Liothyronine acts by compensating for the lack of thyroid hormones. Its administration eliminates the symptoms triggered by this shortage such as increased sensitivity to cold, lack of energy, weight loss, hair loss and dry skin.
What is Liothyronine?
Liothyronine is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amounts of hormones.
It can also be used to treat goiter and to assess the presence of hyperthyroidism, conditions in which the thyroid, respectively, is enlarged or it produces too many hormones.
How should Liothyronine be taken?
Liothyronine is taken orally in a tablet form, usually with a single dose before breakfast.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism should start to improve after two weeks of treatment, but Liothyronine is not a cure and the medication should be taken for years to come.
Side effects associated with Liothyronine
Possible side effects of Liothyronine include:
- weight loss
- tremors
- headache
- stomach problems
- vomit
- diarrhea
- abdominal cramps
- nervousness
- irritability
- insomnia
- excessive sweating
- increased appetite
- fever
- changes in menstrual cycle
- sensitivity to heat
- temporary hair loss, especially in children in the first month of therapy
You should immediately contact a doctor if you notice:
- angina
- fast or irregular heartbeat
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Liothyronine
In case of treatment with cholestyramine or colestipol, Liothyronine should be taken at least one hour before or four hours after these medications.
Before taking this medicine, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you have allergy to the active substance or any other drug
- If you are taking any other medicinal products, herbal supplements or sedatives. Mentioning in particular: amphetamines, antacids, anti-cancer, anticoagulants, antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, arthritis drugs, aspirin, beta-blockers, drugs to lower cholesterol, diabetes medicines, digoxin, estrogen, iron, methadone, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, steroids, sucralfate, theophylline and vitamins
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from kidney disease or cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hepatitis or pituitary gland problems
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding
It is important to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Liothyronine.
