Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Liothyronine Sodium BP 20micrograms Tablets
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Liothyronine sodium may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for Liothyronine Sodium Tablets are a form of thyroxine which is quick acting and long lasting. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland in the neck which controls many body functions. Liothyronine Sodium Tablets are used to:
- treat some of the more severe conditions in which the thyroid does not produce enough thyroxine.
- balance the effect of medicines used to treat an overactive thyroid.
What you need to know before you take it
e Liothyronine Sodium Tablets Do not take Liothyronine Sodium Tablets:
- if you are allergic to liothyronine sodium or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in Section 6)
- if you have angina (chest pain when exercising) or conditions affecting your heart or circulation
- if you are suffering from thyrotoxicosis (condition due to over activity of the thyroid gland) Speak to your doctor before you take this medicine if any of the above applies to you. Warnings and precautions: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Liothyronine sodium tablets if:
- You are suffering from diabetes. Liothyronine Sodium Tablets may raise blood sugar levels
- You are suffering from a condition called myxoedema (which can happen when you have a problem with your thyroid gland) which makes your skin look swollen and dry
- You are elderly
- You have suffered from low levels of thyroid hormone in your body for a long time, as this may affect how your adrenal glands work. You may be given additional medication (corticosteroids) if this is the case
- You are suffering from any heart problems
- You are having increased blood pressure
- You suffer from increased heart rate sleeplessness, loose watery stools (suggesting increased metabolism) on initiation of treatment, dose reduction would be required
- You are initiating treatment, as an ECG test done at the time would be valuable
- If you are pregnant or breast feeding. Speak to your doctor before you take this medicine if any of the above applies to you. If you are about to undergo laboratory testing for monitoring your thyroid hormone levels, you must inform your doctor and/or the laboratory personnel that you are taking or have recently taken biotin (also known as vitamin H, vitamin B7 or vitamin B8). Biotin may affect results of your laboratory tests. Depending on the test, the results may be falsely high or falsely low due to biotin. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking biotin before performing laboratory tests. You should also be aware that other products that you may take, such as multivitamins or supplements for hair, skin, and nails could also contain biotin. This could affect the results of laboratory tests. Please inform your doctor and/or the laboratory personnel, if you are taking such products (see section Other medicines and Tertroxin tablets).
Other medicines and Liothyronine Sodium tablets: Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Liothyronine Sodium Tablets may affect or be affected by the following medicines:
- Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) used to thin the blood and prevent blood clots
- Anticonvulsants (e.g. carbamazepine or phenytoin) used to prevent fits
- Insulin and other treatments for diabetes
- Medicines called cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin) used to treat heart conditions such as heart failure
- Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline/imipramine) used to treat depression
- Colestyramine/colestipol which reduces the level of cholesterol (fats) in the blood
- Oral contraceptives ('the pill')
- Amiodarone, used to treat irregular heart beats
- Barbiturates, used to induce sleep and decrease anxiety
- Primidone, used for seizures or fits. If you are taking or have recently taken biotin, you must inform your doctor and/or the laboratory personnel when you are about to undergo laboratory testing for monitoring your thyroid hormone levels. Biotin may affect results of your laboratory tests (see section Warnings and precautions).
Pregnancy and breast feeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
The decision on whether it is best to take Liothyronine Sodium Tablets during pregnancy or breast feeding will be made by your doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicines. Driving and using machines Liothyronine Tablets should not interfere with your ability to drive or use machinery. Liothyronine Sodium Tablets contains lactose This medicine contains lactose, which is a sugar. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. Information on sodium content This medicine contains less than 1mmol sodium (23mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
How to take it
Liothyronine Sodium Tablets Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Liothyronine Sodium Tablets are taken by mouth. They should be swallowed with a glass of water.
If you have been prescribed a dose lower than 20 micrograms, you should allow a tablet to dissolve/disperse in 20 mL of water for 10 minutes, in a small measuring cup. You should gently swirl the solution occasionally to aid the dissolution/dispersion. You should then swirl the solution for a few seconds prior to using a suitable oral syringe to withdraw the amount of liquid corresponding to the dose prescribed (5mL for a 5mcg dose; 10 mL for a 10mcg dose) and squirt the liquid directly into your mouth by gently pressing the plunger. Any remaining liquid should be discarded.
Adults: The dose will depend upon your condition, ranging from 10 micrograms to 60 micrograms daily in divided doses. Children and elderly: The dose may be started at 5 micrograms a day. Please note that your doctor will monitor your thyroid function regularly to make sure that you are given the right dose for your condition. The score line is not intended for breaking the tablet. If you take more Liothyronine Sodium Tablets than you should: This may cause agitation, confusion, headache, sweating and a rapid pulse. If you take too many tablets contact your doctor or nearest hospital casualty department as soon as possible. Take any remaining tablets and this leaflet with you so the medical staff will know what you have taken.
