Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Cytomel, Triostat, Liothyronine T3, Thyroid Hormone
- Thyroid Products
Description
Oral and parenteral synthetic form of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3); faster onset of action (no need to peripherally convert T4 to T3) vs. levothyroxine
Used for myxedema coma in combination with levothyroxine; monitor for cardiostimulatory effects
Levothyroxine (T4) alone is preferred for routine therapy of hypothyroidism; however, partial replacement with T3 is used in selected patients after T4 dose stabilization
Indications
Indicted for the treatment of hypothyroidism of any etiology, except during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis; used as a replacement in primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), tertiary (hypothalamic), congenital (cretinism), or acquired hypothyroidism.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to thyroid hormone
Acute MI uncomplicated by hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, untreated adrenal insufficiency
Treatment of obesity or infertility
Adverse Effects
- Tachycardia (3%)
- Hypotension (2%)
- Myocardial infarction (2%)
- Cardiopulmonary arrest (2%)
- Congestive heart failure
- Hypertension
- Twitching
- Phlebitis
- Angina
- Fever
Warnings
Caution in angina, cardiovascular disease, hypopituitarism, DM
May use judiciously in acute MI caused/complicated by hypothyroidism
Perform periodic assessment of thyroid status when using as thyroid replacement
Myxedematous patients are very sensitive to thyroid hormone; start at very low dose
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy category: A
Lactation: Excreted into breast milk; use caution
Maximum Dosage
Liothyronine has a narrow therapeutic index; dosage must be individualized.
There is limited clinical experience with more than 100 mcg/day PO or IV.
There is limited clinical experience with more than 100 mcg/day PO or IV.
Adolescents in whom growth and puberty are complete: There is limited clinical experience with more than 100 mcg/day PO or IV.
Oral dosage must be individualized to age, weight, growth, and clinical status; if more than 3 years of age, adult dosages may be required (adult usual Max: 100 mcg/day PO). There is limited experience with IV use; safety and efficacy of IV use in pediatric patients have not been established.
Individualize dosage.
Individualize dosage.
How supplied
Liothyronine Sodium
injectable solution
- 10mcg/mL
tablet
- 5mcg
- 25mcg
- 50mcg