Liothyronine Sodium

Liothyronine sodium injection (T 3 ) is indicated in the treatment of myxedema coma/precoma. Liothyronine sodium injection (T 3 ) can be used in patients allergic to desiccated thyroid or thyroid extract derived from pork or beef.

Thyroid hormone preparations are generally contraindicated in patients with diagnosed but as yet uncorrected adrenal cortical insufficiency or untreated thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid hormone preparations are also generally contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any of the active or extraneous constituents of these preparations; however, there is no well-documented evidence in the literature of true allergic or idiosyncratic reactions to thyroid hormone.

Concomitant use of liothyronine sodium injection (T 3 ) and artificial rewarming of patients is contraindicated. (See PRECAUTIONS .)

The use of thyroid hormones in the therapy of obesity, alone or combined with other drugs, is unjustified and has been shown to be ineffective. Neither is their use justified for the treatment of male or female infertility unless this condition is accompanied by hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones should be used with great caution in a number of circumstances where the integrity of the cardiovascular system, particularly the coronary arteries, is suspect.

These include patients with angina pectoris or the elderly, in whom there is a greater likelihood of occult cardiac disease. Therefore, in patients with compromised cardiac function, use thyroid hormones in conjunction with careful cardiac monitoring. Although the specific dosage of liothyronine sodium injection (T 3 ) depends upon individual circumstances, in patients with known or suspected cardiovascular disease the extremely rapid onset of action of liothyronine sodium injection (T 3 ) may warrant initiating therapy at a dose of 10 mcg to 20 mcg.

(See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .) Myxedematous patients are very sensitive to thyroid hormones; dosage should be started at a low level and increased gradually as acute changes may precipitate adverse cardiovascular events. Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism can lead to a decreased level of adrenocortical activity commensurate with the lowered metabolic state. When thyroid replacement therapy is administered, the metabolism increases at a greater rate than adrenocortical activity.

This can precipitate adrenocortical insufficiency. Therefore, in severe and prolonged hypothyroidism, supplemental adrenocortical steroids may be necessary. In rare instances, the administration of thyroid hormone may precipitate a hyperthyroid state or may aggravate existing hyperthyroidism. Extreme caution is advised when administering thyroid hormones with digitalis or vasopressors. (See PRECAUTIONS-Drug Interactions .) Fluid therapy should be administered with great care to prevent cardiac decompensation.