Liothyronine Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 11, 2024.
Applies to liothyronine: intravenous solution. Other dosage forms:
Warning
Intravenous route (Solution)
In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.
Serious side effects of Liothyronine
Along with its needed effects, liothyronine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking liothyronine:
More common
- Dizziness
- fainting
- fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
Less common
- Bluish color
- blurred vision
- changes in skin color
- chest pain or discomfort
- chest tightness or heaviness
- confusion
- decreased urine output
- dilated neck veins
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
- extreme fatigue
- fever
- headache
- heart stops
- irregular breathing
- nausea
- nervousness
- no breathing
- no pulse or blood pressure
- pain or discomfort in arms, jaw, back or neck
- pain, tenderness, swelling of foot or leg
- pounding in the ears
- shortness of breath
- sweating
- swelling of face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
- troubled breathing
- unconscious
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- weight gain
- wheezing
Symptoms of overdose
- Cold clammy skin
- increased bowel movements
- irritability
- lightheadedness
- menstrual changes
- shakiness in legs, arms, hands, feet
- trembling or shaking of hands or feet
- weak pulse
Other side effects of Liothyronine
Some side effects of liothyronine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Twitching
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to liothyronine: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral tablet.
General
Reported side effects are usually indicative of excessive dosage and will usually disappear when the dose is reduced or treatment is stopped.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Common (1% to 10%): Arrhythmia, tachycardia, cardiopulmonary arrest, hypotension, myocardial infarction
Frequency not reported: Angina, congestive heart failure, hypertension, flushing, palpitation[Ref]
Nervous system
Frequency not reported: Headache, tremor, benign intracranial hypertension[Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Allergic skin reaction, sweating, rash pruritus, transient hair loss[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Frequency not reported: Twitching, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, craniostenosis, premature closure of epiphysis[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, vomiting[Ref]
Immunologic
Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reaction[Ref]
Local
Frequency not reported: Phlebitis[Ref]
Psychiatric
Frequency not reported: Restlessness, excitability, insomnia[Ref]
Genitourinary
Frequency not reported: Menstruation irregular[Ref]
Other
Frequency not reported: Fever, edema, weight loss, heat intolerance[Ref]
More about liothyronine
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (97)
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: thyroid drugs
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
- Liothyronine drug information
- Liothyronine (Intravenous) (Advanced Reading)
- Liothyronine (Oral) (Advanced Reading)
- Liothyronine Tablets
- Liothyronine Injection
Other brands
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Cytomel (liothyronine). Monarch Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2001;PROD.
2. Product Information. Triostat (liothyronine). JHP Pharmaceuticals. 2005.
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
4. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.