Patient leaflet - Liothyronine Sodium 10 microgram tablets
1. What Liothyronine sodium tablets are and what they are used for
Liothyronine sodium 5 mcg, 10 mcg and 20 mcg 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.
2. What you need to know before you take 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
- if 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
- if you are elderly
- if 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
- if you are suffering from any heart problems
- if you have increased blood pressure
- if you suffer from increased heart rate sleeplessness, loose watery stools (suggesting increased metabolism) on initiation of treatment, dose reduction would be required
- if you are starting treatment, as an ECG test (a recording of the electrical activity of your heart) would be valuable
- if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
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 liothyronine sodium tablets).
Speak to your doctor before you take this medicine if any of the above applies to you.
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 (such as warfarin) used to thin the blood and prevent blood clots
- Anticonvulsants (such as carbamazepine or phenytoin) used to prevent fits
- Insulin and other treatments for diabetes
- Medicines called cardiac glycosides (such as digoxin) used to treat heart conditions such as heart failure
- Tricyclic antidepressants (such as 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. Driving and using machines
This medicine should not interfere with your ability to drive or use machinery.
Liothyronine sodium tablets contain 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, tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
Information on sodium content
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.
3. How to take 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. Adults
The dose will depend upon your condition, ranging from 10 micrograms to 60 micrograms daily in divided doses.
Use in 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.
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.
4. 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
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.
5. How to store Liothyronine sodium tablets
Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25oC.
Do not take Liothyronine sodium tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the blister and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not take your tablets if you notice that the blister or the tablets are damaged.
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.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Liothyronine sodium tablets contain
- The active substance is liothyronine sodium 5, 10 or 20 micrograms.
- The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, partially pregelatinized maize starch, powdered acacia, sodium chloride, magnesium stearate. The 10 and 20 microgram tablets also contain Pigment Blend PB520077 Yellow.
What Liothyronine sodium tablets look like and contents of the pack
Liothyronine sodium 5 microgram tablets: White to off white coloured, circular, 5.5 mm diameter, biconvex, uncoated tablet debossed with ‘Z1’ on one side and plain on other side.
Liothyronine sodium 10 microgram tablets: Light Yellow to yellow coloured, circular, 5.5 mm diameter, biconvex, uncoated tablet debossed with ‘Z2’ on one side and plain on other side. Liothyronine sodium 20 microgram tablets: Yellow coloured, circular, 5.5 mm diameter, biconvex, uncoated tablet debossed with ‘Z3’ on one side and plain on other side.
Liothyronine sodium Tablets are supplied blisters in a carton.
Pack sizes: 28 tablets.
Marketing Authorisation Holder:
Zentiva Pharma UK Limited,
12 New Fetter Lane,
London, EC4A 1JP,
United Kingdom
Manufacturer:
Zentiva Pharma UK Limited,
First Floor, Andrews House, College Road, Guildford, GU1 4QB,
United Kingdom
This leaflet was last revised in February 2026.
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