About liothyronine sodium
Synthetic thyroid hormone (T3)
Used for
- Severe hypothyroidism when oral treatment is unsuitable
- Myxedema coma, alongside other emergency treatment
Usual adult dose
Dose is individualized by a specialist; emergency treatment often starts with 10–20 micrograms intravenously, then smaller doses every 4–8 hours.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-directed dosing based on age and weight; used in emergencies such as myxedema coma.
Common side effects
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Tremor or nervousness
- Excess sweating or heat intolerance
Important warnings
- Use cautiously with heart disease or older age.
- Excess dosing can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems.
- Not for weight loss or routine obesity treatment.
- Emergency use requires close monitoring of heart function and thyroid levels.
Pregnancy
Thyroid hormone treatment may be necessary during pregnancy; dosing and thyroid levels require medical monitoring.
Breastfeeding
Usually compatible when medically needed; monitor thyroid treatment with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Warfarin and other blood thinners
- Insulin and diabetes medicines
- Medicines affecting heart rhythm
- Calcium, iron, and some antacids can reduce thyroid hormone absorption.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.