Liothyronine

Conditions Treated

Liothyronine, a thyroid hormone, is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Without this hormone, the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin, and increased sensitivity to cold. When taken correctly, liothyronine reverses these symptoms. Liothyronine is also used to treat goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and to test for hyperthyroidism (a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone).

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Liothyronine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• weight loss
• tremor
• headache
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach cramps
• nervousness
• irritability
• insomnia
• excessive sweating
• increased appetite
• fever
• changes in menstrual cycle
• sensitivity to heat
• temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of therapy

If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• chest pain (angina)
• rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Liothyronine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken as a single dose before breakfast every day. To control the symptoms of hypothyroidism you probably will need to take this medicine for the rest of your life. It may take about 2 weeks before you notice any change in your symptoms. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take liothyronine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take liothyronine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking liothyronine without talking to your doctor.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking liothyronine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to liothyronine, thyroid hormone, or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amphetamines; antacids; anticancer medicines; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants or anti-anxiety agents; arthritis medications; aspirin; beta-blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal), or timolol (Blocadren, Timoptic); cholesterol-lowering resins such as cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid); diabetes medications (insulin and tablets); digoxin (Lanoxin); estrogens; iron; methadone; oral contraceptives; phenytoin (Dilantin); sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate); steroids; sucralfate (Carafate); theophylline (TheoDur); and vitamins. if you take cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take it at least 4 hours before or 1 hour after taking liothyronine. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes; kidney disease; hepatitis; cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), chest pain (angina), arrhythmias, or heart attack; or an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland. if you have surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking liothyronine.