Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a drug that is used to control heart rate. Individuals with hypothyroidism tend to be more sensitive (respond more) to digoxin, and, conversely, individuals with hyperthyroidism are less responsive to digoxin. Therefore, increasing the level of thyroid hormone in the body may warrant an increase in the dose of digoxin. The mechanism for this interaction is not clear, but it may involve changes in the absorption of digoxin, digoxin metabolism, or the effects of thyroid hormone on the heart.
Cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol (Colestid) reduce the effects of liothyronine and possibly other thyroid hormones by attaching to the hormones in the intestine and preventing their absorption from the intestine. Therefore, cholestyramine and colestipol should be taken approximately six hours before or after liothyronine or other thyroid hormones so as not to interfere with their absorption.
PREGNANCY: Thyroid hormones do not easily cross the placenta and, therefore, are safe for pregnant women to take.
NURSING MOTHERS:Very small amounts of thyroid hormone may be excreted in breast milk. This is not a serious problem for breast fed infants.
SIDE EFFECTS: Liothyronine therapy generally is well-tolerated. If symptoms occur, they usually occur because there are toxic (too high) levels of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: chest pain, increased heart rate, cardiac arrest, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, nervousness, headache, tremor, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or fever. Women also may experience irregular menstrual cycles.
Since thyroid hormone affects heart rate and metabolism, the impact of treatment of thyroid hormone on the control of diseases such as atrial fibrillation, diabetes and high cholesterol levels always should be considered.
Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the
rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain at the pituitary.
Hypothyroidism is a very common condition and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are
often subtle.
Thyroid nodules are the most common endocrine problem in the United States. The term "thyroid nodule" refers to any abnormal growth that forms a lump in the thyroid gland. The vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign.
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