Why is this medication
prescribed?
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).
This
medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine 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 special precautions
should I follow?
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 polystrene 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.
- tell your doctor if you are
pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant while taking liothyronine, call your doctor.
- if you have surgery,
including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are
taking liothyronine.
What special dietary
instructions should I follow?
Liothyronine
may cause an upset stomach. Take liothyronine with food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a
dose?
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this
medication cause?
Although
side effects from liothyronine are not common, they can occur. 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
What storage conditions are
needed for this medicine?
Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of
reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case
of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
What other information should
I know?
Keep
all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will
order certain lab tests to check your response to liothyronine.
Learn
the brand name and generic name of your medication. Do not switch
brands without talking to your doctor or pharmacist, as each brand of
liothyronine contains a slightly different amount of medication.
