Liotrix(lye’ oh trix)
Thyrolar
PREGNANCY CATEGORY A
Drug class
Thyroid hormone (contains synthetic T3 and T4 in a ratio of 1 to 4 by weight)
Therapeutic Actions
Indications
Replacement therapy in hypothyroidism
Congenital hypothyroidism
Pituitary TSH suppression in the treatment and prevention of euthyroid goiters and in the management of thyroid cancer
Treatment of thyrotoxicosis in conjunction with antithyroid drugs and to prevent goitrogenesis, hypothyroidism, and thyrotoxicosis during pregnancy
Diagnostic test for thyroid disease
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to active or extraneous constituents of drug, untreated thyrotoxicosis, and acute MI uncomplicated by hypothyroidism.
Use cautiously with Addison disease (hypoadrenalism; treat with corticosteroids before thyroid therapy), lactation, coronary artery disease, or angina, pregnancy.
Available Forms
Tablets—¼, ½, 1, 2, 3 grains equivalent to 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 mg thyroid, respectively
Dosages
60 mg equals 65 mg (1 grain) desiccated thyroid; administered only PO.
Adults
Hypothyroidism: Initial dosage, 30 mg/day PO. Increase gradually every 2–3 wk in 15-mg (thyroid equivalent) increments (2 wk in children). In patients with cardiac disease, start with 15 mg/day (thyroid equivalent).
Maintenance dose: 60–120 mg/day PO (thyroid equivalent).
Thyroid cancer: Use larger doses than required for replacement surgery.
Diagnostic test: 1.56 mcg/kg/day PO for 7–10 days.
Pediatric patients older than 12 yr
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