PRESCRIBED FOR: Liothyronine is used to treat hypothyroidism (low production of thyroid hormone) in adults and children. Prolonged hypothyroidism can result in a condition called myxedema in which patients develop swollen lips, thickened nose, and unusual deposits of material in the skin that are dry and waxy. These deposits also may appear in body tissues other than the skin. Liothyronine also is used for suppressing production of thyroid stimulating hormone in patients with goiters and for testing how well the thyroid gland is functioning.
SIDE EFFECTS: Liothyronine therapy generally is well-tolerated. If symptoms occur, they usually occur because there are toxic (too high) levels of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism).
DOSING: The usual starting dose of liothyronine for treating hypothyroidism is 5 to 25 mcg per day. The dose then is adjusted based on the patient's response and the blood levels of thyroid hormone. Optimal liothyronine doses are different for each patient and vary depending on the patient's age, weight, symptoms, blood levels of thyroid hormone and underlying conditions such as heart disease. Individuals who are hypothyroid will require thyroid hormone for life.
