About liothyronin hydrochloride
Synthetic thyroid hormone (T3)
Used for
- Treatment of hypothyroidism
- Short-term preparation for thyroid scans or radioactive iodine treatment
Usual adult dose
Hypothyroidism: usually 25 mcg daily initially, adjusted gradually; maintenance commonly 25–75 mcg daily.
Usual dose in children
Dosing is age- and weight-based, individualized by a specialist; infants may start at 5 mcg daily.
Common side effects
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Nervousness, tremor, or headache
- Increased sweating or heat intolerance
- Weight loss or diarrhea
Important warnings
- Too much can cause serious heart problems or bone loss.
- Use cautiously with heart disease, older age, or adrenal insufficiency.
- Not for weight loss or obesity treatment.
- Dose changes require thyroid blood-test monitoring.
Pregnancy
Often needed during pregnancy; dosing and thyroid tests require close medical monitoring.
Breastfeeding
Usually compatible at prescribed doses; adequate maternal treatment supports milk production.
Interactions
- Warfarin and other blood thinners
- Diabetes medicines
- Iron, calcium, and antacids can reduce absorption.
- Some seizure medicines and rifampin can alter thyroid hormone effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.