If you forget to take your Liothyronine Sodium Tablets: Take the next dose at the correct time and then go on as before. It is important, in order for your medicine to work, that doses are not forgotten. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet. If you stop taking Liothyronine Sodium Tablets: Do not stop taking Liothyronine Sodium Tablets unless your doctor tells you to. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Seek urgent medical advice if you experience the following side effects:
- Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, oedema (abnormal accumulation of body fluid)
- Angina pain (pain in the chest when exercising), irregular, thumping or fast heart beats. Seek urgent advice from your doctor if you experience these heart-related symptoms. This may be a sign that your dose of liothyronine needs to be reduced. You must not stop or reduce the amount of liothyronine medicine you are taking without consulting with your doctor first. Other side effects you could experience are: Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
- Vomiting (being sick)
- Insomnia (sleeplessness)
- Fever
- Intolerance to heat
- Tremor (involuntary, rhythmic muscle movements)
- Muscle cramps or weakness
- Diarrhoea
- Restlessness or excitability
- Headache, face and neck redness, sweating
- Loss of weight. Additional side effects in children Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data Temporary loss of hair in children
These effects normally mean the dose of the medicine needs changing. You should consult your doctor if they occur. The effects usually go away when the dose has been changed. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
Liothyronine Sodium Tablets Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use Liothyronine Sodium Tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the bottle after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not use your tablets if you notice that the container or the tablets are damaged. Do not store above 25 ̊C. Store in the original container in order to protect from light. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment. Remember: This medicine is for you. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give this medicine to someone else; it could harm them, even if their symptoms seem the same as yours.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Liothyronine Sodium Tablets contain: The active substance is liothyronine sodium 20 micrograms. The other ingredients are lactose, maize starch, powdered acacia, sodium chloride, magnesium stearate, industrial methylated spirit, and purified water. What Liothyronine Sodium Tablets look like and contents of the pack: White uncoated tablets engraved on one side "GS 058" and with a breakline on the other. Liothyronine Sodium Tablets are supplied in container packs of 28 tablets Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Mercury Pharma Group Ltd., Dashwood House, 69 Old Broad Street, London, EC2M 1QS, United Kingdom Manufacturer: Custom Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Conway Street, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3LW This leaflet was last revised in January 2025.
Frequently asked questions about Liothyronine Sodium BP 20micrograms Tablets
How do I take Liothyronine Sodium BP 20micrograms Tablets?
Liothyronine Sodium BP 20micrograms Tablets comes as tablet containing 20mcg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Liothyronine Sodium BP 20micrograms Tablets?
The active substance in Liothyronine Sodium BP 20micrograms Tablets is liothyronine sodium.
Are there equivalent medicines to Liothyronine Sodium BP 20micrograms Tablets?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Liothyronine Sodium 20 microgram Tablets, Liothyronine Sodium 20 micrograms Tablets. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Liothyronine Sodium BP 20micrograms Tablets, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Liothyronine Sodium BP 20micrograms Tablets without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: liothyronine sodium
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Liothyronine sodium tablets are qualitatively similar in biological action to thyroxine but the effect develops in a few hours and lasts for 24 to 48 hours after stopping the treatment.
Used for the treatment of coma of myxedema, the management of severe chronic thyroid deficiency and hypothyroid states occurring in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis.
Liothyronine sodium can be used also in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis as an adjunct to carbimazole to prevent sub-clinical hypothyroidism developing during treatment.
Liothyronine sodium may be preferred for treating severe and acute hypothyroid states because of its rapid and more potent effect, but thyroxine sodium is normally the drug of choice for routine replacement therapy.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Adults: Starting dose of 10 or 20 micrograms every 8 hours, increasing after one week, if necessary, to the usual recommended daily dose of 60 micrograms in two or three divided doses.
Myxedema Coma: 60 micrograms given by stomach tube, then 20 micrograms every 8 hours. It is more usual to start treatment with intravenous liothyronine.
Adjunct to carbimazole treatment of thyrotoxicosis: 20 micrograms every 8 hours.
Elderly
5 micrograms daily
Paediatric population
5 micrograms daily.
Method of Administration: Oral
• For doses lower than 20 micrograms, the tablet should be allowed to dissolve/disperse in 20 mL of water for 10 minutes, in a small measuring cup.
• The patient should gently swirl the solution occasionally to aid the dissolution/dispersion. The patient should then swirl the solution for a few seconds prior to using a suitable oral syringe to withdraw the amount of liquid corresponding to the dose prescribed (5mL for a 5mcg dose; 10 mL for a 10mcg dose).
• The patient can then squirt the liquid directly into their mouth from the suitable oral syringe by gently pressing the plunger.
Any remaining liquid should be discarded.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1
Patients with angina of effort or cardiovascular diseases and thyrotoxicosis.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
In severe and prolonged hypothyroidism, adrenocortical activity may be decreased. When thyroid replacement therapy is started, metabolism increases more than adrenocortical activity and this can lead to adrenocortical insufficiency requiring supplemental adrenocortical steroids.
Liothyronine sodium treatment may result in an increase in insulin or anti-diabetic drug requirements. Care is required for patients with diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus.
