Tertroxin
liothyronine sodium (T3)
Pharmacologic class: Synthetic thyroxine hormone
Therapeutic class: Thyroid hormone replacement
Pregnancy risk category A
FDA Box Warning
• Drug has been used (alone or with other agents) to treat obesity. In euthyroid patients, doses within range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight loss. Larger doses may cause serious or life-threatening toxicity, particularly when given with sympathomimetic amines (such as those used for anorectic effects).
Action
Synthetic form of triiodothyronine (T3). Regulates cell growth and differentiation; increases metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates; and enhances aerobic mitochondrial function. Also reduces tissue lactic acidosis.
Availability
Injection: 10 mcg/ml in 1-ml vials
Tablets: 5 mcg, 25 mcg, 50 mcg
Indications and dosages
➣ Thyroid hormone replacement in mild hypothyroidism
Adults: All dosages individualized. Initially, 25 mcg P.O. daily; may increase in increments of 12.5 to 25 mcg/day q 1 to 2 weeks. Usual maintenance dosage is 25 to 75 mcg P.O. daily.
➣ Myxedema
Adults: All dosages individualized. Initially, 5 mcg P.O. daily; increase in increments of 5 to 10 mcg/day q 1 to 2 weeks, up to 25 mcg/day. If response still isn't adequate, increase by 5 mcg to 25 mcg P.O. daily q 1 to 2 weeks until desired response occurs. Usual maintenance dosage is 50 to 100 mcg/day P.O.
➣ Myxedema coma
Adults: Initially, 25 to 50 mcg I.V.; after 4 hours, reassess patient's need for subsequent doses (up to 65 mcg in 24 hours). In cardiovascular disease, initial dosage is 10 to 20 mcg I.V.
➣ Simple goiter
Adults: All dosages individualized. Initially, 5 mcg P.O. daily. Increase by 5 to 10 mcg/day q 1 to 2 weeks, up to 25 mcg/day; then increase by 12.5 to 25 mcg P.O. daily q week until desired effect occurs. Usual maintenance dosage is 75 mcg P.O. daily.
Children or elderly adults: Initially, 5 mcg P.O once daily. Increase by 5 mcg q 1 to 2 weeks until desired effect occurs.
➣ T3 suppression test to distinguish hyperthyroidism from thyroid gland autonomy
Adults: 75 to 100 mcg P.O. daily for 7 days in conjunction with radioactive iodine
Dosage adjustment
• Severe, long-standing hypothyroidism
• Cardiovascular disease
• Psychosis or agitation
• Elderly patients
Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components
• Acute myocardial infarction
• Untreated thyrotoxicosis
• Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency and coexisting hypothyroidism
• Artificial rewarming (I.V. form only)
Precautions
Use cautiously in:
• cardiovascular disease, severe renal insufficiency, uncorrected adrenocortical disorders, diabetes mellitus
• elderly patients
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients.
Administration
• Know that all dosages are highly individualized.
• Administer single oral dose in morning with or without food.
• Injectable form is for I.V. use only. Don't give I.M.
• Infuse each 10-mcg dose over 1 minute.
• Give repeat I.V. doses more than 4 hours but less than 12 hours apart.
• Be aware that in T3 suppression test, radioactive iodine (131I) is given before and after 7-day liothyronine course.
Adverse reactions
CNS: insomnia, irritability, nervousness, headache
CV: tachycardia, angina pectoris, hypotension, hypertension, increased cardiac output, arrhythmias, cardiovascular collapse
GI: vomiting, diarrhea, cramps
GU: menstrual irregularities
Metabolic: hyperthyroidism, hyperglycemia
Musculoskeletal: accelerated bone maturation (in children), decreased bone density (with long-term use in women)
Skin: alopecia (in children), diaphoresis
Other: weight loss, heat intolerance
Interactions
Drug-drug. Anabolic steroids, antithyroid drugs, asparaginase, barbiturates, carbamazepine, chloral hydrate, clofibrate, corticosteroids, danazol, estrogens, fluorouracil, heparin (with I.V. use), lithium, methadone, mitotane, oxyphenbutazone, perphenazine, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, propranolol, salicylates (large doses), sulfonylureas: altered thyroid function test results
Anticoagulants: increased anticoagulant action
Beta-adrenergic blockers (selected): impaired beta blocker action
Cardiac glycosides: decreased cardiac glycoside blood level
Cholestyramine, colestipol: liothyronine inefficacy
Theophyllines: decreased theophylline clearance
Drug-diagnostic tests. Thyroid function tests: altered values
Drug-food. Foods high in iron or fiber, soybeans: decreased drug absorption
Patient monitoring
See Monitor for evidence of overdose, including signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism (weight loss, cardiac symptoms, and abdominal cramps).
• In patients with Addison's disease or diabetes mellitus, assess for evidence that these conditions are worsening. In diabetic patients, also monitor blood glucose level.
• Monitor vital signs and ECG routinely.
• Check thyroid and liver function tests.
Patient teaching
• Teach patient to take in morning with or without food.
• Explain that patient may require lifelong therapy and will need to undergo regular blood testing.
• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects concentration and alertness.
• Inform parents that hair loss may occur in children during first few months but that this effect is usually transient.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, and foods mentioned above.