Liothyronine

What it is used for

Liothyronine sodium tablets are an L-triiodothyronine (T3) indicated for: Hypothyroidism: As replacement in primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary (hypothalamic) congenital or acquired hypothyroidism Pituitary Thyrotropin (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, TSH) Suppression: As an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy in the management of well-differentiated thyroid cancer Thyroid Suppression Test: As a diagnostic agent in suppression tests to differentiate suspected mild hyperthyroidism or thyroid gland autonomy Limitations of Use: - Not indicated for suppression of benign thyroid nodules and nontoxic diffuse goiter in iodine-sufficient patients.

- Not indicated for treatment of hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis. Hypothyroidism Liothyronine sodium tablets are indicated as a replacement therapy in primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary (hypothalamic) congenital or acquired hypothyroidism. Pituitary Thyrotropin (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, TSH) Suppression Liothyronine sodium tablets are indicated as an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy in the management of well-differentiated thyroid cancer.

Thyroid Suppression Test Liothyronine sodium tablets are indicated as a diagnostic agent in suppression tests to differentiate suspected mild hyperthyroidism or thyroid gland autonomy. Limitations of Use Liothyronine sodium tablets are not indicated for suppression of benign thyroid nodules and nontoxic diffuse goiter in iodine-sufficient patients as there are no clinical benefits and overtreatment with liothyronine sodium tablets may induce hyperthyroidism.

Liothyronine sodium tablets are not indicated for treatment of hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis.

Side effects, and when to stop

Adverse reactions associated with liothyronine sodium therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage. They include the following:

General: fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating

Central nervous system: headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia

Musculoskeletal: tremors, muscle weakness and cramps

Cardiovascular: palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure, heart failure, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest

Respiratory: dyspnea

Gastrointestinal: diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, elevations in liver function tests

Dermatologic: hair loss, flushing

Endocrine: decreased bone mineral density

Reproductive: menstrual irregularities, impaired fertility

Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients

Pseudotumor cerebri and slipped capital femoral epiphysis have been reported in pediatric patients receiving thyroid replacement therapy. Overtreatment may result in craniosynostosis in infants and premature closure of the epiphyses in pediatric patients with resultant compromised adult height.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions to inactive ingredients have occurred in patients treated with thyroid hormone products. These include urticaria, pruritus, skin rash, flushing, angioedema, various gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea), fever, arthralgia, serum sickness and wheezing.

Who should not take it

Liothyronine sodium is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency.