them. I also thought there was a potency problem and they are checking them at the moment and sent me a new bottle.

foxglove profile image
foxglove in reply to Heloise

Thanks for this info. - the plot thickens!

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