Liotrix

DEA Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Thyrolar

  • Thyroid Products

Oral mixture of 2 synthetic thyroid hormones: T4 (levothyroxine) and T3 (liothyronine), in a 4-to-1 ratio by weight, respectively
Used for hypothyroidism of almost any etiology, including congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism) and myxedema in adults and pediatric patients
Levothyroxine is the preferred replacement therapy for routine use; combination of T3 an T4 therapy may be useful in select patients, such as those with symptoms despite stabilization of a dose for T4 replacement
A “Liotrix-1” synthetic tablet is roughly comparable to a porcine thyroid USP 1 grain (60 mg) tablet (e.g., Armour Thyroid)

For the treatment of hypothyroidism of any etiology, except transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis. This category includes cretinism (congenital hypothyroidism), myxedema, and ordinary hypothyroidism in patients of any age (pediatrics, adults, the elderly), or state (including pregnancy); primary hypothyroidism resulting from functional deficiency, primary atrophy, partial or total absence of thyroid gland, or the effects of surgery, radiation, or drugs with or without the presence of goiter; and secondary (pituitary), or tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism.
For thyroid suppression testing as an aid for hyperthyroidism diagnosis in patients with signs of mild hyperthyroidism in whom baseline laboratory tests appear normal, or to demonstrate thyroid gland autonomy in patients with Grave’s ophthalmology.

Hypersensitivity to thyroid hormone

Acute MI uncomplicated by hypothyroidism, untreated thyrotoxicosis, untreated adrenal insufficiency

Treatment of obesity

Arrhythmias

Increased blood pressure

Chest pain

Palpitation

Anxiety

Headache

Urticaria

Changes in menstrual cycle

Insomnia

Hyperhydrosis pruritus

Tachycardia

Nervousness

Tremor

Cramps

Increased appetite

Weight loss

Diarrhea

Caution in angina, cardiovascular disease, HTN, endocrine disorders, elderly

Use caution in patients with adrenal insufficiency (symptoms may become exagerated or aggravated)

Euthroid withdrawn from U.S. market

Use caution in patients with myxedema (symptoms may become exagerated or aggravated)

No advantage over levothyroxine & may do more harm (T3 overdosage) than good

Not for the treatment of female infertility in euthyroid patients

Pregnancy Category: A

Lactation: Small amount excreted into breast milk, use caution

Liotrix has a narrow therapeutic index; dosage must be individualized.

Adults

Doses greater than Thyrolar-2 (100 mcg T4 and 25 mcg T3)/day PO rarely needed.

Elderly

Doses greater than Thyrolar-2 (100 mcg T4 and 25 mcg T3)/day PO rarely needed.

Adolescents

Adolescents in whom growth and puberty are complete: Doses greater than Thyrolar-2 (100 mcg T4 and 25 mcg T3)/day PO rarely needed.

Children

Individualize dosage.

Liotrix T3;T4

Each 60 mg tablet will replace approximately 60-65 mg (1 grain) of desicated thyroid

Liothyronine sodium (T3) is approximately 4 times as potent as levothyroxine (T4)

tablet, T3/T4

  • Thyrolar 1/4 (15mg): 3.1/12.5mcg
  • Thyrolar 1/2 (30mg): 6.25/25mcg
  • Thyrolar 1 (60mg): 12.5/50mcg
  • Thyrolar 2 (120mg): 25/100mcg
  • Thyrolar 3 (180mg): 37.5/150mcg

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