Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
CareersFind a DoctorMake an AppointmentDepartmentsDirections & ParkingGiftsContact Us



 

Home Cooking Classes Screenings Seminars Membership BestHealth Kids

Liothyronine
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(lye oh THYE roe neen)

Brand Names
Cytomel® Oral; Triostat™ Injection

Therapeutic Categories
Thyroid Product

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to liothyronine or any other part of the medicine.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Recent heart attack, over-active thyroid gland, weak adrenal gland that is not being treated.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used as a thyroid replacement or supplement in people whose thyroid does not work well.


How does it work?

  • Liothyronine works to fuel some of the metabolic processes (eg, growth, development, and glucose/protein/fat production) in the body.


How is it best taken?

  • Take on an empty stomach before breakfast.
  • Do not take iron products, antacids, sucralfate, or cholestyramine within 4 hours of this medicine.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change brand, dose, or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Use caution if you have heart disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
  • This medicine is ineffective and dangerous when used for weight loss.
  • If you are allergic to tartrazine dye, be cautious (some tablets contain). Talk to your pharmacist.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, decreased ability to exercise, increased nervousness or agitation.


What should I monitor?

  • Check blood work (thyroid function tests). Talk with healthcare provider.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse. It may take 1-2 months to feel better.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature. Protect from moisture.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved

RELATED INFORMATION
  Interactions with herbs
Lemon Balm
  Interactions with supplements
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Location
BestHealth is located in Hanes Mall (Winston-Salem, NC), on the upper level between Belk and JCPenney, and across from the Mall branch of the U.S. Post Office.
Phone: (336) 713-BEST (713-2378)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, closed

Copyright: Wake Forest University School of Medicine and North Carolina Baptist Hospital. All rights reserved.

Medical Center Boulevard

Winston-Salem, NC 27157

The information on this Website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you have a medical problem or a health-related question, consult your physician or call Health On-Call at 336-716-2255 or 1-800-446-2255.

Send Feedback | Site Index


Last Modified: