IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Medication Interactions
- Dosage and Storage
- Medication Images
Pronounced: (lye-oh-THYE-roe-neen)
Liothyronine Oral Uses
Liothyronine is used to treat underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces a hormone that is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. It is important to have adequate levels of thyroid hormone in your bloodstream to maintain normal mental and physical activity.
This medication is also used to lower thyroid function in certain diseases such as enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is also used to test thyroid activity. Liothyronine is a man-made hormone that replaces the body's natural thyroid hormone (T3).
How To Use Liothyronine Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, thyroid levels and response to therapy.
Take this medication 4 hours before or after taking any products containing aluminum or iron, such as antacids, sucralfate, and vitamins/minerals. Take liothyronine 4 hours before or after taking cholestyramine or colestipol. These products react with liothyronine, preventing its full absorption.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without talking with your doctor. Thyroid replacement therapy is usually taken for life.
Symptoms of low thyroid levels include tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heart rate, and sensitivity to cold. These symptoms should lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. It may take several days before you see an improvement in your condition. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens after 2 to 3 days of treatment.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised May 2010
Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

10 Signs of ADHD in Toddlers
6 Psoriasis Soothers From Your Kitchen Cupboards
Top Foods to Avoid with High Blood Pressure
Why Alcohol and Adderall Do Not Mix