$Unique_ID{BRK02002}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{LIOTHYRONINE}
$Subject{Cyronine (Major)
Cytomel (Smith Kline & French)
liothyronine (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Cytomel 25*0200201.scf
Cytomel 50*0200202.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


LIOTHYRONINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Cyronine (Major)
     Cytomel (Smith Kline & French)
     liothyronine (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Thyroid hormone
INGREDIENT:
     liothyronine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (5 mcg, 25 mcg, and 50 mcg)
STORAGE:
     Liothyronine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     Liothyronine is a synthetic form of natural thyroid hormone.  It has all
of the pharmacologic activities of the natural substance.  This medication is
used to replace thyroid hormone in patients who cannot produce enough of their
own.

TREATMENT

     Liothyronine can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or a
full glass of water or milk, as directed by your doctor.
     In order for you to become accustomed to taking this medication, try to
take it at the same time each day.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, or nausea.  These side
effects may disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  Most of the serious side effects of this medication
are the result of too high a dose.  These include chest pain, fever,
intolerance to heat, menstrual irregularities, nervousness, palpitations, skin
rash, sweating, tremors, and weight loss.  CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR if you
experience any of these symptoms.

INTERACTIONS

     Liothyronine interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. It can increase the effects of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners,
such as warfarin), which can lead to bleeding complications.
     2. The dosage of digoxin, insulin, or oral antidiabetic medicines may
require adjustment when liothyronine is started.
     3. Cholestyramine decreases the absorption of liothyronine from the
gastrointestinal tract.  Therefore, at least four to five hours should
separate doses of these medications.
     4. Liothyronine may increase the side effects of tricyclic
antidepressants.
     Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to liothyronine, thyroid hormone, or
levothyroxine.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had an underactive adrenal gland, diabetes
mellitus, heart or blood vessel disease, or an underactive pituitary gland.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Because liothyronine is replacing natural thyroid hormone, you may need
to take this medication for the rest of your life.
     * Do not stop taking this medication unless you first check with your
doctor.  Stopping this medication may result in worsening of your condition.
     * Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) cough, cold,
allergy, asthma, sinus, or diet medications without first checking with your
doctor or pharmacist.  Some of these products can increase the side effects of
liothyronine.
     * The elderly may be at increased risk of experiencing side effects of
this medication.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Your dosage of
liothyronine may need to be adjusted during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor
if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of liothyronine pass into
breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
