Liothyronine sodium
Thyroid Hormone · Thyroid disorders
Also known as L-T3, CYTOMEL, TRIOSTAT
Mechanism
Liothyronine sodium has a similar action to levothyroxine sodium but is more rapidly metabolized, resulting in a more rapid effect. It directly replaces endogenous triiodothyronine (T3), exerting its effects by binding to thyroid hormone receptors in target tissues. Normalization of circulating TSH may rely on both direct T3 effects and the local generation of T3 from circulating T4, which is not provided by Liothyronine monotherapy.
Indications
Dosing
- Adult
- For athyreotic individuals: 10 to 15 micrograms three times per day typically yields a normal serum free T3. By intravenous injection is the treatment of choice in hypothyroid coma.
Pharmacokinetics
Drug interactions
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Related guidelines
Other Thyroid Hormone drugs
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Textbook-sourced·Sources: BNF·Updated: 2026-05-10