Panhypopituitarism or predisposition to adrenal insufficiency (initiate corticosteroid therapy before starting liothyronine), pregnancy, breast-feeding (see section 4.6 Pregnancy and lactation).
In myxoedema, care must be taken to avoid imposing excessive burden on cardiac muscle affected by prolonged severe thyroid depletion. Particular care is needed in the elderly who have a greater risk of occult cardiovascular disease. Baseline ECG is recommended prior to commencement of liothyronine treatment in order to detect changes consistent with ischaemia. Patients should undergo cardiovascular monitoring, including periodic ECGs, during liothyronine treatment. Liothyronine is contraindicated in established myocardial ischaemia (see section 4.3) in which case, levothyroxine, with cautious dose escalation, is recommended instead.
If metabolism increases too rapidly (causing diarrhoea, nervousness, rapid pulse, insomnia, tremors and sometimes anginal pain where there is latent myocardial ischaemia), reduce dose or withhold for 1-2days and start again at a lower dose.
TSH levels should be monitored during treatment to reduce the risk of over- or undertreatment. The risks of over-treatment include atrial fibrillation, osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Interferences with laboratory test:
Biotin may interfere with thyroid immunoassays that are based on a biotin/streptavidin interaction, leading to either falsely decreased or falsely increased test results. The risk of interference increases with higher doses of biotin.
When interpreting results of laboratory tests, possible biotin interference has to be taken into consideration, especially if a lack of coherence with the clinical presentation is observed.
For patients taking biotin-containing products, laboratory personnel should be informed when a thyroid function test is requested. Alternative tests not susceptible to biotin interference should be used, if available. (see section 4.5)
This medicine contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medication.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Liothyronine sodium therapy may potentiate the action of anticoagulants. Phenytoin levels may be increased by liothyronine. Anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine and phenytoin enhance the metabolism of thyroid hormones and may displace thyroid hormones from plasma proteins. Initiation or discontinuation of anticonvulsant therapy may alter liothyronine dose requirements.
If co-administered with cardiac glycosides, adjustment of dosage of cardiac glycoside may be necessary. Colestyramine and colestipol given concurrently reduces gastrointestinal absorption of liothyronine.
Liothyronine raises blood sugar levels and this may upset the stability of patients receiving antidiabetic agents.
Liothyronine increases receptor sensitivity to catecholamines thus accelerating the response to tricyclic antidepressants. A number of drugs may affect thyroid function tests and this should be borne in mind when monitoring patients on liothyronine therapy.
Co-administration of oral contraceptives may result in an increased dosage requirement of liothyronine sodium.
Amiodarone may inhibit the deiodination of thyroxine to triiodothyronine resulting in a decreased concentration of triiodothyronine with a rise in the concentration of inactive reverse triiodothyronine.
As with other thyroid hormones, Liothyronine may enhance effects of amitriptyline and effects of imipramine.
Metabolism of thyroid hormones accelerated by barbiturates and primidone (may increase requirements for thyroid hormones in hypothyroidism).
Requirements for thyroid hormones in hypothyroidism may be increased by oestrogens.
Interferences with laboratory test:
Biotin may interfere with thyroid immunoassays that are based on a biotin/streptavidin interaction, leading to either falsely decreased or falsely increased test results (see section 4.4).
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy:
Safety during pregnancy is not known. The risk of foetal congenital abnormalities should be weighed against the risk to the foetus of untreated maternal hypothyroidism.
Breast-feeding:
Liothyronine sodium is excreted into breast milk in low concentrations.
This may interfere with neonatal screening programmes.
Fertility:
No data available
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None.
4.8. Undesirable effects
The following effects are indicative of excessive dosage and usually disappear on reduction of dosage or withdrawal of treatment for a day or two.
The undesirable effects are listed below by organ class and the following frequency convention:
Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
System Organ Class
Frequency
Adverse events
Immune system disorders
Not known
Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus and oedema also reported.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Not known
Excessive loss of weight
Psychiatric disorders
Not known
Restlessness, excitability, insomnia,
Nervous system disorders
Not known
Headache, tremor,
Cardiac disorders
Not known
Anginal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, palpitations, tachycardia
Vascular disorders
Not known
Flushing
Gastrointestinal disorders
Not known
Diarrhoea, vomiting
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Not known
Sweating
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Not known
Muscle cramps, muscular weakness
General disorders and administration site conditions
Not known
Fever, flushing and heat intolerance
Paediatric population
• Transient hair loss in children (Not Known)
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store
4.9. Overdose
Symptoms:
If patient is seen within a few hours of overdosage: gastric lavage or emesis.
There may be exaggeration of the side effects as well as agitation, confusion, irritability, hyperactivity, headache, sweating, mydriasis, tachycardia, arrhythmias, tachypnoea, pyrexia, increased bowel movements and convulsions.
Management:
Treatment is symptomatic. Tachycardia in adults may be controlled with 40mg propanolol every 6 hours.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Liothyronine Sodium BP 20micrograms Tablets. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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