Liothyronine
Liothyronine is a synthetic form of the natural thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3). It helps regulate the body's energy and metabolism when the thyroid gland cannot produce sufficient levels of thyroid hormones.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage is highly individualized and must be adjusted based on clinical response and regular thyroid function tests. Typically initiated at 5 to 25 mcg daily and increased slowly. Pediatric dosing requires close supervision by a specialist.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Specialist calculation required
- Frequency
- Once daily as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Requires expert pediatric endocrinology management and extremely low initiating doses.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Specialist calculation required
- Frequency
- Once daily as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Dose adjusted gradually based on frequent serum TSH and T4/T3 monitoring.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Specialist calculation required
- Frequency
- Once daily as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Administer on an empty stomach consistently to ensure uniform absorption.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Specialist calculation required
- Frequency
- Once daily as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor closely for signs of toxicity such as tachycardia, irritability, or sweating.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Specialist calculation required
- Frequency
- Once daily as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Doses are titrated incrementally every 1 to 2 weeks until clinical euthyroidism is achieved.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Specialist calculation required | Once daily as prescribed | Requires expert pediatric endocrinology management and extremely low initiating doses. |
| 5-7 kg | Specialist calculation required | Once daily as prescribed | Dose adjusted gradually based on frequent serum TSH and T4/T3 monitoring. |
| 8-10 kg | Specialist calculation required | Once daily as prescribed | Administer on an empty stomach consistently to ensure uniform absorption. |
| 11-15 kg | Specialist calculation required | Once daily as prescribed | Monitor closely for signs of toxicity such as tachycardia, irritability, or sweating. |
| 16-20 kg | Specialist calculation required | Once daily as prescribed | Doses are titrated incrementally every 1 to 2 weeks until clinical euthyroidism is achieved. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), thyroid goiter, and as an aid in thyroid suppression tests. It is also used to treat myxedema coma.
Generic Name
Liothyronine SodiumBranded Drug Names
Liothyronine is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.