Liothyronine
INFORMATION ABOUT LIOTHYRONINE
Liothyronine Uses
Liothyronine is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism.
How Liothyronine works
Liothyronine is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone triiodothyronine. It works by supplying the thyroid hormones normally produced by the body and treats an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Common side effects of Liothyronine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), Heart attack, Breathlessness, Headache, Nervousness, Irritation, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Trembling, Muscle weakness, Increased appetite, Weight loss, Diarrhea, Heat intolerance, Irregular menstrual cycle, Skin rash
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Last updated
10 Feb 2025 | 04:25 AM (UTC)
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Expert advice for Liothyronine
- Carefully monitor your sugar level regularly if you are diabetic since Liothyronine may worsen your sugar level and increase antidiabetic agents or insulin requirements.
- Get your hormone levels checked regularly and inform your doctor if you notice a significant change in your body weight. The dose may need to be adjusted.
- Seek immediate medical help if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, or skin rash.
- You may experience hair loss after starting the treatment with Liothyronine. Although this is temporary, consult your doctor if it bothers you.
- Your doctor has prescribed Liothyronine to replace the natural thyroid hormone that your own thyroid gland can no longer make.
- Liothyronine should be taken on an empty stomach (ideally, first thing in the morning). No food, milk, or tea should be taken 1 hour before and 2 hours after taking this medicine.
- It may take 6 to 8 weeks to get the full effect.
- For most people, Liothyronine can be a lifelong medication. Do not discontinue it without discussing your doctor.
- Inform your doctor if you have diarrhea, nervousness, irritability, sleep disturbances, shaking hands, or chest pain. Your doctor may adjust your dose.
- Leave a gap of at least 4 hours before taking any antacids, calcium or iron supplements, and multivitamins, as these may interfere with the effect of the medicine.
- Get your hormone levels checked regularly and inform your doctor if you notice a significant change in your body weight. The dose may need to be adjusted.
- Inform your doctor before changing the brand of Liothyronine as all brands may not have the same effect.
Frequently asked questions for Liothyronine
It is best to take Liothyronine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take it at the same time each day and do not take it more often than directed.
Yes, Liothyronine may worsen blood sugar levels and thus increase the need of antidiabetic medications in patients with diabetes. Carefully monitor your blood sugar level while taking this drug.
No, Liothyronine should not be used to treat obesity or for weight loss. It is ineffective for weight reduction and when taken in larger amounts, may cause more serious side effects.
Yes, you can take your thyroid medication at night, as long as you are taking it on an empty stomach.
Yes, while taking this medicine, your hair may become brittle, break, or fall from the roots. These conditions tend to resolve once the treatment is stopped. Be gentle when brushing and washing hair to manage hair loss.
Pregnancy may increase Liothyronine requirements. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels should be monitored and the dosage should be adjusted during pregnancy.
Food items with soluble fiber can help relieve diarrhea as they help absorb excess fluid from the body. These food items include bananas (ripe), oranges, boiled potatoes, white rice, curd, and oatmeal. Diarrhea can also cause dehydration in the body, so drink 8-10 glasses of water to avoid it. You can also have soups and juices frequently to hydrate yourself.