- March 15, 2022
- Newsletter
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Brand Name :
Liothyronine T3, Cytomel, Triostat, Thyroid Hormone
Synonyms :
liothyronine
Class :
Thyroid Products
Dosage forms & Strengths
Tablet
5mcg
25mcg
50mcg
Injectable solution
10mcg/ml
Initially, 25-75 mcg orally each day
It increases by 25 mcg every 1-2 weeks, do not exceed 100 mcg/day
Maintenance dose- 25-75 mcg orally each day
May also use 10-12.5 mcg triiodothyronine (T3) combined with tetraiodothyronine (T4)
Decrease the T4 dose by 50 mcg
Initially, 25-75 mcg orally each day
It increases by 25 mcg every 1-2 weeks, do not exceed 100 mcg/day
Maintenance dose- 25-75 mcg orally each day
May also use 10-12.5 mcg triiodothyronine (T3) combined with tetraiodothyronine (T4)
Decrease the T4 dose by 50 mcg
Initially 5 mcg orally each day
It may increase by 5-10 mcg every 1-2 weeks
When the dose reaches 25 mcg orally each day, increase it by 12.5 mcg or 25 mcg every 1-2 weeks
Maintenance dose- 75 mcg orally each day
25-50 mcg intravenously
Patients with cardiovascular disease, 10-20 mcg intravenously
For lower mortality rate, 65 mcg/day intravenously
Keep an interval of 4-12 hours in between the doses, do not exceed more than 12 hours
Dosage forms & Strengths
Tablet
5mcg
25mcg
50mcg
Injectable solution
10mcg/ml
Indicated for Congenital hypothyroidism
Initially 5 mcg orally each day
May increase the dose by 5 mcg every 3-4 days
Maintenance dose
For <1 year: 20 mcg orally each day
For 1-3 years: 50 mcg orally each day
For >3 years: 25-75 mcg orally each day
Initially 5 mcg orally each day
Increase the dose by 5-10 mcg every 1-2 weeks
Increase the dose by 12.5 or 25 mcg every 1-2 weeks
Maintenance dose
75 mcg orally each day
Dosage forms & Strengths
Tablet
5mcg
25mcg
50mcg
Injectable solution
10mcg/ml
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with CYP3A4 Substrates
acetaminophen IV/ibuprofen IV (Pending FDA Approval)
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with CYP3A4 Substrates
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with CYP3A4 Substrates
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with CYP3A4 Substrates
It may enhance the serum concentration when combined with CYP3A4 Substrates
Actions and Spectrum:
Actions:
Spectrum:
Frequency defined
1-10%
Tachycardia
Hypotension
Myocardial infarction
Cardiopulmonary arrest
<1%
Hypertension
Twitching
Phlebitis
Angina
Fever
Congestive heart failure
Black Box Warning
While thyroid hormones can increase metabolic rate and promote weight loss in individuals with hypothyroidism, they are not effective for weight loss in euthyroid individuals within the normal range of thyroid hormone production. In fact, taking larger doses of thyroid hormones can be dangerous, causing serious or even life-threatening side effects such as heart palpitations, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat.
Furthermore, combining thyroid hormones with other weight loss medications such as sympathomimetic amines (e.g., amphetamines) can lead to even more serious side effects, including cardiovascular problems and addiction.
Therefore, it is important to avoid using thyroid hormones for weight loss unless it is specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional for the treatment of hypothyroidism. For weight loss, individuals should focus on making healthy lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and following a balanced diet.
Contraindication/Caution:
liothyronine, like any medication, has some contraindications and cautions that should be considered before use. Here are some of the most important ones:
Pregnancy consideration:
Category A
Breastfeeding warnings:
liothyronine is distributed in breastmilk and hence use with caution if breastfeeding
Pregnancy category:
Pharmacology:
Pharmacodynamics:
Pharmacokinetics:
liothyronine is administered orally or by injection and is
Absorption
95% is absorbed
The time of onset of action is 2-4 hours
Duration of action is several days (hypothyroidism)
Peak plasma concentration is achieved in 1-2 hours
Max response takes place in 2-3 days
Distribution
The protein bound is 99.7%
Metabolism
The drug is hepatically metabolized in to deiodinated and conjugated metabolites
Elimination
The half-life is 2.5 days
The drug is excreted in Urine and feces
Administration:
liothyronine is typically administered orally as a tablet or capsule and is usually taken once daily in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast. The dose of liothyronine is individualized and depends on the patient’s age, weight, and medical condition.
It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions provided by the healthcare provider, as well as any dietary restrictions or other instructions. liothyronine should not be taken with food or other medications, as this may affect its absorption and effectiveness.
It is also important to monitor thyroid hormone levels regularly, as well as symptoms and side effects, to ensure that the dose is appropriate and to detect any potential complications. Changes in dosage or frequency of administration should only be made under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: liothyronine
Pronounced: Lio-thy-rin-one
Why do we use liothyronine?
liothyronine is used for various medical conditions, primarily those related to the thyroid gland and its function. It is commonly prescribed to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
liothyronine is also used in the diagnosis and management of certain thyroid disorders, such as thyroid cancer and goiter. Additionally, it may be used in combination with other medications to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.
liothyronine is also sometimes used off-label for weight loss and bodybuilding, as it can increase metabolic rate and energy expenditure. However, its use for these purposes is controversial and not recommended by healthcare providers, as it can lead to serious side effects and complications.
It is important to note that liothyronine should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider and should not be used without a proper diagnosis and monitoring of thyroid hormone levels.