Indications
- Liothyronine treats hypothyroidism by replacing or supplementing thyroid hormone.
- It’s a synthetic form of thyroid hormone essential for overall health.
- Proper thyroid hormone levels are vital for children’s growth, development, and learning.
- Also used for other thyroid disorders such as certain goiters or thyroid cancer and for diagnostic testing.
- Not recommended for treating infertility unless caused by low thyroid hormone levels.
Dosage and administration
- Take this medication orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
- Consistency in timing is crucial; aim to take it at the same time each day to maintain stable thyroid hormone levels.
- Regular usage ensures maximum benefits; do not discontinue without consulting your doctor, as thyroid replacement therapy is typically lifelong.
- Dosage depends on various factors such as medical condition, age, lab results, and response to treatment.
- Certain medications may reduce liothyronine absorption; examples include antacids, calcium supplements, and bile acid-binding resins. Take them at least 4 hours before or after liothyronine.
- If taking lanthanum, allow at least 2 hours between doses of liothyronine.
- Symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels include fatigue, muscle pain, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heartbeat, or cold sensitivity. Improvement may occur within days; inform your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Side effects
- Temporary hair loss, particularly in children, may occur within the initial months of starting the medication. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if this persists or worsens.
- This medication is prescribed because its benefits outweigh potential risks. Most individuals using it do not experience serious side effects.
- While rare, excessive thyroid hormone levels are possible. Notify your doctor promptly if you experience symptoms such as headache, mood changes, increased sweating, or menstrual irregularities.
- Seek immediate medical assistance if you observe severe symptoms like chest pain, rapid heartbeat, swelling, difficulty breathing, or extreme fatigue.
- Although uncommon, serious allergic reactions may occur. Contact medical help promptly if you notice symptoms such as rash, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This list doesn’t encompass all potential side effects; inform your doctor or pharmacist about any unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Before taking liothyronine, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you have, including inactive ingredients.
- Disclose your medical history, especially if you have conditions like decreased adrenal gland function, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or diabetes insipidus.
- Prior to undergoing surgery, notify your doctor or dentist about all medications, including prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products, that you use.
- If pregnant, inform your doctor, as adjustments to the dose may be necessary.
- Liothyronine may pass into breast milk but is unlikely to harm nursing infants. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.